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Custom Rifle Build Chassis poll

Chassis opinion for a Custom build - 700 rem footprint

  • MPA

    Votes: 81 29.1%

  • KRG

    Votes: 40 14.4%

  • XLR

    Votes: 26 9.4%

  • AICS AT

    Votes: 9 3.2%

  • AICS AX

    Votes: 27 9.7%

  • Cadex

    Votes: 14 5.0%

  • J Allen

    Votes: 25 9.0%

  • I prefer stocks over chassis. ( Please indicate which one)

    Votes: 39 14.0%

  • MDT

    Votes: 17 6.1%
  • Total voters
    278
Tree

Tree

Supporter
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 28, 2018
903
835
MN (Frozen tundra)
#1
I am looking to build a custom rifle. Main purpose will be for PRS style matches. Yes I know opinions are like asshole everyone’s got one and they all stink but am curious what others are running. I also am aware it is a personal preference. Again just trying to see what is used most often by the shooters on this forum. If you have one that’s not on the list feel free to mention it. If you could also indicate why you choose the one you did that would be helpful as well.
 
#2
Invited for Jallen but I am a stock guy myself. IF I was going to run a chassis I would give them a try.

I had an XLR element and didn’t care for it. Also shot behind a MPA and felt awkward.

You have to “drive” or “muscle” a chassis more then a traditional stock.

So Manners or if you really wanna get wild look at a Foundation stock.
 
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#3
Too bad there's not the equivalent of the manufacturer test days I've used at downhill ski resorts. I'd go take runs on a variety of skis and bindings, then buy smart. Personal preference and fit are part of this. I really like the AI AX for a chassis but agree with Kadams that getting behind a Manners might be an eye-opener for you.
 
#4
I like the AIAT chassis myself (will be buying an AIAT rifle soonish because of this).

My KRG CZ-455 180-Xray is quite comfortable, but the build quality could be a hair better and it is A LOT of plastic. I like the feel of a McMillian or Manners as well. Chassis give a bit more utility out of the box compared to a stock though.

Best thing to do is do your best to get hands on as many as possible and see what works with your body/hand placement/trigger finger placement.
 
#6
I love the new Bravo from KRG. It has a more traditional look and feel with the accessories of a chassis. It is well priced, and very functional. It does have a less finished look and feel vs other high priced chassis but the function is perfect and well thought out. It's not a wall hanger it's meant to be used.

I sold my J Allen after trying the Bravo. J Allen was a work of machining art that was perfect in fit and finish. It just was not as comfortable as the bravo.
 
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#9
It's not very popular but the GRS Bolthorn is at the top of the chassis systems I've been behind.

Everything is adjustable, most adjustments are easy and fast push button, LOP, Cheek height, Butt pad is soft and goes up/down, even the grip adjustment in relation to distance from trigger. Folding option too, that locks up tight.

Aluminium spine throughout covered with kydex, rear weight bias for balance with a heavy barrel, and the grip is small so it fits "in" your hand, it feels awesome, not stupid funky feeling like some grips out there. Flux cups and picatinny rails that can be removed.
 
#10
I prefer shooting the AI chassis, either legacy AICS or the AT. For a PRS specific gun, I personally choose that setup, because that's what I have and I am not going to build a PRS specific gun. But its' hard to recommend it, so I chose MPA for your poll, as it is probably the most PRS ready and adaptable chassis out there.
 
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#11
I really like Sako TRG ergonomics and McMillan A3-5 or A5 too for that matter. With that said, I have had several different stocks and chassis over the past 5 years.
If I were to buy anything today, it would be a KRG Bravo. It just does everything right and at half the cost of most of the competition.
I do however like the AICS AT legacy even if the pistolgrip is on the small side. I will probably never sell the one I have.
I would like to try the Magpul Pro chassis, and a Cadex would be cool too. I loath stocks/chassis from GRS, the Magpul hunter 700 and most of the stuff MDT puts out.

My vote goes to KRG, but there is nothing wrong with an AI.
 
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#13
I have a t2a and a tikka prs on order, that being said if you're shooting PRS type matches I suggest using something that has a rail for tripod use. I've found that putting a rail on my XLR made it a lot easier to position a bipod for barricade work, just slide it to where you need it. Out for prone, in for something tight like the top of a barrel. I did add some delrin to the XLR buttstock so it would be easier to make small adjustments on the rear bag.
 
#14
For Manners the T2A, T4A, T6A, and their new PRS stocks will be the winners.

I personally shoot the T6A but the T2A is very similar.

I would get whatever is in their quick ship because waiting 8 months for a stock isn’t a joke.
 
#15
Not surprising MPA gets the most votes with the fewest comments. I think out of all of them that one was specifically built for PRS by a PRS marksman, and to me it shows.

Going from 0-100mph that would be my recommendation as well.

Really, we are talking about Ferrari, Porsche, Corvette, Lamborghini, etc. at this level. There isn't one on your list I don't think is a fantastic product and wouldn't love to own. There has never been a time with more and better options.

The JA IS a chassis, but I almost consider it a hybrid because it feels so much like a stock to me.

I have Manners stocks, which are also fantastic. My next build is going to be on a Foundation for no other reason than I like heavy rifles in competition, and Foundations are heavy and bank vault door solid.

Tree said:
For those that recommended a manners stock which model do you run. For the rest who recommended a different brand thanks I will have to look into them as well.
Click to expand...
I see mostly T4s and PRS stocks at the matches I attend.
 
#19
"Chassis" is kind of a wide ranging term; all it means is there is a spine to which different parts can be attached to configure it-really not much different from a full length bedding block. You also get more adjustability than most stocks have.

I think KRG nailed it with the Bravo, you get the feel of a stock with more adjustability and no real weight penalty, for a lower price than most other stocks or chassis. Its adjustable for everything from magwell tightness to buttpad height to length of pull and cheek height. They also have all kinds of accessories to direct mount bipods, integrate ARCA, barrier stops, sling attachments, etc...

MPAs are also very nice.

I hate the XLRs, they look cheesy and the cheekpiece is like a 2 liter pepsi bottle. Its that wide because they use an AR buffer tube for the stock instead of actually designing a rear end for the chassis
 
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#21
Tree said:
For those that recommended a manners stock which model do you run. For the rest who recommended a different brand thanks I will have to look into them as well.
Click to expand...

I prefer the T2A over the T4A simply because the 2 doesn’t have the hook on the bottom. I’m able to slide my rear bag forward and backward to make elevation adjustments when prone.

I also have an XLR as well and it’s a really great set up because there is basically infinite Adjustments. At the end of the day you can’t gp wrong with any of the ones you mentioned. Just a matter of personal preference.
 
#22
I voted XLR because I have an Evo right now, and it's a pretty nice setup. Their customer service is excellent (not that I've needed to use it because things broke.) For the sake of conversation, the things I don't like are:

1. Wish stock folded to the right. The folding stock makes transportation very nice, fits in a much smaller case. However, the extra width is very hard to account for. Most soft cases just aren't deep enough.

2. The lack of M-Lok/KeyMod on the rails is a pain. In all fairness, they have fixed this on newer models.

3. The buttstock is indeed INFINITELY adjustable, but it is really difficult and time consuming to do so. I wouldn't dare try to set it up for someone else at the range to try out real quick, it would take me half a day to get it back to fit me again. I guess that's the trade-off for ultimate adjustability, you be the judge.
 
#23
Tree said:
For those that recommended a manners stock which model do you run. For the rest who recommended a different brand thanks I will have to look into them as well.
Click to expand...

I use the Manners T3 mostly but also use the TF3A and have a PRS2 on order.
 
#24
I have two McRee Precision chassis' ... a G5 and a G10

==
G10 - .308WIN(22)
zVTMPVC.jpg


==
G5 - .300WM(24)
xkM0p8w.jpg


Main advantages of chassis over stock for me:

1 - Ability to mount NV/Thermal clipons
2 - Folder aids cleaning without having to readjust adjustable cheek peice
3 - Adjust stock for LOP (though some stocks have this ...

For instance, this TS Custom stock has adjustable cheek piece, but I think he usually makes the LOP custom length for the customer.

kBDXPFih.jpg


The McReee precision stocks are aluminum and run around $800 after you get the addons mine have. That .308WIN(22) is 11pds 7 oz empty. Both of mine are folders. The G10 has a bubble level, but it is only visible in the day. Not usable at night.
 
#29
I've got a KRG Whiskey 3 Gen 5 and I like it. The grip with thumbrest is comfortable and the weight is reasonable. I've got the folding model and while it fits into a smaller bag for transport, the hinge is fairly big and can get in the way with weak side shooting. I've also got quite a few upgrades - spigot and arca rail most recently - that are standard on an MPA. I'm glad there are options but they add up over time.

If I had to do it over again, I'd just go MPA Competition Chassis and be done.
 
#31
J Allen is a pretty good compromise (similar grip angle as a traditional stock) and they are pretty comfortable for prone work. They are a touch heavy in the rear, so I found it didn't balance the best on a barricade.

Moved to a foundation this year and a heavier barrel contour.. very happy with how this one works for me and comes in a little lighter than what I ran last year.. I traded more barrel mass for less chassis/stock mass.

Either buy used or go to a match and try a few out.. most everyone will let you get behind them or even shoot them. This may surprise a few, but most guys are pretty proud of their rigs.. ha.
 
#32
These days I’m using a McMILLAN A5 w/ adj comb & LOP. The only real knock is that I wish it had a 3 way adjustable butt-plate. A stock / chassis in this era has to have a DBM as well. The thumb shelf is also a nice addition. These stocks are tough as hell & will take a beating. It would be awful convenient if it folded, but it’s not a deal breaker that it’s not.

As for other stocks & chassis, my opinions are as follows:

I like the Manners T4 & T4A stocks for the same reasons. ‘Nuff said there.

I like AI AT & AX chassis. I wish that they had a thumb shelf, but that’s not a deal killer. The chassis are very adjustable & that’s appealing. I also like the Additional rail space for whatever your needs may be. The price point could be a bit friendlier but the free market obviously supports it.

I like the MPA chassis too. It’s incredibly adjustable & it’s priced right & I really like the thumb shelf. It’s ARCA compatible & thats a plus. The first time I saw it I thought “Damn, that thing is ugly.” But, after having shot it I have to say that I really like it. A LOT. If I were to commission a build I’d more than likely choose this chassis. I don’t think it’s an eye sore anymore either. The AI & MPAs both have a folding option & that is convenient.
 
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#35
Manners for me. Their customer service is second to none, and Robert is an absolute gem to talk to. Humble, honest, and very happy to explain everything you need to know.

MPA’s customer service needs a complete overhaul, and for that reason alone, I can’t see myself spending my money there. The one time I finally did get through to talk to someone they really came across like they could care less about my business (there are more choice words, but I’ll take the higher road). They may make a fine product, but their poor customer service, combined with the fact that it can take several weeks to speak to someone was enough to keep me away. YMMV

Gar
 
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#36
Gar. said:
Manners for me. Their customer service is second to none, and Robert is an absolute gem to talk to. Humble, honest, and very happy to explain everything you need to know.

MPA’s customer service needs a complete overhaul, and for that reason alone, I can’t see myself spending my money there. The one time I finally did get through to talk to someone they really came across like they could care less about my business (there are more choice words, but I’ll take the higher road). They may make a fine product, but their poor customer service, combined with the fact that it can take several weeks to speak to someone was enough to keep me away. YMMV

Gar
Click to expand...
I agree with what you’ve said here about MPA I’ve had this experience more than once.

OP if I could have a runner up it would be KRG Whiskey 3. Super comfortable chassis and the folder is solid. Guys over there are great too.
 
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#37
Gar. said:
Manners for me. Their customer service is second to none, and Robert is an absolute gem to talk to. Humble, honest, and very happy to explain everything you need to know.

MPA’s customer service needs a complete overhaul, and for that reason alone, I can’t see myself spending my money there. The one time I finally did get through to talk to someone they really came across like they could care less about my business (there are more choice words, but I’ll take the higher road). They may make a fine product, but their poor customer service, combined with the fact that it can take several weeks to speak to someone was enough to keep me away. YMMV

Gar
Click to expand...
I would agree if I didn’t have mostly AI’s I would do a Manners. @tmanners and crew are extremely responsive and great to work with.
 
#40
Ericsl2 said:
I've had the exact opposite experience with mpa costumer service. They have gone out of their way to answer questions and help me. I don't bother calling though. Email seems to be quicker. Look at the number of matches they put on, the number or prize tables they fill, and the number of matches their employees actually go and shoot. I'd imagine manning at any given time isn't the best (why I choose email) but Phil and the gang are immersed in shooting sports and very consistent supporters in every way. I'm not saying costumer service didn't suck for you, but feel a positive comment for them on this thread is due in case anyone makes their buying decision based on customer support.
Click to expand...

Phil Cashin is a stand up guy (owner MPA), but unfortunately not everyone that works for him has the same customer service mindset he does. Phil is aware of the problems and is working to make things right. I’m just not ready to spend my money with MPA. Too many negative reviews. Glad your experience was better than others, hopefully they improve.

Gar
 
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