The MDT HNT26 chassis presentation and review

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Compatible with many weapon models, it allows you to considerably improve the portability of a weapon as well as its ergonomics, in short, you would almost think you had a new weapon!

Materials and Construction

• Weight : Its name comes from its weight, 26 ounces! or 740 grams, it is one of the lightest chassis in the world. Be careful, however, depending on the housings and options chosen, the weight can go up to 31 ounces or 880 grams. Indeed, the models for long housings (long action) coupled with the Arca rail and the folding stock option add approximately 140 grams compared to the lightest model.

• Materials : The chassis uses a magnesium alloy for the central part of the chassis, why magnesium rather than aluminum? It's simply much lighter! The volumetric density of magnesium is 1.73 g/m^3 while that of aluminum is 2.7 g/cm^3, which is more than 50% heavier for the same volume!

The two ends (barrel and butt) are made of carbon fiber.

The matte finish is very aesthetic, we can clearly see the pattern of the carbon sheets used for manufacturing.

Finally, the handle is a marvel of lightness, 100% carbon it weighs only 25 grams…

The stock is also filled with foam to reduce vibrations, which gives a rather particular sensation, very little echo after a shot, very pleasant to use.

Ergonomics and Adjustments

• Adjustable stock : The height of the cheek piece is adjustable, with two screws locking or unlocking the cheek rest.

The length of the stock can be adjusted with shims for optimal adaptation to the user's height, despite our modest size (1m78 for 66 kg) it is necessary for us to add all the shims...

• Vertical Grip : Made of carbon fiber, it promotes a right-angle grip for better trigger control, in addition the side of the chassis has a protuberance particularly suited to the positioning of the thumb, making the position very pleasant.

• Foldable (option) : Some models include a folding stock, ideal for transport and storage, but be careful, this adds weight! A button on the side of the pivot unlocks the joint, allowing the stock to be folded 180 degrees.

Once the stock is along the action, you will need to press a release button to return the stock to the firing position.

When we purchased this button, it was particularly difficult to operate, hopefully this button will break in with time and use.

Compatibility and Features

• Universal chargers : Compatible with AICS chargers, but be careful, in order to save weight you will have to prefer plastic 3-shot chargers. Unfortunately, these are compatible with the majority of calibers, except the 300 WSM and the 6.5 PRC at the time of writing this article… (Too bad for me)

If you're not a few grams shy, MDT's AICS metal magazines work great with this chassis!

• Ultra-accessible magazine release! The magazine release lever is directly integrated into the trigger guard, ultra discreet and above all ultra accessible!

• The M-Lock system is present on each side of the stock, this system is a modular attachment mechanism designed to attach accessories to the weapon. Developed by Magpul Industries, it relies on slots cut directly into the material, allowing for a lightweight, robust and customizable attachment.

M-Lock compatible accessories attach using screws and nuts that lock into these slots, providing a secure solution without the need for additional rails like the Picatinny system. This improves ergonomics, reduces weight and allows for great modularity.

The M-locks are strategically positioned, two on each side of the stock, particularly suitable for adding weight (sometimes useful when the weapon is heavily under the weight of a competition to reduce recoil)

An M-lock is present on the bridge above the barrel, the latter will be perfectly adapted for the addition of thermal modules for hunting at dusk or at night (prohibited in France)

There are also M-locks under the barrel to mount a bipod or picatinny rail or other accessories.

• ARCA Rail (optional) : Also known as Arca-Swiss rail, is widely used on precision weapons to facilitate the mounting of accessories such as tripods, or bipods.

Originally designed for photographic equipment, this system is appreciated by shooters for its versatility and speed of adjustment.

With its large, smooth surface and sliding mechanism, it allows the support to be quickly repositioned on the weapon to adjust the balance or shooting angle, thus improving stability and accuracy. Very popular in long-distance precision shooting, it has become a standard in PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competitions.

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4 QD Flush rings for attaching a sling for carrying the weapon when hunting, present on either side of the weapon

Assembly

The chassis is composed of 3 parts, the stock, the central part in magnesium, the carbon barrel, when your chassis is delivered, the central part is already fixed to the stock. On the other hand, the front part (the barrel) is disassembled and must be assembled on the weapon.

Step 1: Disassemble your old stock

Step 2: Place the case in the central part of the chassis

Step 3: Use the screws provided with the chassis to pre-tighten your action

Step 4: Hold the weapon vertically, barrel upwards, and lightly tap the butt on the ground to wedge the recoil lug against the frame.

Step 5: Tighten the case screws lightly

Step 6: Slide the barrel onto the barrel, until the 3 Torx screws are aligned on the central part of the chassis

Step 7: Tighten the barrel to the central part

Step 8: Tighten the housing screws to the correct torque

Step 9: Enjoy your new jewelry!

The HNT 26 is available for multiple platforms:

• Remington 700 Short Action
• Remington 700 Long Action CIP
• Savage Short Action
• Savage Long Action CIP
• Tikka T3/T3X Short Action
• Tikka T3/T3X Long Action
• Tikka T1X
• Howa 1500 Short Action
• Weatherby Vanguard Short Action

The price: you will need to count around €1500 for a version without options, and around €1700 for a full option version (Arca + folding stock)

Our conclusion:

A marvel of engineering, this is the kind of element that always pushes the boundaries of innovation further, this chassis will undoubtedly become a reference for mountaineers and NRL Hunter practitioners!

Combined with the right accessories, you can obtain an extremely light AND high-performance weapon!