So, you’ve got a bolt-action rifle or Ruger 10/22 that you’re looking to upgrade. You want to add useful features like M-Lok attachment slots, but you’re also looking to add removable-box-magazine capacity (to your bolt action, obviously). Being able to adjust length-of-pull and cheekpiece height is also important, as is fine-tuning your grip on the rifle system. MDT’s Oryx Rifle Chassis adds all this utility in a chassis system that is eminently affordable.
But, that’s really not telling the whole story, is it? Sure, the Oryx Chassis is incredibly easy to install. Make sure your rifle is unloaded (check it twice, then check it a third time, just to be safe). Remove the bolt and check one last time. Remove the stock from the receiver/barrel. Now all that’s left is dropping the barreled action into the Oryx. Two screws are all that are needed—and MDT provides them! Tighten to ¼-turn past snug and you’re ready to go. For bolt-action rifles that come from the factory with internal box magazines, you’ve also added removable-box magazine capability to your rifle. AICS-pattern magazines will with the Oryx Chassis.
Once installed, length-of-pull and cheekpiece height can be easily adjusted to the shooter’s preference. If this is a system that might have multiple users of different sizes, MDT offers a spacer kit to add up to ¼ inch per spacer, for a maximum increase of 1 inch in LOP. For the cheekpiece, knobs are available to make raising or lowering the height a toolless proposition. Standard AR-15 grips, without the extended beavertail, can also be swapped out for the included model if there’s something more to your liking.
Taking An Oryx To The Range
On the range, there’s a host of features and options to help make the most of your long-range pursuits. Integral to the chassis is a barricade stop, for stabilizing the rifle on impromptu rests. The flat fore-end allows the rifle to lay flat on a front bag, but also contains M-Lok attachment points should you wish to install a bipod. There’s a low-profile, full-length ARCA rail sold separately for those who prefer tripod-based shooting as well.
All the accessories and components are secondary, though, to the feel in the hand and construction. In the case of the Oryx, fear not—this is the same rugged, dependable chassis we’ve come to expect from MDT. Fit and finish are superlative, with components working exactly as expected and a rock-solid feel once installed. In addition to the MDT magazine supplied with the chassis, both Magpul and Accurate-Mag AICS-pattern magazines worked just fine in the Oryx Rifle chassis.
MDT offers Oryx Rifle Chassis systems for a wide variety of rifles, from the venerable Remington 700 we show above to the Ruger 10/22. Other companies with rifles compatible with the Oryx are CZ, Howa, Mossberg, Savage, Thompson Center, Tikka and Weatherby. There’s a pretty good chance there’s an Oryx Rifle Chassis to fit your bolt-action rifle.
What’s the bottom line on the MDT Oryx Rifle Chassis? If you’re looking for an upgrade that you can customize as you go along, that’s easy to install and will last the life of your rifle, this is definitely one to consider. The price is comparable—and, really, on the lower end—to other chassis systems out there, and includes a removable-box magazine as well. MSRP on the Oryx Rifle Chassis is $429.95, and for more information visit MDT at mdttac.com.
Specifications
Length: 32.25 inches including buttstock
Length of pull: 13 to 13.5 inches with spacer kit
Weight: 4 pounds, 3 ounces
Construction: Type 2 Hard-anodized 6061 aluminum
Magazine compatibility: AICS pattern
Max. Barrel Diameter: 1.25 inches
Grip: AR pattern (no beavertail)
MSRP: $429.95
