MDT XRS chassis review: chassis bedding in a traditional stock shape, with an ARCA rail left to you
Our verdict: 4.3/5. The MDT XRS is an aluminum-core chassis built to look and hold like a traditional rifle stock. MDT gives it a full-length 6061 aluminum core under polymer panels, aluminum V-block bedding, AICS magazines, an M-LOK forend, an adjustable cheek rest, spacers for length of pull and both an angled and a vertical grip in the box. Reviewers praise how easily rifles drop in, the adjustments and the value. It loses points for things you should know first: there is no built-in ARCA rail, MDT gives one 3.9 lb weight that it says depends on the inlet, and only two of the 23 reviews name a Remington 700. If you want to move a factory short action into a chassis that still feels like a stock, it fits. If your bipod or tripod is ARCA, budget for a rail or MDT's Enclosed Forend. The full-aluminum MDT Oryx is in our best rifle chassis guide.
OpticsPlanet shoppers rate this listing 4.9/5 across 23 reviews, pooled over all 13 rifle and color rows. The Remington 700 short action, right hand, black row we review here (104691-BLK) sells for around $600. Check price and availability on OpticsPlanet; confirm the current price on the retailer page.
How we reviewed it: a research-based review built from the retailer's listing for the XRS (13 rifle and color rows), every one of the 23 reviews on that listing, and MDT's own XRS product page and XRS Enclosed Forend page for the manufacturer figures. Where MDT publishes two different figures for the same dimension, we print both. Third-party research leads we could not confirm on MDT's site or with the publication named, including a magazine award, a torque figure and forum reports, were left out. We have not installed or shot this chassis; the score is our editorial opinion and owner ratings are shown attributed to their source. See how we evaluate.
What the MDT XRS is
MDT calls the XRS a crossover stock: it is designed for shooters who want the fit and feel of a traditional shaped rifle stock with the benefits of a modern precision rifle chassis. Under the textured polymer panels is a full-length CNC machined core of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum, and MDT says the panels insulate from the elements. The action sits on an aluminum V-block bedding system, which MDT says ensures fit and function to maximize the accuracy of any rifle action. The retailer's feature list adds a free floating barrel.
The adjustments are the reason most people look at it. The cheek rest rises up to 1.50 inches for a scope mounted high over the bore, the length of pull changes with spacers (four come in the box), and you choose between the included angled and vertical grips. MDT lists an integrated barricade stop, sling swivel studs on the buttstock and forend, and integrated QD cups for a quick-detach sling. The forend carries M-LOK slots; MDT says they are for accessory mounting and for attaching ARCA or Picatinny rails.
The row we price is the Remington 700 short action, right hand, in black, MDT part number 104691-BLK. MDT's compatibility list for this inlet names a long run of Remington Model 700 short action models, Bergara B-14 and Premier models, the Weatherby Model 307, and "All Remington 700 SA Clones". Check your exact rifle against MDT's list before you order.
Why reviewers rate it: an easy fit and real adjustment
The retailer reports 4.9 out of 5 from 23 reviews, and we could read all 23. Of the 22 that show a star rating, 20 are five stars and two are four stars. Easy installation is a theme reviewers repeat: four of the 23 describe the install or the action fit as easy, effortless or simple. Five praise the adjustments, from the cheek riser to the spacers and grips.
“Even the hold down bolts were exactly the right length so no trimming was involved.”
John McClintic (NM), Verified Owner, via OpticsPlanet
“The length of pull adjusts with spacers, so the recoil pad is well supported.”
Gunner257 (SD), Verified Owner, via OpticsPlanet
One Savage reviewer installed a rifle to check fitment and reports that “there is no need to bed it”. Another reviewer had moved a Bergara action over from an MDT Oryx and found the XRS lighter and more comfortable. MDT lists the Oryx at 4.2 lb and the XRS at 3.9 lb depending on inlet, so that matches the maker's figures, though MDT gives no weight for the inlet that reviewer used.
What the two Remington 700 reviewers say
Read the owner record with one caution: it is pooled across all 13 rows, and 11 of the 23 reviews name other rifles, including a Tikka T3x, a CZ 455 Varmint, a Ruger American in 6.5 Creedmoor, Bergara B-14 actions, a Howa 1500 and Savage rifles. Only two of the 23 reviews name a Remington 700. The most helpful review on the page comes from one of them, who put a custom Remington 700 in .270 WSM in the XRS for hunting season.
“I noticed no difference in group size from the bedded McMillan this action was previously in.”
Most helpful positive review, via OpticsPlanet
The other, a Verified Owner with a Remington 700 build, noticed movement in the chassis after about a year. They report that MDT asked for a short video, replied within two hours with instructions that solved it, and followed up a few days later.
“About a week ago I noticed some movement in the chassis & I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from.”
JJ (GA), Verified Owner, via OpticsPlanet
The honest catches: ARCA, weight and a thin Remington 700 record
No built-in ARCA rail. The standard forend has M-LOK slots, not an ARCA dovetail. Two reviewers list the missing rail as a con, and the Remington 700 hunter above added a full-length ARCA rail from MDT. MDT's answer is the XRS Enclosed Forend, a separate accessory that replaces the factory XRS forend with full-length ARCA and additional M-LOK slots. Budget for one or the other if your tripod or bipod is ARCA.
“maybe should have an arca rail included”
Ranchcharger (TX), listed as a con, via OpticsPlanet
Weight is a range, not a number for your rifle. MDT lists 3.9 lb and says it depends on the inlet; it gives no separate figure for the Remington 700 short action. Add a magazine, a rail and a bipod before you call it a carry rifle. One Verified Owner lists “a little bit heavier” among the cons, while another calls it heavy duty but not too heavy.
Two length of pull figures. MDT's spec table gives 13 to 15 inches via spacers, while its description and FAQ say the length of pull starts at about 13.25 inches. If you need a short stock for a smaller shooter, assume the longer starting figure until you can measure.
A thin record for this row. The 4.9 average is real, but it describes the XRS line across many rifles. Two reviews name a Remington 700, and one of those reports a movement problem that MDT's instructions fixed. One more reviewer, a Savage owner, reports receiving a chassis that had clearly been opened and used before, sold as new; they report that the retailer offered to refund the difference to the open box price.
Trade-offs, plainly
- No built-in ARCA rail: M-LOK only, so an ARCA rail or the Enclosed Forend is an extra purchase.
- MDT gives one weight, 3.9 lb, that depends on the inlet; none for this row specifically.
- MDT publishes two starting figures for length of pull, 13 and about 13.25 inches.
- The length of pull changes with spacers you install, not a dial or button.
- The 23-review record is shared by 13 rows; two reviews name a Remington 700.
- No magazine in MDT's list of what comes in the box.
Which row to order
The retailer's XRS listing sells 13 rows, which differ by rifle inlet and color. Order the inlet for your exact action. By MDT's own part numbers, the rows are:
| Inlet (MDT name) | MDT part numbers on the retailer listing |
|---|---|
| Remington 700 short action (the row we price) | 104691-BLK, 104691-FDE |
| Savage short action | 104692-BLK, 104692-FDE |
| Tikka T3/T3x short action | 104689-BLK, 104689-FDE |
| Howa 1500 / Weatherby Vanguard short action | 104690-BLK, 104690-FDE |
| Ruger American short action | 105345-BLK, 105345-FDE |
| CZ 455 | 105525-BLK, 105525-FDE |
| Remington Model 783 short action | 104688-BLK |
| OpticsPlanet rating (all rows pooled) | 4.9/5 from 23 reviews |
| Price of the row we review | around $600 |
MDT sells a left-handed XRS as a separate product, and the retailer carries left-hand Remington 700 short action rows and Remington 700 long action rows on a separate XRS listing, plus another for the CZ 457 and Tikka T1x. MDT notes that the Howa 1500 and Weatherby Vanguard short action inlets use AICS polymer magazines; that applies to those rows, not to the Remington 700 row.
Key specifications: Remington 700 short action row
| Row we price | Remington Model 700 Short Action, Black, Right Hand (104691-BLK) |
|---|---|
| Construction | Full-length CNC machined 6061 aluminum core with high strength textured polymer panels (MDT) |
| Bedding | Aluminum V-block bedding system (MDT); free floating barrel (retailer features) |
| Weight | 3.9 lb, "depending on inlet" (MDT); no separate figure for this inlet |
| Length of pull | 13 to 15 in via spacers (MDT spec table); MDT's description and FAQ say it starts at about 13.25 in |
| Overall length | 32.25 in (MDT and retailer) |
| Forend | M-LOK slots; 12.5 in in MDT's spec table, which its description calls a 12 in forend |
| Max barrel diameter | 1.250 in, based on the Remington 700 action (MDT) |
| Cheek rest | Adjustable, 1.50 in maximum height (MDT) |
| Magazine | Standard AICS pattern, Short Action AICS Pattern for this inlet; ambidextrous magazine latch (MDT) |
| Grips | Angled and vertical grips, both included (MDT) |
| Other features | Integrated barricade stop; sling swivel studs on buttstock and forend; integrated QD cups (MDT) |
| In the box | XRS chassis, angled grip, vertical grip, four buttstock spacers (MDT) |
| Colors for this inlet | Black and Flat Dark Earth (MDT part numbers 104691-BLK and 104691-FDE) |
| Returns and support | 30 day, 100% refund satisfaction guarantee, then "lifetime support of the product" (MDT) |
Figures marked MDT are from MDT's XRS product page. The retailer's specification table is shown once for the whole listing and is not specific to the row we price; its material (6061 aluminum, polymer) and 32.25 in length agree with MDT. On awards: we found none we could confirm, so we claim none.
Should you buy it, and what else to consider
- Buy the XRS if you want to move a factory short action into an aluminum-bedded chassis with AICS magazines, but you still want a traditional stock shape and a choice of grips.
- Skip it, or plan for a rail, if your shooting runs off an ARCA tripod or bipod; the standard forend is M-LOK only.
- Want a lower price? The MDT Oryx in our best rifle chassis guide is the full-aluminum MDT option.
- Building for PRS? The MDT ACC Elite in the same guide adds a full-length ARCA forend and, per the retailer, an SRS-X Elite buttstock with quick release buttons, at a much higher price.
- Finishing the build? See our best rifle bipod picks for an M-LOK or ARCA forend, best scope rings, and how to mount a rifle scope.
FAQ
What is the MDT XRS chassis?
The XRS is MDT's crossover rifle stock: a full-length CNC machined core of 6061 aluminum wearing high strength textured polymer panels, with an aluminum V-block bedding system, AICS magazine compatibility, an M-LOK forend and interchangeable angled and vertical grips. MDT describes it as designed for shooters who want the fit and feel of a traditional shaped rifle stock with the benefits of a modern precision rifle chassis.
Is the MDT XRS suitable for hunting?
MDT calls the XRS ideal for both hunting or target rifles, and the most helpful review on the retailer's page comes from a reviewer with a custom Remington 700 who says they have been on 10 hunts with it. Weigh that against MDT's stated weight of 3.9 lb depending on inlet, before the magazine, rail or bipod; one Verified Owner lists being a little heavier among the cons.
How much does the MDT XRS weigh?
MDT lists 3.9 lb and adds that the figure depends on the inlet. MDT does not state a separate weight for the Remington 700 short action version, so we do not give one.
Does the MDT XRS have an ARCA rail?
Not built in. MDT says the forend has M-LOK slots for accessory mounting and for attaching ARCA or Picatinny rails. For full-length ARCA, MDT sells the XRS Enclosed Forend, which replaces the factory XRS forend with full-length ARCA and additional M-LOK slots. Two reviewers list the missing built-in ARCA rail as a con.
What magazines does the MDT XRS take?
MDT says the XRS accepts standard AICS pattern magazines and has an ambidextrous magazine latch, and its compatibility list gives Short Action AICS Pattern for the Remington 700 short action inlet. MDT notes that the Howa 1500 and Weatherby Vanguard short action inlets use AICS polymer magazines. MDT's list of what comes in the box names no magazine.
MDT XRS or MDT Oryx?
Both are MDT aluminum chassis with AICS magazines. The XRS adds polymer panels over its aluminum core, a traditional stock shape and two included grips. MDT lists the Oryx at 4.2 lb and the XRS at 3.9 lb depending on inlet. One XRS reviewer who moved an action over from an Oryx found the XRS lighter and more comfortable. Our best rifle chassis guide covers the Oryx in full.
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