Which Chassis and Why?

[actionshooter]

I have been shooting a Bergara for NRL 22 and want to upgrade to a Vudoo eventually but don't want to spend that much at the moment.... So I was thinking I could buy the chassis now and use it for the B14 for now, then get a Vudoo Barreled action later.

Not sure if that's the best plan, but seems logical while sitting here with my 1st drink of the night..

I would like to know what more experienced shooters think and then which chassis... I was looking at MPA and MDT but don't have any experience with either but I really want to look cool, even if I don't hit anything.

 

[ballisticdaddy]

I would advise you get behind a few different types of chassis to see what feels the best to you, they each have their own pros/cons.

 

[A&8's]

If you shoot a CF in a chassis, I would suggest getting the same for your RF.

As far as picking one up now and putting a Vudoo in it later….YES. The more time you spend behind one specific chassis, the more comfortable you will be, regardless of what the action is.

MPA and MDT both make excellent chassis’s. The MPA BA Comp is good, as is the MDT Premiere Gen 2. And both are about the same $ range.

Personally, I run a Foundation Revelation on my Vudoo, as well as on my CF counterpart. Having the same same, makes transitioning between the two easy.

Just my .02

 

[DownhillFromHere]

I was looking at MPA and MDT but don't have any experience with either

I have .22s in both - Vudoo in MPA BA Comp and Rim-X in MDT ACC (Premier gen 1).

Let me start this by saying I am an unabashed MDT fan. MDT went above and beyond for me early on in my precision rifle journey. Their customer service has always been top shelf for me. I have three rifles in ACC chassis.

With that said - if I am asked which one I'd recommend for a .22 build, I would say the following:

• You really need to put hands on both, if possible. MDT used to offer a 30-day return window. Not sure about MPA.
• The MPA BA Comp has a 12" forend. The MDT ACC gen-1 and Elite have 18" and 19" foreends respectively. This means that a 20" barrel won't clear the forend nuch if at all. My Rim-x has a 22" barrel (Heavy Varmint contour - almost straight 1.2") and looks kinda stumpy.
• The new MDT ACC gen-2 has a shorter 15" forend. I'd go this route if I were going MDT (keeping in mind the first bullet above - best to put hands on).
• With all that said - I like the look and feel of my Vudoo with its current 22" Bartlein MTU-contour barrel in the MPA BA Comp chassis. I have moved away from super-heavy contour barrels on all my rifles - old-age arthritis and loss of muscle mass make building positions in PRS-style matches challenging enough without the weight.

Here is an absolutely awful photo of the Vudoo (with original 20" Ace barrel, mid-weight Kukri contour) and Rim-X (22" Shilen, Heavy Varmint contour). The latter looks inordinately bigger because of the camera angle. Pay most attention to the barrel/forend config - again, Vudoo with 20", Rim-X with 22" barrel. The Rim-X has a KSS tuner on it which does NOT lengthen the barrel. Obviously, the 20" barrel would look pretty strange in the ACC.

 

[actionshooter]

I have .22s in both - Vudoo in MPA BA Comp and Rim-X in MDT ACC (Premier gen 1).

Let me start this by saying I am an unabashed MDT fan. MDT went above and beyond for me early on in my precision rifle journey. Their customer service has always been top shelf for me. I have three rifles in ACC chassis.

With that said - if I am asked which one I'd recommend for a .22 build, I would say the following:

• You really need to put hands on both, if possible. MDT used to offer a 30-day return window. Not sure about MPA.
• The MPA BA Comp has a 12" forend. The MDT ACC gen-1 and Elite have 18" and 19" foreends respectively. This means that a 20" barrel won't clear the forend nuch if at all. My Rim-x has a 22" barrel (Heavy Varmint contour - almost straight 1.2") and looks kinda stumpy.
• The new MDT ACC gen-2 has a shorter 15" forend. I'd go this route if I were going MDT (keeping in mind the first bullet above - best to put hands on).
• With all that said - I like the look and feel of my Vudoo with its current 22" Bartlein MTU-contour barrel in the MPA BA Comp chassis. I have moved away from super-heavy contour barrels on all my rifles - old-age arthritis and loss of muscle mass make building positions in PRS-style matches challenging enough without the weight.

Here is an absolutely awful photo of the Vudoo (with original 20" Ace barrel, mid-weight Kukri contour) and Rim-X (22" Shilen, Heavy Varmint contour). The latter looks inordinately bigger because of the camera angle. Pay most attention to the barrel/forend config - again, Vudoo with 20", Rim-X with 22" barrel. The Rim-X has a KSS tuner on it which does NOT lengthen the barrel. Obviously, the 20" barrel would look pretty strange in the ACC.
View attachment 8632706

Super good info.... As of right now, I plan on a 22" MTU....

 

[Mongo68]

I built a Bergara on an mdt premier chassis to match my cf aero solus in mdt elite. I did end up with a new 24” barrel because the 18” didn’t clear the chassis ( I used a fake eBay van until the barrel arrived ). Someday maybe I’ll swing a voodoo and grab another mdt.

 

[DeadFox]

Before you drop the coin, it would be good to understand how it’s going to balance in a heavy chassis. A 22” MTU would require a lot of added weight up front to balance where I would want it in a MPA or MDT chassis. A lot of guys are doing 25” truck axles in those chassis now for balance.

 

[bobby1028]

I have been shooting a Bergara for NRL 22 and want to upgrade to a Vudoo eventually but don't want to spend that much at the moment.... So I was thinking I could buy the chassis now and use it for the B14 for now, then get a Vudoo Barreled action later.

Not sure if that's the best plan, but seems logical while sitting here with my 1st drink of the night..

I would like to know what more experienced shooters think and then which chassis... I was looking at MPA and MDT but don't have any experience with either but I really want to look cool, even if I don't hit anything.

Look around at the next match you attend and ask a few people if you can get behind their rig for a minute after the match, most guys will be glad to help...see what feels best.

 

[Defender32]

Being a person that has shot almost every chassis there in and a vast majority of the stocks as well. Go to a Match and ask shooters to try what they have. Put it on a prop after the match and see how their setup fits, feels & functions. You also want to know that you dont mind having a heavy rifle. You are going to be 21+ LB on your kit to balance out. I am 23 lb on the nose and I can shave about 1-1.5 lb and still be OK. I prefer the heavier side. It's only a 2 minute and most workout 10-12 times a day.

Chassis I have decided to stick with the MPA Matrix Pro * Converted to the Pro2 rear* this shaved rear weight off the setup for a better balance. This Chassis is the best feeling and driving chassis on the market. It's 2.8" forearm rides a bag without the need for a gamer plate. It settles on a bag instantly.

Stock I shoot a Manners PRS1T with MCS M5 Mini chassis. This is not the Manners DBM SA mini chassis. This is a metal mini chassis that requires you to provide a M5 BM from a MF of your choosing. I prefer the MDT as it has an adjustable mag latch that is easy to setup and get your magazine height correct. This will so me replaced with a Manners TCS Max Rimfire.

As far as buying a Vudoo goes. They are a great rifle I own 2 of the Gen1 builds. There is nothing wrong with your Bergara action. You can send it to a Smith like Rachel Precision, MCR, Di Precision and a few others that have spun barrels for Bergara actions. 23.5"-25" is going to be about the right length on a 1.2"-1.25" barrel. You can source that on your own from Krieger if you wanted. A barrel will be $425-$450. then the smith to chamber it how you want and ship it back is on average $500-$550. So you are a grand into an action you already have and a chassis you already have. With magazines you already have.

If you just looking to have a second rifle built to just have a second build I'd HIGHLY look at having MCR build a ModX or Rachel Precision doing you one. Randy & Johnathan have a great working relationship and Johnathan is supplying bolts to Randy for getting builds done. The ModX is an amazing build and so is just a straight RimX when a GS does what he's suppose to do.

Pictures are of my ModX. My ModX was one of the first 5 Johnathan built before he went public and started taking orders. I have since had Rachel Precision spin a Brux barrel for it (Pictured) & that's what enabled Randy to build those as well. I have a 13T MW w/ Eley MCR Chamber and a 16T Brux w/ RP Lapua Chamber.

** I am not sponsored by anyone mentioned in the post. I just spend my money on this addiction instead of drugs. Although that might have been a cheaper option at this point!!! **


Any questions you have do hesitate to reach out. I'll answer all I can or try to get an answer. If your close to West KY you are welcome to shoot every build I have and every stock/ chassis option as well.

 

[Bgriff008]

I had my B14 in an MPA chassis with weight kit and was annoyed by how much it weighed. TBH it just slowed me down lugging it around. And didn’t make me any better at shooting. While I understand the idea of having a heavier set up, it wasn’t for me. I went back to my OEM stock. Which has plenty of weight but is a lot lighter. I move faster and get on target better with the lighter set up. I actually shoot better with it. I was fighting the weight with the MPA.

 

[KnowNothing256]

Not adding any new perspectives, but I'll agree with several things that have been said:

- You want a chassis that is tailored for this style of competition. That means a longer forend, a vertical grip, a short minimum LOP, and easy ways to balance it (weights up front, almost always).
- I'd encourage you to bump up your planned barrel to a 24" straight taper, if you change barrel or barreled action. It's free balance up front, and will also help reduce wobble in most situations.
- I run a 22" Vudoo MTU-V contour currently, and it's fine in the ACC Elite, no issues with the forend length. I recommend avoiding the shorter forend to accommodate a shorter barrel; neither of those features are what you want for best NRL22 performance.
- I'm planning to switch to a 24" straight-taper setup myself soon, as long as it shoots and functions well. I'm taking it out this week to test for the first time.

Good luck!

 

[beetroot]

100% AT-X chassis.
The coolest looking chassis yet has all the features you want/need.

 

[Travis224]

Oof, I'm 4 in on some good blantons so here goes. They are all different and like my bourbon, one for everyone. If your budget allows, it opens more doors to try out. I've had nearly all of them, and the newer versions are 99% of the time a step ahead of the prior ones. I will say, write out a chart of likes and that will help. Like thumb groove or full pistol grip/ or how about weight? Do you use an arca tripod or bipods? Shoot with a clipon? Adjustable length of pull a necessity? Maybe you like cool looking stuff? I'm guilty of all at one point in time or another. I could help with experiences I've had.

 

[PrecisionWerk]

As everyone says, there are many great chassis and stocks available. There is no single best option since it all comes down to what fits you best. That is why it is important to try them out before making a decision.

One important factor to consider is the length of pull. When shopping for a new chassis, the first thing I look at is how adjustable the length of pull is. I personally prefer a short length of pull, which only MDT and XLR can accommodate. However, not all MDT chassis can be adjusted that short, so it depends on the specific model. On the other hand, some of my customers prefer a much longer length of pull.

If the length of pull is too long for me, no matter how much I adjust it, it never feels comfortable. That is why finding the right fit is so important.

Another factor to think about is what kind of accessories you plan to attach to your chassis. Some chassis have more M-LOK slots than others, allowing for more customization with wings, weights, obi, timer, dope card, or extra two rounds...etc. Some models also have longer forends, which allow weights to be placed further out in the front for better balance.

 

[Baron23]

@TheOE800 has a Vudoo in a Vision Pro and I saw it the other day. Looked wonderful.

As for some of the characteristics mentioned above, the Vision Pro has a very long fore end that is integral to the chassis main body. It accommodates a really very cool weight system with contoured weights that can be installed inside the fore end. LOP and comb height are highly adjustable and it comes with a vertical grip.

Not saying its the answer to the exclusion of other chassis. Just saying add it to the list of chassis you are evaluating.

Cheers

https://gcprifleco.com/product/vision-pro-chassis/?v=1d20b5ff1ee9

 

[Emerson0311]

Budget is the first priority you need to settle.

 

[Lightning8]

I run my RimX in an XLR Envy Pro - picked up a certificate off a prize table. I tried some of the other chassis that I liked for center fire with the RimX but they were butt heavy and I kept adding weight until they were too heavy. The XLR Envy Pro has a lighter butt which did not require as much weight on the foreend for balance

 

[DAVID A BUREAU]

Being a person that has shot almost every chassis there in and a vast majority of the stocks as well. Go to a Match and ask shooters to try what they have. Put it on a prop after the match and see how their setup fits, feels & functions. You also want to know that you dont mind having a heavy rifle. You are going to be 21+ LB on your kit to balance out. I am 23 lb on the nose and I can shave about 1-1.5 lb and still be OK. I prefer the heavier side. It's only a 2 minute and most workout 10-12 times a day.

Chassis I have decided to stick with the MPA Matrix Pro * Converted to the Pro2 rear* this shaved rear weight off the setup for a better balance. This Chassis is the best feeling and driving chassis on the market. It's 2.8" forearm rides a bag without the need for a gamer plate. It settles on a bag instantly.

Stock I shoot a Manners PRS1T with MCS M5 Mini chassis. This is not the Manners DBM SA mini chassis. This is a metal mini chassis that requires you to provide a M5 BM from a MF of your choosing. I prefer the MDT as it has an adjustable mag latch that is easy to setup and get your magazine height correct. This will so me replaced with a Manners TCS Max Rimfire.

As far as buying a Vudoo goes. They are a great rifle I own 2 of the Gen1 builds. There is nothing wrong with your Bergara action. You can send it to a Smith like Rachel Precision, MCR, Di Precision and a few others that have spun barrels for Bergara actions. 23.5"-25" is going to be about the right length on a 1.2"-1.25" barrel. You can source that on your own from Krieger if you wanted. A barrel will be $425-$450. then the smith to chamber it how you want and ship it back is on average $500-$550. So you are a grand into an action you already have and a chassis you already have. With magazines you already have.

If you just looking to have a second rifle built to just have a second build I'd HIGHLY look at having MCR build a ModX or Rachel Precision doing you one. Randy & Johnathan have a great working relationship and Johnathan is supplying bolts to Randy for getting builds done. The ModX is an amazing build and so is just a straight RimX when a GS does what he's suppose to do.

Pictures are of my ModX. My ModX was one of the first 5 Johnathan built before he went public and started taking orders. I have since had Rachel Precision spin a Brux barrel for it (Pictured) & that's what enabled Randy to build those as well. I have a 13T MW w/ Eley MCR Chamber and a 16T Brux w/ RP Lapua Chamber.

** I am not sponsored by anyone mentioned in the post. I just spend my money on this addiction instead of drugs. Although that might have been a cheaper option at this point!!! **


Any questions you have do hesitate to reach out. I'll answer all I can or try to get an answer. If your close to West KY you are welcome to shoot every build I have and every stock/ chassis option as well.

What did you do to modify the chassis to a pro 2?

 

[Defender32]

What did you do to modify the chassis to a pro 2?

It's the lite weight kit from MPA. It is a Printed bag rider and a plastic cheek piece. You also remove all the screw adjustment hardware from the cheek and butt pad. this will remove almost 2.5 lb from the rear.

Weight Reduction Kit

 

[ToddM]

Obviously try before you buy is best if you can. However I think a couple of good things to look for these days or stay away from.

• Having a full length machined in Arca rail is nice, sure you can always add a rail but the built in options are nice.
• Make sure the LOP goes short, we still see options these days where the shortest LOP is 13.5" or so. If there's one trend we've seen the last few years it's that many shooters are going to shorter LOP's not longer.
• Having a grip that adjusts forward/backward is nice, you can of course simulate that if the chassis takes AR grips if you do enough trial and error. Reach to the trigger is another place many chassis do a poor job going short enough.

I also avoid any chassis that is not one piece with the action/forend. Every chassis I've ever used that has a bolt on forend has not been nearly as stiff as those that are machined from one piece. I'm sure there are exceptions and modularity can be a feature, but every one I've tried has been disappointing.

 

[actionshooter]

OK, I have it narrowed down... These are based on a trade, not bjuying retail... Looking at the JP Precision, MPA and an Envy Pro w/ all the goodies (weights)