MDT HNT26 vs XLR 4.0 Mag

Ive fondled the XLR several times over a few years and was about to place and order but kept hesitating due to the long lead time. Then the MDT was announced. One look at the MDT made the choice easy, and I got in on the first batch. The XLR looks and feels clunky as hell to me. The forend is way too long imo. That step you like on the XLR is going to be right under your carry hand unless you use a very heavy barrel, which defeats the purpose for me.

I wish MDT laid up the butt an inch longer. Im 6’ tall and need all the spacers, and could use more frankly. I absolutely love the contours, everything is smooth and radiused. The hinge is the same one they use on the regular chassis and so far is super tight. I fold mine after every use, and nothing has changed. The chassis has thumb rests on each side above the grip so it’s comfy if you dont thumb wrap. Ive heard other gripes about the grip, but I think its fine.

Overall super happy with the MDT. Ive got a defiance anTi with a 22” Proof carbon barrel and it weighs 6lbs 2 oz. It’s a .260 rem and recoils as good as can be expected given the low weight. Its extremely accurate as well. I took the barreled action out to do some coating and etching to it and the bedding is making nice contact. The only thing that would make it better would be a magnesium skeleton stock (like a Q Fix design) that right folds over the bolt.

Edit: The flush fitting 3 rd MDT mags are badass.

Secant said:

For those that have experience with both, which one are you using & why?

I have several Manners EH-1 with mini chassis & generally like them as a cross-over stock. With mini chassis, pic rail, arca rail, and flush cups my short action EH-1 weighs about 42 ounces. I'm considering an MDT HNT26 or XLR 4.0 Mag for slightly better ergonomics/adjustability, and weight saving. With folder & arca, sounds like the MDT would be about 31 oz (savings of almost 3/4 pounds), and the XLR package (folder, bag rider, thumb rest) would be about 35 oz (savings of almost 1/2 pound).

Cartridge will be 6.5cm.

I've handled both the XLR & MDT, but I haven't actually used either. I don't like the MDT grip, but I can replace it for cheap.

I can get the MDT for $1440 and the XLR for $1365 (negligible difference), and both are available to ship now.

The MDT has a shorter allowable LOP, which I prefer.

I don't like how the forend attaches on the MDT resulting in an angle instead of a hard stop like the XLR.

Most of the use will be spring/summer/fall, but there will be some winter use. I think the feel of the carbon will be better in winter months over the metal XLR. It shouldn't matter for most of the rest of the year.

Has anyone had the cheek riser on the XLR loosen up?

Anyone have issues with the relatively short forend on the MDT? Does the folder mechanism lock solid after repeated use?

Do you notice any difference in recoil management with any of these?

Any other reasons to choose one over the other?

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I'll get more information from Dan who runs both right now and just FYI we have Element 4.0's in stock and for less than you listed
Plus you can always call me at 916-670-1103x2 - Richard

I haven't used both, but I do own a XLR 4.0 element MG. It was mostly for my kids to use, but I did take it deer and elk hunting this year. I really like the chassis, although I have the TR2 buttstock and would prefer it to be quicker to adjust for multiple people it has been rock solid. I do like that the XLR offers shorter lop stocks which are ment to be used with the hinge, but can go without it to get a shorter LOP. Here is my 5 year old and 9 year old shooting mine in 6.5cm

Secant said:

Thanks, looking forward to hearing more! I'll edit my original post, but the costs were based on arca forend & folding stock for MDT, and XLR including carbon buttstock & grip, folder, thumb rest, & bag rider.

Would you guys sell the XLR without the carbon grip? It drives me a little crazy to spend $200 on a 1.2 oz carbon grip when I can buy a 1.9oz B5 systems grip for less than $20. I don't mind spending money on lightweight stuff, but $180 for about 0.5 oz is pretty retarded.

Off topic (but it's my thread), do you guys get regular shipments of LPA Fuzions? I'm looking down the line to potentially grab an alpine cut LPA Fuzion, fully nitrided, standard bolt face action.

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The ones we have for sale have the Ergo Grip, and I can work you a price when you call me. I wish we got Fuzion's in on a regular basis

Speaking of Fuzion's one of my next builds will be a Titanium in .223 with another Element similar to my old setup.

Element is about impossible to use electronic clips on with FYI. I dumped mine.

Have a hnt26 here now but haven’t used it yet.

Bravo is still my fav “light” stock but we shall see if the 26 is better

I have both. I love the MDT more. The mag release is easy and pops the mag free great. The MDT is also slimmer and since I run thumb over or "forward", the MDT is easier and more comfortable to do so. A modified MPA grip changes that tho. I haven't decided if I will sell the XLR or not, but if a sell anything, it will go as I like the MDT ergos more.

I use the MDT for coyotes, Hands down one of my favourite chassis. For colder climates having carbon fibre to touch vs metal is a no brainer for me. (having used metal before) the metal really sucks to hold in the cold. where the carbon is very comfortable.

I have owned both and I kept the XLR's and sold the MDT HNT26. I prefer the feel of the XLR and all of the carbon on the MDT is slick when wet. I have hunted with the XLR in sub 0 Temps and still prefer it over the HNT26

So I guess the answer is both. Personal preference is personal and hard to decide without owning both.

I'm sure I'd like a Hnt26 if I had one as well.

You can order the XLR buttstock in whatever LoP you want if you order from smoke composite.

Our fixed stocks can be customized for optimum length of pull for an additional charge of $35.

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I like the MDT a lot. Have one waiting for my Lone Peak Fuzion and Proof barrel to be finished. In the meantime I picked up a second one during Black Friday for my Tikka .308. I don't know if it's because it's a factory second but it doesn't like anything but the metal AICS mags.

I agree the carbon fiber is slippery. I think in Gen 2 they need to put some grip enhancement on the forend. I added my own solution and it works great but added a little weight.

Folding mechanism does lock up nice and tight. No issues there.

Having ran both for over a year now(Well the element for almost a decade) I can't really say that we have a favorite between the two as they both work really well and are the lightest chassis systems out there currently. They both have their advantages and drawbacks but equally perform just as well when needed.

Metal vs. Mostly Carbon Fiber = Some people like the feel of CF over a metal chassis. To me when It's that cold or I'm hunting in the cold I'm wearing gloves so the "coldness" of the chassis does not bug me as much.
Buttstocks = The XLR does allow you to run all of their buttstock options which is nice if you need more adjustments. The benefit of the HNT is it comes with a shorter LOP with the folder and allows you the lengthen it if needed with their spacers.
Folders = Although the XLR folder was improved with the gen2 you still need to adjust it to take up some slop. The MDT folder takes the win on this one.
Forend = The forend on the XLR is slightly longer which I like and it's also attached to the rest of the chassis vs. bolt on with the HNT. The barreled action can be swapped in and out more easily with the XLR as well. You need to remove the Forend of the MDT to remove the barreled action.
Shooting = Some say the MDT feels more "dead" and absorbs recoil more than the XLR due to the CF and being filled with some foam but I have not noticed a difference either way. They both shoot and track well under recoil.
Function = Both perform equally as well function wise but the XLR is a little more dynamic as far as adjustability with accessories.

You can't really go wrong with either setup and both are currently our favorite hunting/lightweight chassis on the market.

Can you change the grip on the MDT? With all the AR grips out there it’s hard to imagine not being able to make this a standard.

ufg8rmike said:

Can you change the grip on the MDT? With all the AR grips out there it’s hard to imagine not being able to make this a standard.

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The MDT grip is AR pattern.

I own both. Also of consideration if you plan to do barrel swaps, I prefer the XLR. For dedicated chassis the MDT! I had my XLR coyote smoker out this morning….no coyotes we harmed however.

I really like the HTN26 but my next build will most likely involve a 1-10x LPVO and a Thermal ClipOn and I feel that the XLR has a better bridge mount than the HTN26

st1650 said:

I really like the HTN26 but my next build will most likely involve a 1-10x LPVO and a Thermal ClipOn and I feel that the XLR has a better bridge mount than the HTN26

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The xlr bridge mount is extremely high. You'll need a 1.7-1.9" mount to get the clipon aligned with your lpvo. I had my smith take 0.150 off it and, using a ariska low pro pic rail attached netted me near 220k lower height. 1.5" rings still isn't perfect alignment.

Dlea2288 said:

Do you still have a them in stock?

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We have a few left

I have the hnt26. I have minimal time behind it ( maybe 100 rnds). My concerns center around the forend:
Just how many drops to the bag is this forend/ mid chassis connection going to take and how is that connection going to stand up to being dismantled/reassembled every time I need to pull the barreled action?
I chose this chassis because it would allow me to make weight while using existing optic and barrel.

I'm assuming that this isn't marketed as a competition chassis, nor built or designed to take the abuse of being one, since MDT has several other chassis that are marketed as such. The HNT26 is marketed as being a hunting chassis, which means carried a lot shot a little.

So while it works great for gaming you have to expect to accept that your using outside of its design parameters and it's going to wear our faster. Price to factor in.

Use it as designed and it'll run for a lifetime I'm sure.

I have the same sentiment. I LOVE the HNT26, I was planning to have my setup be a switch barrel rig. However after removing the foreend once I decided that would no longer be a great option. It can be done, but I just don’t see it holding up well over frequent swaps. Once you accept it for what it is, it is exceptional. But for ease of barrel swaps the XLR is better…but overall I still prefer the HNT26.

My rifle goes to the bag the same when my target is steel as it does when furry.
Having said that, MDT does indeed market this as a hunting chassis. I suppose I never really considered there to be a difference in durability requirements between a rifle used to hunt w and a rifle used in a NRL type environment.
Maybe a " this chassis isn't suitable for the rigors of hunter type competitions" disclaimer for clowns like me. Or maybe a " good for x amount of shots' rating. I dunno. I do like a lot about it, I will say that.

I guess what I ment was relative to hunting versus competition shooting. My hunting rifles get 100-200rds a year thru them. But my play rifles might get 10x that amount.

When I get a HNT26, if the handguard attachment method seems too fragile I'd be tempted to machine a couple of titanium bushings and bond them to the handguard at the hardware attachment points, that way the attachment points and screw passthroughs become metal to metal joints rather than the current arrangement of flat head screws tightening directly against countersunk carbon fiber.

The titanium bushings with the screws passing through them should make for a more durable method of attachment for removing and reinstalling the handguard, although it will add a couple grams of weight and the hardware will no longer be flush with the handguard. However, making tapered head bushings and countersinking them for flat head hex or torx screws will keep them low profile and not protrude much nor become a snag point.

I'll make a decision when I get one in hand. I plan on picking up one SA and one LA hnt26 this year.

Also the XLR hits that weight with a decent buttpad. The HNT26 buttpad is garbage for anything over 6.5CM recoil. Literally a thin rubber skin over hollowed out plastic.

I ground a limbsaver to fit and it's much better now. I would probably do it all over again if I had to as I don't like the ergonomics of the XLR.

goatsie said:

I have the same sentiment. I LOVE the HNT26, I was planning to have my setup be a switch barrel rig. However after removing the foreend once I decided that would no longer be a great option. It can be done, but I just don’t see it holding up well over frequent swaps. Once you accept it for what it is, it is exceptional. But for ease of barrel swaps the XLR is better…but overall I still prefer the HNT26.

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It most def can still be a switch barrel. Use a barrel vise that grabs the barrel just in front of the hand guard and use a rear entry action wrench with buttstock folded over. Break the barrel off the action with the action still in Chassis. Swap barrels in the vice, slip barrel through handguard, screw together and torque up with rear action wrench. Unless I'm missing something where a 1.2 or 1.25 shank barrel will not pass freely through the muzzle end of hand guard.

I initially had the same durability concerns with the HNT26 as some of you but I put a short action and a long action arca folder through some pretty tough mountain hunting in Montana this year and they both performed great.

I looked at the XLR but couldn’t stomach paying that much for a chassis with an AR15 buffer tube buttstock even though I’m sure they’re great.

All of my experience with MDT customer service tells me that if there ever is a failure with any portion of the HNT26 they will stand behind it and get me straightened out immediately. 100% would buy again and might pick up a second short action one in the future.

4O6shootist said:

It most def can still be a switch barrel. Use a barrel vise that grabs the barrel just in front of the hand guard and use a rear entry action wrench with buttstock folded over. Break the barrel off the action with the action still in Chassis. Swap barrels in the vice, slip barrel through handguard, screw together and torque up with rear action wrench. Unless I'm missing something where a 1.2 or 1.25 shank barrel will not pass freely through the muzzle end of hand guard.

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You are 100% correct. I should have clarified that it doesn’t work for my barrel swap setup. My vice is mounted to a bench and doesn’t have much room. Totally my setup!