Rifle Stock vs Chassis | Which is best?

One of the most popular bolt actions on the market is the Remington 700 action and there are dozens of options when it comes to how it is mounted. This raises the question of rifle stock vs chassis.

What are these options, how do you benefit from them, and which should you choose? In order to answer these questions we are going to break down each option so we know each one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Overview of Rifle Stocks and Chasses

When it comes to the Remington 700 and its clones there is a lot of crossover between its mounting options. Since it has been around for so long, it has been “figured out” for a few generations. However we can still manage a few improvements here and there.

These improvements are in the stocking options or more simply what we put the action into. This is broken up into two major categories: traditional rifle stock vs chassis. 

Traditional Rifle Stocks

If you have seen any old hunting rifle or rifles from before 1960, you have seen a traditional rifle stock of some kind. This generalized shape has been refined, tested, and modified into the options we have today. Those options are wood stocks or synthetic stocks.

Wood Stocks

Wood stocks are unsurprisingly made out of wood. They are a classic option that is usually topped off with a beautiful finish. They can be bedded for better accuracy with the R700 action and were part of the standard offerings when it comes to the rifle.

However, there is a major drawback to wood stocks. They are noticeably affected by the environment. Everything will react to colder or hotter temperatures, but wood tends to warp more dramatically than metal and plastic in outside temperatures. This is due to the biological nature of wood and how it reacts to humidity, freezing temperatures, and blisteringly hot days.

Synthetic Stocks

Synthetic stocks have become the new normal when it comes to R700s. This is because synthetic stocks are easier to make consistently and are less reactive to hot and cold temperatures. The result is a very consistent bedding that outperforms wood stocks in terms of accuracy in a variety of conditions.

Synthetic stocks build off the designs of their wooden predecessors and refine them to a repeatable standard. This makes them easier to use, generally more affordable, and better for general hunting/target shooting.

Rifle Chassis

Rifle chassis are the next logical step from synthetic stocks. Chassis are made of metal and are combined with other materials for the handguards, borrowing heavily from platforms like the AR-15 in terms of modularity and ergonomics.

Chassis offer the ability to customize your rifle to your preferences without as much involvement with a gunsmith. Before you might have to have the rifle custom made from the stock up, now you can buy a chassis with the features you want and bolt on the accessories you desire.

Differences Between Chassis and Stocks

With modern chassis and synthetic stocks it can be hard to see the differences that each provides, so we’re going to go over some of the major differences.

Modularity

There are a lot of accessories that can make shooting easier, whether that is a laser, an optic, or something as simple as a bipod. Modern stocks and chassis often allow for one or more of these accessories. But the level of modularity is the difference between them.

Modern synthetic stocks can feature adjustable combs and lengths of pull, they can even have built in areas for bipods , and some may have picatinny rails for other accessories. These stocks will still pale in comparison to the modularity of a chassis system.

Chassis allow you to easily replace the grip of the rifle, adjust the comb and stock, and the forends tend to have more mounting surfaces built into the rifle. This allows for more personal customization which can lead to better performance.

Weight

Weight is a constant discussion when it comes to rifles. However, weight brings both advantages and disadvantages. Heavier rifles mitigate recoil better which helps with consistency and heavy recoiling rounds. Heavy rifles are also uncomfortable to carry for long periods of time.

Both modern synthetic stocks and chassis can be very light depending on the model but still have to be paired with a 30-34 ounce R700 action/assembly. This usually means the entire rifle will be double or more of the base action weight. The actual weight of either system will depend on the individual stock or chassis since some are purposefully made to be heavy or designed to have weight added to them. 

Fit and feel

Both synthetic stocks and chassis are consistent hosts for the R700 action but the fit and feel of either is subjective. Synthetic stocks offer a single piece solution that feels like a traditional rifle and has less ways for dirt to get into the rifle. But it often does not have all the features available on a chassis 

Chassis on the other hand have the ergonomics similar to modern semi-automatics and can be tailored to almost every desire you have for your rifle, Their major drawback is how many openings there are for dirt and water to get into the system.

The fit and feel of a rifle is extremely personal. Some may prefer synthetic stocks over chassis and vice versa. Both will perform well, it just comes down to which one you would rather deal with.

Which Stock or Chassis Should You Choose? 

While a rifle stock vs chassis is a personal choice, we can recommend some options for you to consider.

If you want a synthetic stock the Grayboe Phoenix is a good option. Coming in at 40 ounces, it is compatible with all R700 clone actions and any barrel contour up to a 1.250” straight barrel. It is a drop-in ready, ambidextrous option with adjustable cheek rest and length of pull.

For chassis, an affordable option is the XLR Industries Element 4.0 which starts out at 22 ounces and can be modified up to 8 pounds. It is compatible with the industry standard AICS magazine pattern, is compatible with MLOK™ on the forend, and is machined from 6061 T-6 aluminum.

Whichever your preference, there is a stock or chassis out there that will suit your needs and wants.