Stock or Chassis

[Justinray]

I have officially tumbled into the build of my first precision rifle. It went a bit off schedule because I didn't research much before I made a couple of initial buys. I started with a Remington 700 LA, in .270 winchester, with a light sporter barrel, and wooden stock. Got a good deal on it at a pawn shop. I then bought a Nikon Monarch 3 4-16X42 Mildot scope. Not the best by any means, but from what I've seen and done, it's not junk either. I finally finished research on reloading, factory loads, ballistics, etc and decided on a chambering, and will rebarrel my gun in .280AI. With the barrel decided and the action in hand, I lack a final decision on a stock/chassis.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of either, and what are some of the better choices of either. My gunsmith makes stocks, but albeit slow and possibly subpar.

Post-script: Before I get flamed, yes the action will be blueprinted, and yes I got a good enough deal to justify the whole gun for just the action.

Thanks in advance.

 

[cjlane]

cue the "what is your intended use, your budget, etc etc etc" questions

 

[Justinray]

I intend a 600-1000 yd rifle when finished. And as far as the stock/chassis goes, as long as I get what I pay for and don't feel like I got messed over then the budget is open within reason. Reason being putting down 2 grand on a gun I only have a grand into as of yet. Unless the stock reloads heatseeking ammo when I put it up, I don't see justification for that kind of dollar there. So I guess 1500 dollars or so.

 

[Rogue111]

Personal preference. Do you like pistol grips, how much adjustment for LOP/cheek rest would you like? I would recommend sizing your options up and get behind both to see what fits the best.

 

[Justinray]

I do like the idea of a pistol grip quite a bit, but it's not a necessity, and so long as the system adjusted to the point it fits me (14" lop, skinny face) then it wouldn't be an issue.

 

[Justinray]

I think one of the factors I just realized, is the detachable mag on the chassis... I REALLY like the idea, but have no idea of a .280AI magazine for them. Can only seem to find .308 and 300 win mag

 

[Cegorach]

My final decision would be based on desired weight. If you are concerned about having a lighter rifle I would go with a traditional stock.

However, there is no denying that a chassis is simpler, there is no separate detachable magazine system or bedding required.

As far as the magazine goes, 300 win mags should work with some minor feed lip adjustments.