New Aluminum Chassey Designs

[firestorm1284]

Hey fellow 'hiders. I've been working on an aluminum chassis system for bolt action rifles that incorporates an AR-15 pistol grip and a Magpul PRS buttstock (You'll have to try to imagine a PRS over the "buffer tube" in the rear). It's somewhat of a melding of an XLR and an AICS chassey system.

This is basically for my own personal use, and I have no plans of commercially producing it. However, I have two very similar designs, and most of the difference is in the lower portion of the magwell, and the front end of the trigger guard.

I'm having a hard time deciding which looks better (both would have identical functionality) - and would appreciate any input. Ignore the colors - in either case I would be anodizing it black. This particular one is designed for a Savage action, but could be made for others as well.

I would also appreciate any other feedback you might have. Certain features I have not drawn in (for example, I will obviously be putting in provisions for a bipod mount), and I have not yet drawn the arm which will serve as the magazine release. However, any other insights would be greatly appreciated. **EDIT** - The last two pictures now include the cutout for the bolt handle and the magazine release lever. Both are incorporated into design 2.

 

[excess]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

Reminds me a lot of the JP AMCS

 

[Mgordon]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

In my experiences, The Mcree Precision Chassis and the XLR both hold the action in a stress free manner. Others may do the same, but I have used both of these and I was impressed with how well the action was held. I would check them out and see if you could machine the action interface along the lines of these stocks.

Mark

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

A PRS buttstock and AR15 grip? Sounds like the Savage 110BA chassis

Yours looks much nicer, IMO.

For the action surface, a V-block recess such as that used by the AICS and Manners "mini-chassis" are likely the best bet for conforming to an action of unknown straightness and roundness. I haven't looked at a lot of Savage actions, but the couple that I owned were nicely machined and devoid of any major alignment issues. Since it's a one-off, you could also machine some pillars into the chassis and perform a traditional bedding job.

With regards to your magwell design, take a peek at the AI AX setup. It has a cutout along the left side to allow tilting the magazine out, rather than forcing it to drop straight down.

I'd also look at the Surgeon DBM bottom metal for some inspiration on the mag release. Your "T" shaped lever is pretty close; "growing" a bit of extra material around it (forward of the trigger guard) will leave you with a cleaner appearance.

 

[blksno]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

the front end looks like it could use some design work. it's just a square block.

I like what XLR did with their carbon fiber action, how it has the triangle cut outs for weight reduction with strength retention.

Something like that on the sides and even deeper in the front would reduce a lot of weight and should still be as rigid.

What program did you use for the design. I've been scouting for a CAD program for my Mac to try and design one for myself because other than the XLR (that will do a custom inlet) the options for an M70 action are pretty limited.

Got an uncle with equipment in his garage. He's not much of a designer, he's more of a machinist...but I'd like to think that being a graphic designer, some of my ideas would be cross compatible.

 

[Mirnyx]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

If using the PRS stock is important, check out how JP integrated it on their chassis.

 

[tkifer]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

I'd look at other AR15 buttstocks. IMHO the PRS is a boat anchor!

 

[blksno]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tkifer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd look at other AR15 buttstocks. IMHO the PRS is a boat anchor! </div></div>
I would ignore this guy.

 

[TRAAV]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

I agree that the forarm needs some work

 

[firestorm1284]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

Thanks for the input so far everyone. I have redesigned the forearm. The reason it was square before is because I was planning on making it out of square tubing. I can't have the forearm and action block be one piece or they will be too large to fit in my anodizing tanks. I believe I have found a way to attach a more solid piece however. Below is the image of the redesigned forearm.

As far as the PRS stock goes - I like them. I have them on 2 of my AR's. Honestly, I just don't want to take the time to completely design my own buttstock when I believe there is a reasonable alternative out there. I do hate the look of the skinny PRS on the Savage 110BA though, so this one will use a regular AR-15 PRS.

I also looked at the stocks people mentioned - I wasn't even aware of the JP stock - and I couldn't believe how similar it was to my own design!

Oh, and in case it wasn't apparent in the pics - I am using a V-block type setup for the action.

 

[blksno]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

I've been sketching my own plan out on paper (for now) and noticed one thing you might want to consider.

If you look at all the other chassis designs that use the AR15 grip...as well as the AR15 lower itself. ( all seen here )
The position of the grip, in relation to the trigger is considerably lower in your design. Depending on the length of your trigger, you're going to have to reach up with your finger and actually pull down at about a 45 angle. Probably would be considered a design flaw, since that goes against all (that I know) trigger discipline.

I understand your reason for this location...so you can get your but stock tube low enough to cycle the bolt.
Might have to whip up some foam or wood prototypes to find out if this will be an acceptable trade off.

I laid my barreled action down on paper and traced it out in both "bolt open" and "bolt closed" and then put the butt stock and grip where they NEEDED to be...and then designed the rest off of those locations.

 

[EricM40]

Re: New Aluminum Chassey Designs

I think it would be really slick if you cut out one side of the magwell similar to an FAL or AIAX. This would allow for faster reloads.

Thread the face or put a ring in front of where the receiver goes to allow the use of AR handguards. Then you can have whatever forend you want.