Understanding the Foundation: What is a Rifle Chassis?
The Basics
The Remington 700 rifle is a legend. It’s a cornerstone of the shooting world, beloved by hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical professionals alike. Its legacy is built on accuracy, reliability, and a vast aftermarket ecosystem that continues to evolve. One of the most significant advancements in recent years is the proliferation of rifle chassis. If you’re looking to elevate the performance, ergonomics, and customization of your Remington 700, then exploring Remington 700 chassis options is the right path. This article dives deep into the world of chassis systems, providing you with a comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect fit for your specific needs.
A traditional rifle stock typically consists of a wood or composite structure. A chassis, however, represents a more modern and often more sophisticated approach. A chassis is essentially a precision-engineered frame that replaces the traditional stock, providing a rigid platform to which the action, barrel, and other components of the rifle are mounted. Instead of directly mounting the action to wood or a composite, the action and barrel are rigidly bolted or clamped into the chassis, creating a supremely stable platform.
The benefits are numerous. The increased rigidity significantly enhances accuracy by minimizing flex and vibration during firing. This can lead to tighter groupings and improved long-range performance. Beyond accuracy, chassis systems offer remarkable modularity and customization. They often include a variety of attachment points for accessories like optics, bipods, and night vision devices. Moreover, they provide greater ergonomic adjustability than most traditional stocks, allowing you to fine-tune the rifle’s fit for your individual body dimensions and shooting style. A chassis system’s design will often allow for adjustable length of pull, comb height, and sometimes even buttpad cant and cheek rest position, all critical for achieving a proper shooting position and a comfortable, consistent cheek weld.
The Advantages of Embracing a Chassis System
Enhanced Precision and Consistency
Choosing a chassis for your Remington 700 offers a paradigm shift in your shooting experience. Let’s delve into the core advantages:
The foundation of any accurate rifle is a stable platform. Chassis systems are inherently more rigid than traditional stocks, minimizing flex and recoil-induced movement. This translates to more consistent shot placement and tighter groupings, particularly at longer ranges. The rigid construction helps to absorb recoil energy more efficiently, further contributing to a more stable shooting experience.
Ergonomic Excellence
One size does *not* fit all when it comes to rifles. Chassis are engineered with adjustability in mind. You can tailor the rifle’s fit to your body, ensuring a comfortable and repeatable shooting position. Adjustable cheek pieces allow for a perfect cheek weld, critical for consistent sight picture. Length-of-pull adjustments optimize your reach to the trigger, promoting comfort and reducing strain. This enhanced ergonomics lead to improved shooting accuracy and reduced fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
Modularity and Adaptability
Chassis systems are designed to be modular platforms. They typically feature Picatinny rails, M-LOK slots, and other attachment points, enabling you to easily add accessories like scopes, bipods, lights, and lasers. This modularity allows you to configure your rifle for a specific purpose, whether it’s hunting, competition, or tactical applications.
Enhanced Aesthetics and Personalization
Beyond functionality, chassis systems often bring a modern, tactical aesthetic to your rifle. They offer a wide range of colors, finishes, and designs, allowing you to personalize your firearm and make it stand out from the crowd. They can also be a symbol of a shooter’s commitment to precision and performance.
Bedding Simplified, Sometimes Eliminated
Bedding is a process used to precisely fit the rifle action to the stock for optimal accuracy. With some chassis systems, the need for traditional bedding is reduced or even eliminated. The rigid design and precise fit of the chassis often provide the necessary stability and alignment, simplifying the setup process and saving time.
Key Considerations When Making Your Choice
Assessing Your Needs
Before diving into specific Remington 700 chassis options, take a moment to assess your needs and expectations. Several factors should influence your decision:
Intended Application
Will you be hunting, competing in precision rifle matches, or engaging in tactical shooting? Different applications have different requirements. A hunting rifle might prioritize weight and maneuverability, while a competition rifle might prioritize features that enhance accuracy and adjustability.
Budget Constraints
Chassis systems range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Consider your long-term shooting goals and the return on investment that a particular chassis will offer.
Overall Weight
Weight is a critical factor, particularly for hunting rifles where you might be carrying your rifle for extended periods. While heavier chassis can offer increased stability, they can also make your rifle less maneuverable. Consider the balance between weight and performance.
Material Selection
Common chassis materials include aluminum, steel, and polymers. Aluminum offers a good balance of weight and rigidity and is the most common choice. Steel provides superior strength and durability but adds weight. Polymers are typically the most affordable option and can offer reasonable performance for the price.
Adjustability Requirements
Assess the range of adjustments you need. Do you need a fully adjustable cheek piece and buttpad, or will a simpler setup suffice? The more adjustments a chassis offers, the more versatile it will be.
Action and Barrel Compatibility
Ensure the chassis you select is compatible with your Remington 700 action type and barrel contour. Some chassis are designed for specific action lengths and barrel profiles.
Magazine Compatibility
Consider the type of magazines you plan to use. Some chassis systems are designed to accept specific magazine types, such as AICS-pattern magazines.
Exploring Popular Remington 700 Chassis Options
High-End Precision Platforms: The Pinnacle of Performance
These chassis represent the pinnacle of precision engineering and are typically favored by competitive shooters and those seeking the absolute best in accuracy and adjustability.
Examples
Foundation Stocks are renowned for their innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship, providing unparalleled rigidity and stability.
MasterPiece Arms (MPA) Chassis: Known for their aggressive styling and high-performance features, MPA chassis are a favorite among PRS (Precision Rifle Series) shooters. They are generally known for their modularity and adjustability.
KRG (Kinetic Research Group) Chassis: KRG offers a range of chassis that are favored by shooters who are looking for value for their money. The Whiskey 3 and X-Ray series are excellent choices offering a lot of features at a good price point.
Accuracy International (AI) Chassis: These are iconic chassis systems, known for their rugged durability, modularity, and combat-proven performance. They are often considered some of the best chassis systems in the world.
Key Features
Heavy-duty construction using aircraft-grade aluminum or steel.
Extensive adjustability for cheek piece height, length of pull, and buttpad positioning.
Integrated Picatinny rails for optics and other accessories.
Premium ergonomics for enhanced comfort and control.
Higher price points reflecting their superior quality and features.
Ideal Applications
Long-range shooting, PRS, F-Class, and tactical applications where ultimate precision is paramount.
Mid-Range Chassis: A Balanced Approach
Mid-range chassis offer a compelling blend of features, performance, and value. They are suitable for a wide range of applications, including hunting, general purpose shooting, and competition.
Examples
MDT (Modular Driven Technologies) Chassis: MDT offers a diverse lineup of chassis systems, including the LSS (Light Sniper System), ESS (Elite Sniper System), and ACC (Adjustable Chassis Competition).
Magpul Pro 700: Offering rugged construction, excellent ergonomics, and a reasonable price point, the Magpul Pro 700 is a popular choice for many shooters.
XLR Industries Chassis: Known for their high-quality construction and innovative designs, XLR chassis offer a blend of performance and customization.
Key Features
Good balance of features and cost, providing excellent value.
Solid adjustability options for optimal fit and comfort.
Modular designs for easy customization and accessory integration.
Wide range of accessory options to suit different shooting styles.
Typically constructed from aircraft grade aluminum.
Ideal Applications
Hunting, general purpose shooting, and competition shooting where a balance of features and affordability is desired.
Budget-Friendly Chassis: Getting Started without Breaking the Bank
If you’re on a tighter budget, there are still excellent Remington 700 chassis options available that offer a significant upgrade over a traditional stock.
Examples
Orion700 Chassis: Offer a streamlined design and a budget-friendly price point.
Blackhawk! Axiom Rifle Stock: This option combines the features of a stock and a chassis.
Other lesser-known brands: Explore the market for budget-friendly options from smaller manufacturers.
Key Features
More affordable, making them accessible to a wider range of shooters.
Simpler designs with fewer features compared to higher-end options.
Basic adjustability for length of pull and comb height.
May utilize polymer or lightweight materials to reduce costs.
Ideal Applications
Shooters on a budget, beginners, and those who are looking to experience the benefits of a chassis without a large investment.
Essential Features: What to Look for in a Chassis
Fine-Tuning with Adjustability
Adjustability is a crucial aspect of a chassis. Look for systems with adjustable cheek pieces to accommodate different scopes and shooting positions. Adjustable length of pull enables you to tailor the rifle’s fit to your arm length. Consider buttpad adjustments, which can help you fine-tune the rifle’s balance and recoil management.
The Strength and Build: Materials and Construction
The choice of materials significantly impacts a chassis’s performance and durability. Aluminum offers a good balance of weight and rigidity. Steel provides superior strength, though at the expense of added weight. Polymer chassis are often the most affordable, but may not offer the same level of rigidity or durability as aluminum or steel. The overall construction quality, including the tolerances and fit, is also essential.
Comfort in Hand: Ergonomics for Enhanced Performance
Ergonomics play a crucial role in accuracy and comfort. Consider the grip design, as well as the placement of the handguard. The handguard should offer a comfortable and secure grip.
Accessorizing Made Easy: Accessory Compatibility
Assess your accessory requirements. If you plan to mount scopes, bipods, and other accessories, ensure the chassis has the necessary Picatinny rails, M-LOK slots, or other attachment points.
Weight Management
The weight of the chassis affects the overall balance and handling of the rifle. Consider how the weight of the chassis will impact your shooting experience, especially if you’ll be carrying the rifle for extended periods. A heavy chassis can provide added stability, but it can also be less maneuverable.
Installation and Compatibility: Ensuring a Seamless Fit
The installation process for a Remington 700 chassis typically involves removing the action from the factory stock and installing it into the chassis. The process is usually straightforward, but it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Make sure that all screws are tightened to the recommended torque specifications.
Chassis are typically designed to be compatible with specific action types and barrel contours. Check that the chassis you choose is compatible with your Remington 700 action length (short action or long action) and barrel profile. Some chassis will have options that allow for heavy barrels, bull barrels, and other profiles.
Bedding, the process of precisely fitting the action to the stock, may or may not be required, depending on the chassis design. Many chassis systems are designed to provide a precise fit, eliminating the need for bedding.
Consider the type of magazines the chassis will accept. Most modern chassis are designed for AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) pattern magazines, which are widely available.
Caring for Your Investment: Maintenance and Upkeep
Proper maintenance will extend the life of your chassis and ensure optimal performance.
Cleaning is key Clean the chassis regularly to remove dirt, debris, and any buildup.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning your chassis, using appropriate cleaning agents.
When it comes to maintenance, pay attention to the material your chassis is made of. Aluminum chassis may oxidize over time, so regularly clean the chassis with gun oil or another protectant. Steel chassis are very strong, but they are also very prone to rust. If you live in a humid environment, you may want to consider coating your chassis to prevent rusting.
Make sure to regularly check and tighten the screws, using a torque wrench to ensure proper torque specifications.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Remington 700 Experience
Remington 700 chassis options provide a powerful way to transform your rifle. Whether you’re seeking enhanced accuracy, improved ergonomics, or greater customization, there’s a chassis system that can meet your needs. Carefully consider your budget, shooting style, and accessory requirements when making your selection. By choosing the right chassis, you’ll unlock the full potential of your Remington 700, taking your shooting to new heights.
Ultimately, the decision of choosing a Remington 700 chassis comes down to your needs. However, if you want to build a rifle that is tailored exactly to you, chassis systems are the best way to go.
Remember to conduct thorough research, compare different options, and read reviews before making a purchase. Also, you may also want to consult with experienced shooters for recommendations and to ensure that your chosen chassis is compatible with your specific Remington 700 rifle.
