Normal stock or chassis?

[CoopT]

Another existential question to worry about !

I have just taken delivery of a new custom mountain rifle in 7mm PRC which I am currently testing during a few days of chamois hunting.

(US-heavy) Set-up includes:
- Barrel: Proof Research carbon wrapped barrel 24”, 1:8
- Trigger: adjustable TriggerTech Diamond
- Action: Lone Peak Fuzion
- Scope: Z8i 1.7-13.3x42 with BT
- F&D mod
- Spartan ProHunt bipod

The rifle was ordered with a PSE Evolution matte carbon stock, but because it wasn’t ready in time and that I was going hunting straight after, the gunsmith in the south of France lent me a temporary MDT HNT 26 chassis with folding stock (had never heard of a chassis on anything other than four-wheeled objects before…).

Starting to really like the MDT, even if it does make you look like a bit of a hitman!

Now I’m wondering whether despite the looks it is actually an option worth considering on a mountain rifle. I think the PSE is roughly the same weight.

Does anyone have thoughts on which one to go for?

 

[Fn5]

To be fair, this is a dilemma I've also been dealing with!

 

[CoopT]

To be fair, this is a dilemma I've also been dealing with!

Do join this crowd of people with real issues!!

 

[Steff]

I find chassis sort of edgy, in the sense of sharp-edged. The PSE will be much smoother.
I can understand that you are currently falling for the charm of the new. But this will wane as soon as you've gotten used to it.

 

[KimE]

If you want to walk/stalk with the rifle in your hand its less comfortable in your hands with a chassi. If you only use it for mountain hunts you can carry it in a rifle backpack like Vorn.

 

[Utectok]

All I can say is PSE stocks control recoil brilliantly which is what it’s all about right

 

[CoopT]

All I can say is PSE stocks control recoil brilliantly which is what it’s all about right

Must say I barely felt recoil with this setup.. I look forward to trying the PSE and compare

 

[CoopT]

I find chassis sort of edgy, in the sense of sharp-edged. The PSE will be much smoother.
I can understand that you are currently falling for the charm of the new. But this will wane as soon as you've gotten used to it.

There definitely is a “cool new toy” feel… I’ll give you that!

 

[Jagged77]

I’ve had a fair few stocks and chassis on a variety of rifles: AICS / XLR / Manners and now MDT. I’ve got a couple of LSS, a XRS and a field stock. Really taken with them. Love the simplicity but also the options via the MLOK system. Big fan of side mounted push button qd sling attachments (although I know PSE offer that also) with a TAB biathlon sling. Buy both and enjoy If you end up preferring one over the other the resale value will stay pretty good on both.

 

[jthyttin]

Add to the mix MDT CRBN, which is kind of HNT26 but in more traditional stock format.

I think main benefit of HNT26 and CRBN is the integrated ARCA rail under forend. But then again you might have no need for it.

 

[Heym SR20]

Do you prefer a svelte blonde in chic clothing, or a ripped brunette in combat gear?

 

[kenbro]

Do you prefer a svelte blonde in chic clothing, or a ripped brunette in combat gear?

Gotta be both!
Ken.

 

[Heym SR20]

Gotta be both!
Ken.

That’s just being greedy!

 

[kenbro]

That’s just being greedy!

Wishful thinking too…

 

[Heym SR20]

I would also consider how it will look and feel after several hunts when it has been knocked about a bit.

I suspect a chassis rifle will just look tatty as the paint will wear on all the corners and edges of the rails etc.

Personally I am not a fan of chassis rifles. I think they a fine on the range, but out hunting when the general public can see them I think they look far too military / SWAT etc. etc.

 

[patjack]

Try them both only you can really make that decision, I went for the MDT HNT26 folder in the end as I was in the same dilemma and very happy with the HNT26 very rugged and no signs of use though it has been very much put to use.

Watch the video a lot of hard use and holding up well and why should it not also MDT's warranty is faultless unlike some.

Hardly SWAT just a super light very strong working stock that's just brilliant, very rarely do you see them for sale second hand... and on back order most of the time as they sell so many.

 

[NickJ]

I can't see much down side to a chassis other than - if you stalk areas where you regularly encounter members of the public - avoiding a chassis is not a bad idea, same with wearing mil surplus camo there

 

[BE Precision]

i'm a big fan of PSE stocks, very strong, light, well fitting and good recoil management, in fact i'm ordering 3 today for custom builds. what would worry me about the HNT26 in a mountain hunting scenario is the interface between the for-end and main body of the chassis - those screws could be a weak point if the chassis took any weight in a fall or stumble. i would go for the PSE persinally

 

[DVS1]

Another existential question to worry about !

I have just taken delivery of a new custom mountain rifle in 7mm PRC which I am currently testing during a few days of chamois hunting.

(US-heavy) Set-up includes:
- Barrel: Proof Research carbon wrapped barrel 24”, 1:8
- Trigger: adjustable TriggerTech Diamond
- Action: Lone Peak Fuzion
- Scope: Z8i 1.7-13.3x42 with BT
- F&D mod
- Spartan ProHunt bipod

The rifle was ordered with a PSE Evolution matte carbon stock, but because it wasn’t ready in time and that I was going hunting straight after, the gunsmith in the south of France lent me a temporary MDT HNT 26 chassis with folding stock (had never heard of a chassis on anything other than four-wheeled objects before…).

Starting to really like the MDT, even if it does make you look like a bit of a hitman!

Now I’m wondering whether despite the looks it is actually an option worth considering on a mountain rifle. I think the PSE is roughly the same weight.

Does anyone have thoughts on which one to go for?

Alot of Canadians in BC use that chassis as ounces = pounds and pounds = pain when in the rough terrain.

Take a peek at this channel, good honest and down to earth advice

YT BC Extreme Outdoors

 

[CoopT]

Alot of Canadians in BC use that chassis as ounces = pounds and pounds = pain when in the rough terrain.

Take a peek at this channel, good honest and down to earth advice

YT BC Extreme Outdoors

Good point, although PSE Evolution is 24oz and MDT HNT26 is.. well.. 26oz.

Here is the chassis seen in action today!