Anyone have any experience with Grey Birch chassis? I am thinking about getting one for a tikka t1x, but I don’t see much feedback from actual users.
Grey Birch chassis ?
- Thread starter 264win
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I have a Volquartsen 10/22 SS action, carbon fiber barrel, SS forward blow comp in the Gray Birch DLX chassis. The scope on it is the March 1.5-15 x 42. The fit and finish of the chassis is excellent. Magazines insert with no effort, lock in place with no wiggle, very important to prevent lead shaving and they drop out with out hesitation. The combination, chassis, VQ and March Scope makes for a very light and accurate combination. 1 MOA or less at 100 yards with Eley semi auto benchrest all the time. I did add soft material to the cheek weld and strongly recommend the Ergo Tactical deluxe Zero Angle Grip. My next build will be a VQ Summit and it will be in the Gray Birch chassis.
I have the Grey Birch LaChassis for T1X chassis, and use it for both PRS ELR and STAG competitions in Ireland (Republic). I purchased it on Brownells Germany website and have been running it for almost a year.
I wrote an initial impressions review a while back in FB.
In short, it's pretty nice and light, which meets my requirements for STAG shooting competitions (no sling allowed for standing or sitting/kneeing positions). Plus it's stable and has many features that supports my PRS ELR shooting (although you may need to add some M-LOK weights). I like it (except for the price... about 20% more expensive than an MDT LSS-RF build but lighter weight).
Let me know if you have any specific questions about the chassis. Cheers!
I wrote an initial impressions review a while back in FB.
In short, it's pretty nice and light, which meets my requirements for STAG shooting competitions (no sling allowed for standing or sitting/kneeing positions). Plus it's stable and has many features that supports my PRS ELR shooting (although you may need to add some M-LOK weights). I like it (except for the price... about 20% more expensive than an MDT LSS-RF build but lighter weight).
Let me know if you have any specific questions about the chassis. Cheers!
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Did you end up doing any business with Grey Birch...? Been thinking about a Takedown 10/22 LaChassis from them but no phone numbers, no reviews, an a bunch of guys batching on their Facebook page got me a little skiddish...
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Yes, as I mentioned on my previous reply post. I've had the chassis for almost a year now. It was a good feature, function and weight compromise for PRS ELR and STAG shooting competitions.
See my initial impressions review in FB via the provided link (there's a few pics in review). You have to login to FB to see it.
There's also a Grey Birch LaChassis for T1X video review on YouTube by Badger (a video guns and gear reviewer).
I have one for my CZ457 that my son runs for PRS Rimfire. It's very solid and feels good but it's definity on the smaller side.
I just picked up one for my CZ457. Looks and feels nice. Just need my rifle to arrive now.
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Having trouble with the folding stock. The lock screw arrived already set on the inside. Pushing up and pulling down on both sides and can't budge it. Is it super stiff?
I had the same issue with mine. The fix for me was a combination of Butches bore shine and Kroil oil mixture applied to the hinge and working it back and forth. To unlock the stock it's best if you place the hand grip upright on a table and push the stock butt down with the other hand close to the hinge making sure to keep the two parts parallel, other wise it will bind. Then work it back and forth until it feels smooth. Don't let the stock swing all the way back into the fixed position until it feels okay. Hope that works
Thanks for all the responses.
My chassis has arrived and looks to be exactly what I wanted. Excellent fit and finish for the cost as well.
the only small issue is that the included action screws are the wrong size. Could some do me a solid and pull one screw out and measure its length?
According to their website both screws are the same length, so if I can figure out what that is I can grab a couple at my local hardware and be ready to hit the range.
My chassis has arrived and looks to be exactly what I wanted. Excellent fit and finish for the cost as well.
the only small issue is that the included action screws are the wrong size. Could some do me a solid and pull one screw out and measure its length?
According to their website both screws are the same length, so if I can figure out what that is I can grab a couple at my local hardware and be ready to hit the range.
Quick follow up for anyone else interested in this Chassis,
After a quick trip to the hardware store to get the missing screws I put everything together and added my B/A.
Everything went together very easily and functions well.
A trip to the range showed almost no change in zero and accuracy at 50, 100, 200 yds was as good or better than before.
The whole package as pictured with NXS 2.5-10 weighs 7lb 15oz and is very comfortable to carry and shoot.
After a quick trip to the hardware store to get the missing screws I put everything together and added my B/A.
Everything went together very easily and functions well.
A trip to the range showed almost no change in zero and accuracy at 50, 100, 200 yds was as good or better than before.
The whole package as pictured with NXS 2.5-10 weighs 7lb 15oz and is very comfortable to carry and shoot.
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I just installed into the chassis today but it's too damned hot to go shooting here in Phoenix. So far it feels nice though. One thing that wasn't too impressive was the missing hardware. I had to go to the local ACE Hardware and buy the screws to attach the forend and both action screws as well as one of the trigger guard screws.
To this:
I just installed into the chassis today but it's too damned hot to go shooting here in Phoenix. So far it feels nice though. One thing that wasn't too impressive was the missing hardware. I had to go to the local ACE Hardware and buy the screws to attach the forend and both action screws as well as one of the trigger guard screws.
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Nice! 
My only complaint was the cost of the chassis,... especially compared to the price in the US. It's far more expensive in Europe in Euro.
Mine came with all the parts from Brownells Germany,... except the Grey Birch sticker,... but I got the Grey Birch 5-degree angled pistol grip instead (it was stated that the pistol grip was not included). Sorry to hear that you had missing parts.
Enjoy shooting with your new chassis (looks very nice)!
My only complaint was the cost of the chassis,... especially compared to the price in the US. It's far more expensive in Europe in Euro.
Mine came with all the parts from Brownells Germany,... except the Grey Birch sticker,... but I got the Grey Birch 5-degree angled pistol grip instead (it was stated that the pistol grip was not included). Sorry to hear that you had missing parts.
Enjoy shooting with your new chassis (looks very nice)!
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i had the same problem until I put my thumb on the pivot point and pressed there. Magically unlocks as if you pushed an unlocking button and no need to polish anything. A sample of one but I wouldn’t be surprised if this is normal.
KIDD Supergrade. I replaced the rear setscrew with a nylon tip setscrew to tighten up the rear of the action. I have since added Bag Rider and replaced the stock hand grip with an MDT Vertical Grip. Really like the chassis.
Mine just got here. So it came with only one set screw?
Instructions said 2 but they were all outdated?
Did you torque the rail to 15inch/lbs and the 2 on the folder to 40inch/lbs?
Nylon tip set screw from a standard hardware store?
My chassis came with one set screw. It bugged me that I would mar my receiver/trigger housing with metal to metal contact so I ordered some nylon tipped set screws from Amazon. It makes me feel better and they hold it secure at the rear. I just hand tightened the rail and screw to make the folding stock non-folding. I added the Grey Birch Bag Rider and MDT Vertical Grip as I like ergos better.
Look at the (MPA EVG Enhanced Vertical Grip if you like shooting with a thumb rest and more importantly it places your trigger finger at a right angle to the trigger. Have one on my Volquartsen 10/22 in the Gray Birch chassis, great addition.
MPA EVG Grip (Enhanced Vertical Grip) - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.
Our new injection molded vertical grip is designed for the MPA BA Chassis system. The grip design includes a true vertical interface with the rifle, an enlarged palm swell, trigger finger support rest and the enhanced thumb notch. The grip also comes with our special grip tape for improved...
masterpiecearms.com
Look at the (MPA EVG Enhanced Vertical Grip if you like shooting with a thumb rest and more importantly it places your trigger finger at a right angle to the trigger. Have one on my Volquartsen 10/22 in the Gray Birch chassis, great addition.
MPA EVG Grip (Enhanced Vertical Grip) - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.
Our new injection molded vertical grip is designed for the MPA BA Chassis system. The grip design includes a true vertical interface with the rifle, an enlarged palm swell, trigger finger support rest and the enhanced thumb notch. The grip also comes with our special grip tape for improved...masterpiecearms.com
I did see those.
I think I'm just too in love with the EO. Want it to match my other rifles. Just spent too much hunting them down. It's like I have to complete out the set.
Depends on how you place your hand. I prefer to have my thumb on the right side and the gap is a none issue. If you use a full grip then it can be and issue with the gap. As I said in my original post, "If you like shooting with a thumb rest" .
Ordered one from brownells for a 10/22, need to order the bag rider some day, but this is mostly a varmit killer, with a small thermal up top or maybe nv. Already have a volqurtsen carbon fiber barrel and with a boyds stock it groups about 1/2" at 50, maybe a lil better, but not as good as my chassis'd t1x. Maybe a chassis will improve this a lot.
Hey guys, reviving the thread..... anyone knows the size and thread of the forend screws?
I thought they were 1/4-20 but they are not. They look like m6 but I'm not sure
The thread in the aluminium has worn out and now they keep coming undone. So I'd like to replace them with longer ones and secure them with washers and nuts on top(sandwich the chassis and forend together, there's plenty of room under the barrel).
Otherwise I love the chassis, been using it for 5 months on my 457, did upgrades to it as well. It's not perfect but for the money it's pretty awesome! Here's a short review if anyone is interested...
Things I love about it:
1. Weight and size.
2. Included folding hinge - LOVE IT, my 16'' 457 fits in a normal backpack. The hinge is also surprisingly strong for it's size.
3. Looks cool
4. Features - M-Lok, Arca, QD points, adjustable cheek and buttplate, integrated recoil lug, barricade stop with plenty of room for magazine access.
5. Packaging and the user manual - very well designed, explained and also some quite cheeky remarks in there, love it!
Things I'm not crazy about:
1. Material and structure design - 6061 T6 is quite soft, there is quite a bit of flex in the forend and the buttstock. The forend I managed to reinforce by inserting a block of brass that doubles as a balancing weight. Buttstock cannot be reinforced sadly.
2. Buttplate is 3d printed and flimsy. The clamp that holds it in place doesn't touch the top metal rod, it only grabs onto the bottom one. Wrapped the top rod with electric tape to mitigate this, however the plastic is still flexing so it cannot get any more rigid unfortunately.
3. Cheekpeice is also 3d printed and uncomfortable for prolonged use, the texture and screw holes dig into your cheek - I stuck self-adhesive 2mm neoprene foam to it and I can spend hours on it without any discomfort.
4. The finish is different on all parts, which is what they tell you in advance - fair enough, might paint it at some point
5. They went with hex screws for the buttplate and cheekpiece adjustment - I replaced those with thumb screws, much more practical.
6. Bag rider is also very flimsy, it works but it flexes a lot - I'll be installing an M-Lok > picatinny rail and monopod on it, then maybe zip tie it to the bottom part of the buttstock to prevent it from snapping
Brass block, 3mm clearance to barrel.
Thumbscrews and neoprene foam
9 shot group at 200m/218yds with SK Standard Plus, on a 3'' square target, from last weekend.
*top hole was the first shot/sighter, adjusted elevation and shot the group. Very happy with price/performance.
I thought they were 1/4-20 but they are not. They look like m6 but I'm not sure
The thread in the aluminium has worn out and now they keep coming undone. So I'd like to replace them with longer ones and secure them with washers and nuts on top(sandwich the chassis and forend together, there's plenty of room under the barrel).
Otherwise I love the chassis, been using it for 5 months on my 457, did upgrades to it as well. It's not perfect but for the money it's pretty awesome! Here's a short review if anyone is interested...
Things I love about it:
1. Weight and size.
2. Included folding hinge - LOVE IT, my 16'' 457 fits in a normal backpack. The hinge is also surprisingly strong for it's size.
3. Looks cool
4. Features - M-Lok, Arca, QD points, adjustable cheek and buttplate, integrated recoil lug, barricade stop with plenty of room for magazine access.
5. Packaging and the user manual - very well designed, explained and also some quite cheeky remarks in there, love it!
Things I'm not crazy about:
1. Material and structure design - 6061 T6 is quite soft, there is quite a bit of flex in the forend and the buttstock. The forend I managed to reinforce by inserting a block of brass that doubles as a balancing weight. Buttstock cannot be reinforced sadly.
2. Buttplate is 3d printed and flimsy. The clamp that holds it in place doesn't touch the top metal rod, it only grabs onto the bottom one. Wrapped the top rod with electric tape to mitigate this, however the plastic is still flexing so it cannot get any more rigid unfortunately.
3. Cheekpeice is also 3d printed and uncomfortable for prolonged use, the texture and screw holes dig into your cheek - I stuck self-adhesive 2mm neoprene foam to it and I can spend hours on it without any discomfort.
4. The finish is different on all parts, which is what they tell you in advance - fair enough, might paint it at some point
5. They went with hex screws for the buttplate and cheekpiece adjustment - I replaced those with thumb screws, much more practical.
6. Bag rider is also very flimsy, it works but it flexes a lot - I'll be installing an M-Lok > picatinny rail and monopod on it, then maybe zip tie it to the bottom part of the buttstock to prevent it from snapping
Brass block, 3mm clearance to barrel.
Thumbscrews and neoprene foam
9 shot group at 200m/218yds with SK Standard Plus, on a 3'' square target, from last weekend.
*top hole was the first shot/sighter, adjusted elevation and shot the group. Very happy with price/performance.
Update: Grey Birch answered immediately, awesome support from them! Screws for the fore end are 1/4-28 x 3/8 - but I ordered 3/4 so they protrude and I can secure them with nuts sandwiching the fore end and chassis.
As soon as I get a semi-auto license(yes, that's a thing in Europe) I'll be going for a custom 10/22 in a grey birch chassis. I have a tiny build in mind for IPSC.
As soon as I get a semi-auto license(yes, that's a thing in Europe) I'll be going for a custom 10/22 in a grey birch chassis. I have a tiny build in mind for IPSC.
That's what I was worried about is the forearm flex and some components in the rear stock looked a bit flimsy. Every design I've tried that has a removable forearm results in a lot of flex in the design. I get that it's modular, but not a fan.
I have a volquartsen that shoots really well in a Mcrees chassis, which was recently bought out it looks like, but it also had a ton of forearm flex, again from the use of a removable forearm and not doing anything more than using a couple screws to secure it. I've also tried the KRG Bravo, and was not impressed in the 10/22 version for a variety of reasons.
You'd think with all the 10/22 mods and such going around for decades someone would have made a serious chassis for these. They all seem to be limited by various compromises. I suppose the handicap of using a semi-auto in PRS type matches etc. has kept aftermarket development stagnant for semi-auto platforms.
I have a volquartsen that shoots really well in a Mcrees chassis, which was recently bought out it looks like, but it also had a ton of forearm flex, again from the use of a removable forearm and not doing anything more than using a couple screws to secure it. I've also tried the KRG Bravo, and was not impressed in the 10/22 version for a variety of reasons.
You'd think with all the 10/22 mods and such going around for decades someone would have made a serious chassis for these. They all seem to be limited by various compromises. I suppose the handicap of using a semi-auto in PRS type matches etc. has kept aftermarket development stagnant for semi-auto platforms.
I had a Grey Birch for my LH 457, no real chassis options for a lefty. Steel plate game is what it was designed for, too light for a PRS build. It was very nicely machined, the receiver mated perfectly to the action. Folder was very light but worked smoothly and locked up solid. I braced the forend by sandwiching a weight into the barrel channel. Lots of nice features for what it was designed for. Finally picked up an MDT and inletted it to accept a LH action, not difficult at all, don't know why the major players don't offer it as an option. Numbers game I guess. Forend flex on the Grey Birch not as bad as people report, for what it is a very nicely made chassis.
For my application it was a simple conversion. I run Timney triggers but they don't make a LH trigger for the 457. RH trigger pinned in the firing position with the safety lever removed. Since I didn't have to relieve for the safety lever it was simply a die grinder and two different carbide's to cut and bevel the bolt cutout. Trimmed and glued a small plastic block into the safety cutout so the bolt release pin could never fall into the recess if it ever started to back out.
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So I like the GB chassis but it really wasn't ever meant for PRS. For PRS we use the Hyve chassis since it comes on both right or left hand. It had a detachable forend but it's dovetailed in so there's no flex. The Hyve is definitely in the next tier of pricing though than the GB. The GB is perfect for a carbon barrel folder to walk in the woods and hunt squirrels
We've shipped a bunch already. We have LH inlets done and we're making more forends/stocks right now.
