chassis? stock? differences?

[thegee]

Hello, questions on the stock or chassis.
my eventual goal is to have a bolt-action rifle custom made through components i've chosen (through my education on these forums, magazines, youtube, etc) for long range shooting. Primarily target practice, no timed competitions...just for my own skill building.
That being said, I have extremely limited experience with rifles and came to these forums to ask the questions to help me reach my goal.

One thing I've seen is some long range rifles have a decidedly military look to them, some look like hunting rifles and i'm sure there are others.
My personal preference for an aesthetic is not something like a M-lok forend..a bulkier piece with holes cut in it?
I don't really like the pistol-grip look?
(again, forgive my lack of understanding/terminology).
I've read that wood stocks can be affected by heat/cold/weather.
I've seen a video with a J A Allen "chassis" that I thought looked pretty sweet...it was called a chassis on their site.
When I go to the Tikka site..they call it a stock but with a chassis that accepts the action?

so, i guess my questions are as follows:
1. is the "stock" the same as the "chassis"?
2. are there other styles than what i've noticed (military/pistol-grip look -vs- hunting rifle look?)
3. if my eventual goal is mid-long range target practice, suggestions?
(i realize there are probably a ton of products/mfr's and everyone has their own tastes..but if you could let me know, I can continue my own research.

Thanks all.
-Michael

 

[strike33]

A chassis and a stock serve the same function. To be the interface between the rifle and the shooter. Chassis are generally an aluminum core that the barreled action bolts into directly without the need for bedding. Traditional stocks require a specific inlet and generally require a bedding job to securely anchor the action.
There are of course hybrids. The Manners stocks with the mini chassis and the KMW Sentiment with the I.M.B. Give you a traditional fiberglass stock with a molded in chassis that allows you to bolt in and go.

If you prefer a more traditional look/feel of a stock over a standard chassis then the Manners is the best option. But as you mentioned the JE chassis negates the AR type grip so that is an option as well.

If you decide to go with a custom built stock get your order in as the build times can be quite lengthy.

And Welcome to the hide and one of the most expensive hobbies outside of collecting ex-wives

 

[thegee]

...
If you decide to go with a custom built stock get your order in as the build times can be quite lengthy.

I've noticed people on YouTube commenting upwards of 2 years!!!

 

[strike33]

2 years seems excessive but 6-8 months is about average. When the JE first came out people were waiting a couple years.

 

[roggom]

Grips and such are more utilitarian than looks. If you will be shooting more from the prone position, then a pistol style grip may be more ergonomic. A chassis is exactly what it sounds like. it is a frame that will accept the receiver and most if not all, will be cut to accept detachable magazines. A chassis can be considered a stock, but just for clarification, when one says stock, they generally refer to the OEM poly or aftermarket fiber gunstock, such as Manners, or McMillan.

The choice between either really depends on the type of shooting and the actual purpose of your rifle. If you want to hunt in the woods (offhand) and plink on the weekend, then maybe a stock. If you will hunt from the prairie and or have a place to punch out to 1000, 1200Y and want to do so from a prone position, then maybe a chassis will suit you better.

The good thing about a Tikka is the action will "fit" in all of the stocks. Get the rifle of your choice as it comes from the factory and then use the extra money to purchase any variety of stock or chassis. You can also buy a Tikka Lite and have another barrel of your choice installed.

I have tried chassis in the past and although it "looked" cool it really wasn't build for the type of shooting I was "actually" doing. I decided to go the other direction and took a Tikka CTR and make it into a dedicated hunting rifle (put it in a B&C stock). I can also hit steel with it out to 1000Y with no issues. Its already threaded for a supressor and weighs around 8.5 lbs scoped.

Do lots of reading and searching, the Tikka thread has pages of great rifles and ideas.

 

[strike33]

Tikka in a McMillan