Update: Received the chassis this weekend from Shane at AWT. I would have received it sooner, but USPS forgot that they actually have to "deliver" the mail rather than just drop off a notice that your package is in your city (that's a whole other story). Nevertheless, my initial impression of the chassis is that this is an extremely well made and D@MN is this thing light*! I honestly thought that someone nabbed the chassis in transit because the box was soooo light when I picked it up from USPS. The fit and finish is topnotch. (*I am in search of a scale in pounds/ounces and will post the weight of the chassis with and without my barreled action asap.)
Installation of my barreled receiver to the AWT chassis was stupid simple. The barreled receiver dropped right in (as to be expected) and fit like a glove. I intended to add some install pictures to this review, but honestly there is no reason to show me torque down two 3/16 hex screws to 65in lbs. It honestly took me longer to open up the box than to assemble the chassis and install my barreled receiver.
The chassis is extremely balanced with the VTR attached. The balance point is basically just in front of the magazine well. I can't wait to see how this balance translates to the range/hunting. What I also noticed right off the bat was the perfect placement of the magazine release. My hands are not that big (I wear large gloves) and I can easily manipulate the magazine release with my trigger finger while maintaining a solid grip on the pistol grip. Unlike my M5 DBM, the magazine does not rattle in the chassis (Win goes to AWT Chasis vs my McMillan A3 and M5 DBM combo in that category). Speaking of the grip, some people have asked if I am going to replace to hogue grip that it came with. Short answer: No. I don't really see a reason, at least not right now to replace it. That all may change after shooting/hunting with it, but we shall see.
The stock is highly adjustable for LOP and cheek height. Two hex screws can be loosened under the cheek rest to adjust LOP and the knurled wheel adjusts the cheek piece up and down. There is a large range of adjustment on the cheek piece to accommodate anyone running a top rail such as a MARs or McCann rail.
The forearm is removable by 4 hex screws on either side of the chassis. At first I wasn't sure which configuration I was going to like (forearm on or off), but after handling the chassis I do like the feel and balance of rifle with the forearm attached. Additionally, there are several tapped and threaded holes on the top of the rail... AWT didn't confirm this but I see a picatinny rail adapter for NVG/thermal or other top rail accessories in this chassis' future. What Shane at AWT did confirm was that a folding adapter for the stock is in the works and is currently being tested. I will definitely be ordering that when it is available.
Now all that's left to do is shoot it! Stay tuned
