Are you looking to dominate at your next precision rifle match?
We all know that the best rifle in the world won’t make you shoot well. The barrels, scopes, and trigger hardware are essential, but without a solid chassis system, you’re missing your foundation. In competitive shooting, precision rifle chassis systems matter.
Key takeaways:
Traditional stocks just don’t cut it anymore. Chassis systems provide unmatched adjustability, stability, and consistency in your rifle. If you’re competitive shooting, here’s why you need a chassis.
In this guide, we cover:
- Competitive Benefits of Chassis Systems
- Features That Matter for Competitive Shooters
- Configuring Your Chassis for Tactical Matches
- Choosing the Right Chassis for Your Shooting Goals
Competitive Benefits of Chassis Systems
Competitive precision rifle shooting has really taken off.
More than 13,000 shooters now compete in PRS-sanctioned matches, and that number keeps growing each year. With a target-rich environment of that size, every little advantage you can gain on the range makes a difference.
And that’s where a precision rifle chassis system comes in.
A modern precision rifle chassis system can transform your shooting experience. You’ll be shooting off a platform that is rock solid and not going to warp over time. It will have tool-free adjustability to help you adapt to different shooting positions. It will allow you to customize your rig exactly the way you need.
Companies like XLR Industries have been perfecting modern precision rifle chassis systems since 2010. Their patented multi-point radial cut inlet creates a bedding style that bonds the chassis to your rifle to give you that perfect foundation for accurate shooting.
You can see how popular chassis systems are in the PRS ranks. 67% of the top 200 shooters now use chassis rifles. They know they work.
Features That Matter for Competitive Shooters
Chassis systems aren’t all created equal.
While there are dozens of different chassis out there, the best precision rifle chassis all share several key features that matter most to competitive shooters. Knowing about these features will help you make more informed decisions.
Adjustability is King
You will be shooting from all different positions during a competitive match.
You will be going from prone to barricades to bad angles. A standard wood or fiberglass stock won’t provide you with the adjustability you need. A chassis system can.
Adjustable features to look for include:
- Length of pull adjustment – Customize your rifle to fit your body
- Adjustable comb height – Achieve proper cheek weld for consistent eye alignment
- Buttstock options – Fixed, folding, or modular buttstocks to match your needs
- Grip customization – Swap out your grip to match your hand size or preference
This adjustability will allow you to dial your rig in just the way you want and make fast adjustments throughout a match.
Weight and Balance Are More Important Than You Realize
Here’s a little fun fact…
The average competitive shooter runs a heavier rifle than most people expect. The added weight reduces recoil and stabilizes your shot more effectively. However, you have to find the right balance.
Successful PRS competitors generally run rifles between 20 and 26 pounds. That is heavy enough to give you stability, but not so heavy that it’s hard to carry between stages.
Many companies also offer lightweight chassis systems. Lightweight magnesium chassis systems shave significant weight from your rifle without losing durability. Ideal for hunters who don’t want to carry extra weight or shooters who need to move quickly.
Modularity Allows Versatility
One of the biggest advantages of a chassis system is modularity.
If you want to swap components, you can do so without replacing your entire system. Need a night vision rail on your rifle? Done. Want to change from a pistol grip to a regular rifle grip? Easy. Need to add weight or lighten your rifle? No problem.
The modularity of a good chassis system means it can grow with you. As your skills improve and your shooting preferences change, your chassis can change with you.
Configuring Your Chassis for Tactical Matches
Competitive shooting at the highest level requires specific configurations.
Professional-level competitive shooters work endlessly on dialing in their setup. They know that small changes can make huge differences in the ranges you are shooting. But what specific configurations are winning matches?
Here are the details:
Rail Systems and Mounting Options
Modern chassis systems come with built-in rail systems – generally ARCA or Picatinny.
These rails give you mounting options for bipods, barricade stops, and other accessories. Top shooters often run ARCA rails because they allow for continuous mounting points along the entire forend.
This is crucial for adapting bipod placement to different stage requirements.
Barricade Stops and Stability
Shooting off barricades is a big part of rifle competition matches. A barricade stop locks your rifle securely to a vertical surface, giving you a solid platform when you need it most.
The best chassis systems have multiple mounting points for barricade stops. That allows you to configure your rifle for different barricade heights and shooting angles.
Monopod vs Bag Rider
There is some debate over rear support systems.
Some competitive shooters prefer a monopod for rear support. Others prefer a bag rider. Both are good choices, and it generally comes down to your shooting style and specific match stages.
Many modern chassis systems offer the ability to choose or even switch between options.
Choosing the Right Chassis for Your Shooting Goals
Picking out a precision rifle chassis system isn’t a decision to make lightly.
Your chassis should match your specific goals and style of shooting. A competitive shooter has different priorities than a backcountry hunter.
Competition Shooters Focus on Features
If you are shooting PRS or NRL matches seriously, features trump weight savings.
You want:
- Maximum adjustability for different shooting positions
- As many mounting options for accessories as possible
- Integrated ARCA rails for your bipod
- Heavy, stable platforms that better manage recoil
Competition chassis from the top manufacturers have these features.
Hunters Need Balance
Backcountry hunters need to approach things differently.
Weight becomes an even bigger factor if you are hiking miles into the mountains. However, you still want the accuracy benefits of a chassis system.
Look for lightweight chassis options. Magnesium or skeletonized construction will save you weight without losing structural integrity.
Budget Isn’t Free
Quality chassis systems are not inexpensive. However, they are a worthwhile investment.
Entry-level chassis systems start around $300-$400. Mid-range chassis systems run from $600-$900. Top-tier competition chassis systems will exceed $1,000 or more.
However, here’s the thing:
Your chassis is a long-term investment in your shooting. It doesn’t wear out like barrels do. Spending more up front will likely save you money over time.
Conclusion
Precision rifle chassis systems have really changed the game when it comes to competitive shooting. They provide the adjustability, stability, and consistency that serious shooters need to shoot at their best.
Precision rifle shooting at the competitive level is still a growing sport. Right now, chassis systems represent the new standard for precision rifles. Whether you are shooting competitively, hunting, or just pursuing long-range accuracy, a chassis system will benefit you.
Do your research. Try different systems if you can. Ask more experienced shooters what they like. When you find the right chassis for your needs, you’ll know why everyone has switched to chassis systems.
Your next target is out there waiting for you. Make sure you have a solid enough foundation to hit it.
