MDT or XLR? Or other?

hoop12

Private
Minuteman
Jul 9, 2018
78
15
Texas
Got my barreled action in, looking to set my Howa 1500 SA into a chassis. Right now I’ve narrowed it down to either the MDT LSS or LSS XL or the XLR Element. The rifle is a 20” .308 heavy barrel that I’ll use for both hunting and long range shooting. For those with experience, which of these chassis systems would you recommend and why? Other suggestions are more than welcome as well.
 
whichever is more comfortable for you while offering the mounting/adjustabiloity/features to fill the roles you have panned for gun

lots of people here run both, lots run other stuff. its so personal there is no right answer

that being said, i'll shortly have an MPA, KRG, and Manners, and looking for a JAE when i end up with a long action
 
I'd opt for an XLR. I've shot MDT's and they are okay, but they are a no frills basic chassis that really hasn't kept up with the newer mods on other chassis (ARCA rail, grips, folders, etc.). A KRG Bravo would be another good option IMHO.

Since you mention MDT and XLR, I'm assuming cost is a consideration, so don't really want to compare it to other, more expensive options. As an FYI, I have an MPA Comp, JAE700, KRG X-Ray, and XLR Evolution chassis. For the money, I'd say the new XLR and the KRG Bravo are hard to beat right now...
 
I appreciate you guys’ input. Yes cost is somewhat of a consideration, but I’m open to saving a little more. I like the evolution chassis a lot as well, and the Bravo looks pretty solid as well, the three I mentioned were just at the top of my list. I’m definitely open to other options. Should I be looking at something else as well?
 
hoop12,

Post up a general location in Texas where you are; I'm sure someone can point out a local match or some shops that might carry some of these options. MPA is another chassis I'd say you may want to look hard at, especially if the intent is to shoot in local, regional or national level PRS type comps.
 
I'd opt for an XLR. I've shot MDT's and they are okay, but they are a no frills basic chassis that really hasn't kept up with the newer mods on other chassis (ARCA rail, grips, folders, etc.). A KRG Bravo would be another good option IMHO.

Since you mention MDT and XLR, I'm assuming cost is a consideration, so don't really want to compare it to other, more expensive options. As an FYI, I have an MPA Comp, JAE700, KRG X-Ray, and XLR Evolution chassis. For the money, I'd say the new XLR and the KRG Bravo are hard to beat right now...

You must be thinking of our older chassis MarinePMI! We offer 4 lengths of M-Lok Arca, 1 of non M-Lok for older chassis/stocks and one for our ESS. We supply Ergo and Hogue grips as well as our own available soon. As for folders, we have consistently made those for years, but have recently updated the whole line and offer 4 additional configurations :D

I am obviously biased hoop12, but I would recommend our LSS-XL Gen2. For shear "bang-for-your-buck" factor, the Gen2 with an SRS V5 is hard to beat in my opinion. As I've said in previous threads, there is nothing wrong with XLR and KRG, they both make awesome products, but when you break down the features there is no comparison. If you have any questions, PM me any time ;)
 
One thing to be aware of regarding MDT LSS-XL Gen-2 chassis as compared to their ESS chassis. If you look closely at the side-view images on their web site, you'll see that the LSS grip position pushes the hand (and trigger finger) about 1/4" - 3/8" lower relative to the trigger than you'd typically experience with an AR-profile rifle. So, your finger naturally goes lower on the trigger - close to the end of it.

If I had realized that, I would have gone with the ESS system, which has a higher grip position relative to the trigger and doesn't push the trigger hand/finger down as described. I quickly adjusted to it and no longer think about it, but it's a factor I wish I'd known about before I ordered.

With that said - I have two MDT chassis (LSS-XL Gen-2 and LSS-22). My experience with MDT's service from purchase through answering questions after I received my orders was exemplary.

As much as I like my MDT-stocked rifles, I do have to be careful not to drool over the complete MPA BA rifles my LGS gets in every so often. The whole platform just feels good.
 
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One thing to be aware of regarding MDT LSS-XL Gen-2 chassis as compared to their ESS chassis. If you look closely at the side-view images on their web site, you'll see that the LSS grip position pushes the hand (and trigger finger) about 1/4" - 3/8" lower relative to the trigger than you'd typically experience with an AR-profile rifle. So, your finger naturally goes lower on the trigger - close to the end of it.

If I had realized that, I would have gone with the ESS system, which has a higher grip position relative to the trigger and doesn't push the trigger hand/finger down as described. I quickly adjusted to it and no longer think about it, but it's a factor I wish I'd known about before I ordered.

The carbine interface will keep your hand in the same place as the ESS but the fixed interface will push your hand down just a little. Good observation!
 
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You must be thinking of our older chassis MarinePMI! We offer 4 lengths of M-Lok Arca, 1 of non M-Lok for older chassis/stocks and one for our ESS. We supply Ergo and Hogue grips as well as our own available soon. As for folders, we have consistently made those for years, but have recently updated the whole line and offer 4 additional configurations :D

I am obviously biased hoop12, but I would recommend our LSS-XL Gen2. For shear "bang-for-your-buck" factor, the Gen2 with an SRS V5 is hard to beat in my opinion. As I've said in previous threads, there is nothing wrong with XLR and KRG, they both make awesome products, but when you break down the features there is no comparison. If you have any questions, PM me any time ;)

LOL! I stand corrected! :)

It's always good when the vendors are on hand to set things straight; keeps the stale information from taking hold.
 
LOL! I stand corrected! :)

It's always good when the vendors are on hand to set things straight; keeps the stale information from taking hold.
No worries! We are continually trying to stay on top of the game and the ever changing market, so evolving based on shooter input is key to us. We've also got something super cool coming that should shake up the chassis game soon!
 
No worries! We are continually trying to stay on top of the game and the ever changing market, so evolving based on shooter input is key to us. We've also got something super cool coming that should shake up the chassis game soon!
Hey Josh any chance of you guys making a bag rider for the ess stock?
 
MDT has become a major player in the game! I remember back before they had the LSS XL Gen 1. It was basically the Tac21, LSS and HS3. Now they offer more chassis, buttstock options, forend options, forend accessories, color options, even carbon fiber options and improvements to their existing lines. I called MDT when their ESS came out, the guy on the phone was super friendly and spoke with me for a solid 20 minutes explaining everything and answering all my questions. I see that they are also very supportive of the sport. MDT, MPA, KRG and XLR are all amazing companies with great customer service and are coming out with excellent stuff all the time!
The best way to choose would be to get behind each one at a match and feel em out. But you cant go wrong with any of em'.
The biggest innovation they could make at this point would be moving away from a 3-letter acronym!
 
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Shit yeah! Thanks brother. When did this come out?
No worries, we just released it in the last month or so! So far, so good, they are working really well with beta testers!

MDT has become a major player in the game! I remember back before they had the LSS XL Gen 1. It was basically the Tac21, LSS and HS3. Now they offer more chassis, buttstock options, forend options, forend accessories, color options, even carbon fiber options and improvements to their existing lines. I called MDT when their ESS came out, the guy on the phone was super friendly and spoke with me for a solid 20 minutes explaining everything and answering all my questions. I see that they are also very supportive of the sport. MDT, MPA, KRG and XLR are all amazing companies with great customer service and are coming out with excellent stuff all the time!
The best way to choose would be to get behind each one at a match and feel em out. But you cant go wrong with any of em'.
The biggest innovation they could make at this point would be moving away from a 3-letter acronym!
Thanks @SuperSneakySniper ! It means a lot to us that shooters can see our development and continual effort to help you #shootbetter ;) We try our very best to listen to shooters, process their requests and build the best possible product that we can. For what it's worth, I agree with you and think that the more chassis/stocks you can get behind, the better informed you will be and you'll find what fits you! Not everyone is built the same and what works for you may not work the same for your buddy or a random guy on the internet!

Happy shooting,
Josh