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January 29th, 2012

SHOT Show: Remington RACS Modular Stock for Rem 700s

Remington once again showcased a “civilian” production version of the Remington Arms Chassis System (RACS), first shown at the 2011 SHOT Show. The full-adjustable, modular RACS are designed as drop-in upgrades for any Rem 700 action. A Rem 700 action is clamped directly (metal on metal) to the center section of the RACS, which has a V-block type profile and central magazine well. There are both short-action and long-action versions of RACS. These look nearly identical in design, other than the length of the action section (see photos below by EdLongrange.)

Remington RACS Rem 700

The RACS features a folding stock, with adjustable cheekpiece, LOP, and buttplate height/cant/cast-off. This stock will accept AI magazines which also come with the kit.

Remington RACS Rem 700

No Release Date or Price Yet
What we still don’t have is a firm price and a date when RACS will actually be released to vendors. This system attracted much attention when first introduced, and it appears Remington has made evolutionary upgrades, but right now Remington is still not disclosing a final prices or a reliable delivery date. So keep your figures crossed, but don’t get too excited. Rem’s RACS may remain “vaporware” for an extended time.

Remington RACS Rem 700

Video from SHOT Show 2011

2012 Photos by EdLongRange, used by permission

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January 21st, 2012

SHOT Show: Whiskey 3 Chassis System from KRG

KRG whiskey 3 chassis We met up with Justin Juarez of Kinetic Research Group (KRG), producers of after-market stocks for SAKO TRG 22/42, and the new Whiskey 3 Chassis (W3C) system for Tikka T3 and Remington 700.

We were pleased to get a first-hand look at a Whiskey 3 rifle build because Zak Smith is currently testing a KRG Whiskey-3 tactical rifle for AccurateShooter.com. We hope to publish Zak’s field report in February. While Zak’s W3C-fitted rifle is chambered as a Rem .260, Justin showed us a .223 Rem version with an innovative carbon-wrapped barrel. This rifle, shown at right, recently won a F-TR match — no mean feat for a .223 competing against a field of .308 Win rifles.

KRG whiskey 3 chassis

The modular W3C combines tool-less adjustments, (length-of-pull and cheek piece height) with good ergonomics and very durable construction. Rounds feed through the reliable AICS-type magazines. The W3C Gen II is currently available in fixed and folding stock versions for Tikka T3 (non-magnum length calibers) and Remington 700 short action (and 700 clones). KRG currently taking pre-orders (no money down required) with an open delivery date for other versions such as the Sako M995/TRG-S and Badger M2008. Price: Fixed $890; Folding $1260.

KRG whiskey 3 chassis

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September 27th, 2011

New Beretta Nano Pistol Features Modular Serialized Chassis

Put this in the “it’s about time” department. We’ve long wondered why makers of polymer-framed handguns don’t serialize the internal sub-chassis, so owners can swap frames (shells) easily without legal issues. Currently, for example, if you have a Glock and need to replace a damaged frame, you must return the frame to the manufacturer. Glock then destroys the frame and replaces it with a new frame with the same serial number. That’s necessary because the unitized Glock frame/chassis together constitute the serialized part. If you don’t want to relinquish your original frame, the only way to get a second Glock frame is to buy a new gun, and do a new DROS with background check.

Beretta Nano 9mm

Beretta has come up with a better solution. Beretta realized that pistol owners might want to upgrade their frames, or have multiple frames for the same serialized handgun — one frame could have a short grip and while another has a full-sized grip. With its new Beretta BU-9 Nano subcompact 9mm pistol (to be released in October), the serial number is stamped on a separate, removable internal chassis. The polymer frame bears no serial number. As a result, Nano pistol owners can purchase additional frames without legal restrictions. Acquiring a new Nano frame would be just like buying a new recoil spring or other accessory. CLICK HERE for Beretta Nano Spec Sheet (PDF).

Beretta Nano 9mm

We hope other manufacturers follow Beretta’s lead. Removing the serial number from a handgun’s external polymer shell allows aftermarket companies to develop a variety of frames with different features. Aftermarket frames could even be custom-molded to fit the owner’s hand. Additionally, the gun manufacturer could package multiple frames with one chassis for the original sale. That would appeal to folks who want a stubby grip for carry and a full-size grip for gun games.

Along with its novel serialized “modular chassis”, the new Nano has some other interesting features, including a push-button “striker de-activator”. This allows the gun to be disassembled without pulling the trigger. Also both front and rear sights are secured with set screws. This allows a user to easily adjust (or change out) the sights without expensive tools. These features are explained in the video below.

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October 3rd, 2010

Target-Tactical Stock for Barnard Repeater Actions

Ask any Palma shooter and he’ll tell you that Barnard makes one of the smoothest, most reliable actions available. And now there is a new modular metal stock system that adapts the Barnard SM action for use in target and tactical rifles.

Barnard Tactical Stock

The new Barnard 07 Target-Tactical Stock (TTS) from MTGuns features an anodized aluminum chassis with a floating tubular handguard. The TTS is designed for the Barnard small repeater action, and the chassis is configured to use reliable H.S. Precision detachable box magazines. One H.S. Precision .308-sized magazine comes with each stock, allowing the rifle to be chambered for any round with a .308-spec case head and a maximum overall length of 2.800″. That means you can mag-feed and shoot a 6XC, .243 Win, 6.5×47, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, .308 Win, or 7mm-08.

Fully Adjustable Cheekpiece and 4-Way Buttplate
One of the most impressive features of the Barnard 07 TTS stock is the ease with which it can be configured for different shooters or different shooting positions. The stock comes with an adjustable cheekpiece secured with a large, ergonomic rotary knob. The Barnard TTS stock also includes a 4-way adjustable butt plate at no extra cost. This allows the shooter to easily modify length of pull (LOP), pad height, offset, and cant (buttpad L/R tilt). Also included with the stock is an elevated Picatinny-spec scope rail, and the Barnard SM action is drilled and tapped for a Remington-type rear sight base.

Barnard Tactical Stock

While there are many metal chassis systems offered for Remington-footprint receivers, the TTS system gives you the advantage of a Barnard action. Like its ‘P’-model big brother, the SM action boasts a very fast lock time, easily removable striker assembly — no spring compression issues — with a 1/16″ firing pin in a three-lug bolt. Overall bolt/receiver tolerances are machined to very exacting standards. The SM action can use Remington-style triggers.

Barnard Tactical Stock

The TTS stock is strong and stiff, yet light in weight. Using a TTS stock, you can build a rifle that is comfortable to carry in the field. A complete rifle fitted with a 26″ medium Palma contour barrel (and included Picatinny scope rail) weighs just 12 pounds. The Barnard Target-Tactical stock comes standard with sling swivel studs, one on the handguard and the other near the bottom of the adjustable buttplate.

For more information on the Barnard 07 Target-Tactical Stock, visit MTGuns.com, or call MTGuns (in California) at (805) 720-7720. The Barnard 07 Target-tactical stock, complete with floating handguard, 4-way buttplate, H.S. Prec. magazine, and scope rail, normally retails for under $1300.00, but prices are subject to currency fluctuations (Barnard products are crafted in New Zealand).

Disclosure: MT Guns has purchased advertisements on this site.

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December 15th, 2009

Review of Accuracy International AE MKII

Accuracy International AE MK II On the GunsandHunting.com (Shooting Illustrated) website, you’ll find a well-written, in-depth review of the updated Accuracy International AE MKII rifle in .308 Winchester. (The MKII title means the rifle has a threaded barrel with brake.) The reviewer, Steve Adelmann, is a former Army sniper, so he certainly knows his tactical rifles. Adelmann praised the rifle’s ergonomics and folding stock. He also said the detachable mag system is one of the best available: “AI’s rifles also allow the magazine to be pushed straight into and dropped from the magazine well[.] The feeding and function of the five- and 10-round magazines were flawless during my evaluation, totaling 230 rounds.”

We often hear claims about tactical rifles delivering “benchrest-quality accuracy” when shot from bipod with factory ammo. We always take such reports with a grain of salt. For this article, at 100 yards, Adelmann tested two types of factory ammo, and three sets of handloaded ammo. The average accuracy of ALL the ammunition, based on five, 5-shot groups for each type, was right around one MOA (see chart).

Accuracy International AE MK II

We’re pleased Adelmann published honest results with five groups per load. Some testers will only shoot one or two 3-shot groups, which can give a false impression of the rifle’s true accuracy. Adelman writes: “The rifle still managed sub-MOA performance with the best factory ammo and handloads averaged together for all distances.”

CLICK HERE for full Accuracy Int’l AE MK II Review