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MDT ESS Chassis...

SMTGWKD

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 3, 2017
393
94
I was in the middle of a chassis return to MDT when they unveiled the new ESS. They were kind enough to credit my prior order toward the new chassis. While the wait was a couple of months, I'm very pleased with the result. Thought I'd share some pics as there aren't many available for a 15" andguard without the rail. Seems to be a well thought out system.

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I tried 3 ways of posting pics...please let me know if they aren't visible on your devices - not sure why but some of them are really small...
 
What action/barrel are you running? This is on my short list for my next build. I use their Tac21 now.

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

 
Have you weighed the chassis or complete rifle?

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

I just weighed the entire rifle as pictured below - didn't take the time to remove it from the chassis as I just zero'd the rifle.

Entire Rifle: 13.3 lbs

Including:

Remington 700 AAC-SD 20"
Timney CE Trigger
Weaver 20 MOA Rail
Vortex Viper PST 6-24 FFP Scope
Vortex Bubble Level
Vortex Precision Matched Rings
Silencerco ASR Muzzle Brake Mount
Harris BRM-S Bipod

MDT Chassis Base
MDT 15" Handguard without rail
MDT Buttstock

I'm looking to start competing and thing this will be the rifle I'll choose to take the maiden voyage...

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So weird - I can see them fine... I'll read some tutorials or something

Perhaps someone can help me out on this - I've tried the following and can see the pictures using either method...

1. Simply Copy the picture (right click and "copy") then paste in the body of the post. I've tried this using an original file as well as one directly from Google Photos - I can see them fine whether I'm logged in or not but it appears that others can't.

2. Use attach icon, then attach photos (too large using this method with my original photos) but shows up tiny when I use a downloaded picture from Google Photos.

I read a couple of tutorials and each states that the copy and past method works fine - I don't use photobucket currently but can, if necessary.

Thanks in advance!
 
Sorry no pics

And yet I can see them fine when I check in on 2 computers and my phone (without logging in!) - perhaps I don't have enough posts? Who knows...

If someone is willing to re-post pics it may be worth it to someone considering the chassis. I'm happy to text or email them to you. :)

sorry for any inconvenience!
 
These are posted for SMTGWKD... since I don't have mine yet... damnit! Nice ride by the way!!

DK




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Posted them to Photobucket, and copied the IMG/URL link, and pasted it in the post. Should be easy enough, but if you run into troubles, just let me know.

DK
 
Posted them to Photobucket, and copied the IMG/URL link, and pasted it in the post. Should be easy enough, but if you run into troubles, just let me know.

DK

That was mighty kind of you! And yes, OP, I've found photobucket to be the easiest way. Making an account there, and uploading the photos to photobucket allows for you to copy and paste the image link and easily add it in a post using the "attach" button. Though tbh, I hate photobucket's website. So slow and naggy...

Anyways, nice rifle! Looks sleek. My favorite area has to be the grip portion. The thumb rest looks so well integrated, the way it kinda "slides" into the pistol grip, looks comfy!
 
Z71 rat is this what is replacing your mpa. I saw it in the px at little while ago.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 
Right now my rig is sittin in a Choate Tactical heavy friggin brick of a stock!! LOL

The ESS is only slightly heavier than the MPA, but I will be needing some NV provisions for my hog hunt back in my home state of Texas!!

There will be MANY pictures to come once it all gets bolted together!! I'm pretty excited!!

DK
 
I'm interested to see how heavy this setup will be after the carbon fiber forend and stock are released. It looks really good.
 
The carbon fiber front looks really good. I haven't decided yet if I am goin that route or not. Might have to start looking for a good 34mm mount that I like.

DK
 
I am curious as to what if any particular reasons you switched from the MPA chassis to the MDT? I currently have a Tikka CTR and I am looking into chassis options. KRG and MPA have caught my eye, but now the aesthetics of the MDT ESS chassis are by far superior in my opinion. Regarding form versus function, I will in the end, always prefer function.
 
I switched for several reasons actually....

Switched from the MPA Lite due to the short forearm. The longer forearm of the ESS will make it easier to hold a better group with the longer support.

No provisions for NV. Yes, their COMP model has it, but I was already into the Lite chassis before need for NV came up.

MUCH better magazine release design. The ESS is super easy to get your finger on the release, especially when talking about the longer release characteristics of the Savage.

Thumb SHELF vs. the notch. The notch was ok, but the thumb shelf is awesome!!

The ESS is more adjustable, in the fact I can get my eye directly behind the eyepiece with the offset cheek rest. WAY better!!

Aesthetics. I really like the looks of the ESS over any other chassis anywhere else out there, including the Cadex Defense.

Great price point for what all you get!!

DK
 

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And finally... D-Day!! Not the landing, but the arrival!! LOL... D-Day is for, Donnie's Day!! The ESS finally showed up today, so I had to leave work a bit early (cough), just to get her put back together!!

I absolutely LOVE this chassis!! This is by far the very best offering from MDT that I have had my hands on. Super freakin adjustable, and super comfortable. I am so very pleased with this chassis!!

DK


 

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I have now changed the front handguard over to the 12" non-NV model. As usual, the hog hunt possibilities have went by the way side of things... so no more NV rail. I still have it though, and can switch it out easily should the situation arise!!

I will get some pics of the new one shortly...

DK
 
Does anyone know if the ESS can use other MDT stocks? I'm guessing no, but maybe there are plans to allow this?

Love the ESS, but I REALLY like the buttstock that comes with their TAC-21 chassis - was hoping I'd be able to use the TAC-21 stock on the ESS...
 
Nope. The ESS has a proprietary buttstock. The only thing that I know about in the works, is a folding version.

DK
 
The ESS and Tac21 butt stocks are pretty much the same. They might be slightly different aesthetically but they function exactly the same.