Question of definition

[Jerry Halcomb]

serious question.
What is the definition of a chassis? Is it just new way of saying gunstock? Is it a synonym for stock? Does it only apply to certain types of rifles?
thanks for serious replies

 

[jelenko]

What is causing you to ask the question? I'm assuming you've checked out a few rifle chassis.

 

[1Merlin]

What comes to my mind... A stock is a more or less traditional shape with a chassis being a metal modular construction with components and the ability to customize via various "bolt on" parts .

 

[WSnyder]

But then you have items like the KRG Bravo. Is it a stock or is it a chassis? XLR, MDT, Eliseo are obviously good examples of a chassis but the Bravo and others like it I’d call hybrids but I’d say lean more into the stock category. Most everything else other than the examples above I’d call a stock.

 

[xswanted]

I think across the industry when you see “chassis” it usually has some kind of backbone or solid interface to the rifle action itself as well as the ability to accept AICS or similar mags.

Example, MDT chassis’ all have aluminum backbones that mate directly to the receiver.

A KRG bravo would fall in chassis in my book as it is an aluminum back bone and utilizes an AICS mag system.

 

[tmwinds]

Chassis- Base frame or structural framework.
Strip all of the accessories and you have the chassis.

 

[Jerry Halcomb]

What is causing you to ask the question? I'm assuming you've checked out a few rifle chassis.

I see ”chassis” used in descriptions. I wondered if it was specific to certain items or just a “buzzword” that I needed to familiarize myself with.

 

[jelenko]

I would say a chassis is a stock.
Do a search for 'rifle chassis' and look at what is offered. You will be able to see first hand what is meant by 'chassis' rather than getting others interpretation.

 

[PWNolan]

@Jerry Halcomb

Hi Jerry, all good info above. IMO a "chassis" is a type of stock with and aluminum frame that the barreled-action gets mounted to and provides rigidity. They're generally adjustable (comb, LOP, etc) and have provisions to easily attach accessories

Often they're AR style but not always. They aren't always used with barreled actions that accept AICS style mags. I do agree with @xswanted that the KRG Bravo is most definitely a "chassis. I have two of them and one of the reasons I like them is that they look more like a target stock than something like a AR



A lot of old school guys dislike the term "chassis" as well as that stock style in general. I can't really blame them. I like a beautiful wood stock too. But these new fangled chassis have their place too. Like any synthetic stock I like that you don't have to really worry if you put a scratch or ding in them. They're not exactly pleasing to look at to many but they're definitely functional. Like them or not I think they're going to be around awhile.