McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System

Accessories Misc. Authors Paul Helinski
McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
This is the McRee G5 TMAG mounted on a Remington 700 in .300 Win. Mag. The scope is a Vortex Razor HD. We have mounted the optional cloth cheekpiece, and this is the folding stock version with the rigid hand hold. The magazine is a five round AI spec Badger Ordnance, the same one issued to our troops in the field with the .300 Win. Mag.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
The McRee mounts on the same two action screws that you remove the plastic stock with, except that in the aluminum McRee chassis the screws are captured so they can’t be lost.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
There is no topstrap on the McRee chassis so you have to use the rifle’s existing mounting holes for your scope rail. This can be standard scope mounts or one of these single rail options you see here.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
We installed the Weaver rail to hold the Vortex Razor.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
Use GunTite or some other thread locking compound to make sure these screws don’t losen from recoil.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
We tested Hornady, Federal Fusion, and Wal-Mart Winchester ammo in the gun and the Hornady was really the only one that performed well. Out of the box Remingtons are known to be finicky with ammo.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
Our resident US Army Sniper Ben Becker tested this rifle for a whole afternoon in the hot sun.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
The Hornady ammo shot into about an inch consistently with a hot gun on a hot Florida day. The Federal and Winchester not so much.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
If you click to make this bigger, you will see a closeup of the folding stock joint. You lift to fold and unfold, and it is so solid you would never think you are shooting a folding stock rifle, even with the kick of a righteous full snot .300 Win. Mag.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
Hindsight being 20-20, it probably would have been better to take this folded picture from the other side.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
The stock weighs just over 6 lbs. with the cloth cheekpiece, which is mandatory.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
Something nifty about this chassis, though we weren’t able to try it, is that, if you follow the directions and use a torque wrench to tighten the action screws, it will return to perfect zero when you torque it to the same 60 in/lbs. the next time.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
All of the parts are modular on the McRee, so you can upgrade your stock later.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
There is a night vision adapter that you can buy that mounts over the front of the forend, and it will also take standard rail sections as well.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
The magwell takes NATO standard (AI) single stack magazines. US Tactical sells the Badger Ordnance military issue ones for $89 each.

McRee Sniper Rifle Chassis System
Make sure you get a big enough stocking to hold the $35 cloth cheekpiece and add it to your list, above Assassin’s Creed III. The aluminum is cold and hard and the one that US Tactical sells is first rate and much better than the $20 ones you find on Ebay.


US Tactical Supply – McRee Chassis
https://ustacticalsupply.com/McRee
Click Here to get the USTS catalog.

Building a high end sniper rifle requires a whole list of choices, and few of those choices are inexpensive. Off the rack, there are a good number of sub-MOA rifles out there these days, but seldom do they come with a stock that can be customized with tactical accessories. We found this “G5 TMAG” aluminum rifle chassis that is made by McRee Precision at US Tactical Supply, who you may remember was the source for the M1A chassis called the “Juggernaut Rogue.” This chassis is for bolt guns and it offers, out of the box, with no gunsmith required, an improvement in baseline accuracy as well as a customizable sniper platform for either tactical work or long range competition. The price at US Tactical is $551-$883, depending on your configuration, and it takes a NATO spec , Badger Ordnance manufactured magazine that cost an additional $89. Our test stock is for a long action Remington 700 in .300 Win. Mag. that we ordered special for this project. The McRee chassis mounted in about two minutes and delivered MOA accuracy. Our model is a folder, and it is solid as a rock, and though the McRee will be a little heavy for some tastes, it is top notch performer at this price, Made in the USA.

The McRee stock is completely modular, so though it may look like different version of the stock for sale on the website, all of the components can be interchanged and added . Our test rifle has the folding buttstock with what they call the rigid hand hold. We also added the $35 stock pack to have some cloth between the shooter and cold aluminum ( which I highly recommend). We did not get the monopod for the rear, or the night vision top rail for the forend. All of these things are options when you order your stock, or they can be added later from the accessories page. Our test rifle was a standard Remington 700 base model hunting rifle, not a heavy barrel or the special law enforcement PSS model. The stock itself can accommodate barrels as thick at the action itself, and the forend itself is modular and can be removed altogether, though most people wouldn’t. m

This is a true “free float” barrel system. There is no contact between the barreled action and the McRee chassis beyond the front mounting bolt. This results in a direct correlation between the true accuracy potential of the rifle and ability of the shooter . Floating in the middle, the stock becomes transparent, with a perfect, metal to metal fit that is torqued down to a specific tightness . The McRee is heavy, about six pounds, but in the .300 Win. Mag. the weight is welcome as it reduces the felt recoil significantly compared to the factory stock. In a .308 this amount of weight will have less dramatic an effect and it may seem a little hefty, but as any long range shooter will tell you, the heavier the rifle, the more human error it hides. I would argue that if you are going to add 3-4 pounds to your rifle, which is how much this thick aluminum chassis will weigh more than your standard polymer riflestock, you might as well get some more punch and go with a long action in either a .300 Win. Mag. or a .338 Lapua, if you can afford to shoot them. If lugging the rifle around a desert isn’t an issue, the weight will be welcome for most long distance shooters regardless.

Installing the McRee chassis is painlessly simple. You remove your rifle from the stock by taking out the two action screws, then you mount the chassis on your rifle the same way. The action screws are captured in the McRee stock so they will never be lost in the field. The instructions tell you to use a torque wrench on the action screws, set to 60 in/lbs. and , though we weren’t able to try this, it claims that if you use a torque wrench and set it to the same 60 in/lbs. every time, the rifle will return to exact zero. The only reason we weren’t able to test it was because the Remington 700 we purchased had extractor issues and had to go back. It wasn’t worth holding up the review for a minor point, especially when some of you guys and girls could do something really stupid like put a new flatscreen at the top of your list for Santa when this stock is clearly soooooo much higher a priority, or at least it should be.

As for the actual review of the chassis, for what it is, we could not find a flaw in the product. The McRee is currently deployed all over world in several branches of the US Military, and police tactical teams have used the McRee for years and they are held in extremely high regard. The accuracy in our Remington 700 was about 1″ at 100 yards for three shots and not much more if any for five on average. Our resident US Army Sniper Ben Becker did the shooting, so this rifle probably wasn’t capable of better than this, but all of these results were with a hot rifle on a hot late summer day in south Florida before the skies opened up with yet another deluge. There are a number of higher end rifles on the market that have the same hole spacing as Remington and we strongly suggest that you invest in one of those rather than try to make do with an out of the box 700. US Tactical also does have some of these stocks for some Savage models, which are also much better guns, and there are new versions for some FN rifles as well. We chose the Remington because for one, they never change their hole spacing like Savage, and it also will represent the majority of legacy rifles out there that could be improved with a rock solid chassis. There is no McRee for Winchester, Browning, Weatherby or other common bolt gun favorites. There is also no left hand option at present.

Most likely, if you are in the market for a high end sniper platform, you expect to spend some money. The worst thing when you set out on a task like this is to not buy major components right the first time. The McRee is definitely called buying it right the first time. There are much more expensive stocks out there, some even as much as you would expect to pay for a complete rifle. There are also definitely prettier stocks out there, and I’m not talking about the burled walnut variety. The McRee is somewhat blocky and erector set looking. It takes AR-15 grips, so the ergonomics are pretty flexible, and you will find the rifle heavy, but comfortable. For performance, we got the folding option and it as solid as a fixed stock, with no wiggle or flex it all, yet it folds and unfolds effortlessly. At this price we have not seen a more flawless, clean, neat and consistent chassis on the market, and I can’t imagine ever hearing “you should have bought a (Brand X) because it is this much better than the McRee.” You can spend more money (a lot more money actually), and you can probably get both a lighter and a prettier chassis, but as a pure performer the McRee is our #1 pick for most bang for the buck. And yes, you can quote GunsAmerica Magazine & Blog in your letter to the North Pole.

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  • Stijn Vandamme March 4, 2017, 4:12 pm

    Obviously it returns to zero if you retorque the action in the chassis each time.

    That’s because your scope is not mounted to the chassis, but to the action.
    It’s zero’ed even if it’s not mounted in the action at all.

  • Jon S. Engles December 6, 2013, 9:40 pm

    i’m looking for a tactical stock for my left handed Browning BAR .300WSM. i’m a service connected disabled Navy veteran (35 yrs old) and i can’t get my hand around my traditional stock and still pull the trigger/look through the scope. any help would be welcomed.

    jon

    • Rod August 23, 2016, 3:55 pm

      If you are still looking I build custom tac stocks for any rifle most have been for the 700 la/sa. I would like to help if you still need one.

      • Al Metcalf March 23, 2018, 6:38 pm

        I am also looking for a tac stock for 300wsm auto external 10 round mag ?

  • Kevin August 18, 2013, 8:35 am

    When are we going to open our eyes and see what our goverment is doing to all of us, they bring Foreign Soilders on our soil (proven fact) over 15,000 Russian Soilders are now based hear in case of an emergency since when do we need help from any other country, it’s a ploy to get american citizens to think this is ok it is TREASON no other word for it but nobody is willing to say or do anything. They are here for one reason one reason only their here to do what are police and army will refuse to do kill Americans during martial law wake up america kick those Russian Bastards out of our country they do not belong here and we do not want them here FEMA excuse their needed in the event oa catastrophic event as that the same as trying to take guns and freedom.Please I beg you patriotic Americans they are giving our country away for New World Order take the time and read the reports its out their in print people just will not believe it and dont think it going to happen it is right now in 250 years foreign solider have never occupied America until know Obama is not what you think we need to look long and hard at whats going on you decide you make your own decision. I hope some of you other Americans will give your feelings its time to speak your mind before it’s to late

    • Nate June 11, 2014, 6:12 pm

      where did this info come from.

    • Mailman August 21, 2016, 5:03 am

      I think you are 100% right about the Russian troops stationed in America. But, one thing not being factored in is the “fighting spirit” inherent to almost ALL Americans. American warriors, when left alone or led by a fully qualified team of Officers and NCO’s have NEVER been beaten, and I don’t think they ever will be by troops from ANY other country. When you piss off Americans, look out! We’re coming at you. And, don’t bother running. You’ll just die tired! Compliments, USMC !!

      • Stijn Vandamme March 4, 2017, 4:21 pm

        Never been beaten???

        Battle of Bataan
        Battle of Corregidor
        Battle of Taejon
        Battle near Hill 689
        There’s a lot more where this came from…

  • Kevin August 18, 2013, 7:36 am

    Just to give you guys something for thought, I purchased an AICS 2.0 set up for 338 Lapua mag. but decide to put my 700 416 remington mag in the stock and with a little magazine and feeding work I know have a useable 416 with fantastic long range accuracy I fitted it with a Schmidt& Bender 5-20×56 and although it will not shoot as well as my 416 Barrett it is a hole lot easier to lug around fitted with atlas bipod and you have something nobody else has or wants but it sure puts a smile on my face every time I shoot it.I reload all my own ammo but 1500 meters well within it’s range and has plenty of knock down power.Future plans include adding a BORS system like my Barrett just been saving for my next project.

  • JTF November 17, 2012, 9:24 pm

    Another new gadget to hit the market.
    Someone will buy it and use it then decide they don’t like it anymore for various reasons and either sell it on ebay or it will collect dust. I know I have walked the walk. I / We have tons of stuff collecting dust.
    What makes a rifle system accurate is not just this stock. I really have no problem with it but would like to wait till the reviews for actual field users start to come out.
    Your ” resident sniper” term isused way to much.He/she should be called ” Your range tester.”
    He does not potrait himself as a sniper. Please let him shoot without the gadgets. Be free Ben be free!
    What the Max horsepower for this stock anyway? 300 , 338? .50?
    Go deeper in this it is interesting.

  • David October 20, 2012, 1:32 pm

    I just put together the gen-5 LEFT HANDED (new) with my Savage 10 for law enforcement, (I’m a police officer and a NRA member).
    Everything is the same from the Vortex to the rail. My gunsmith is going to cut my bull barrel down to 20″ from the 24″ and add the new surefire socom break. I’ll like the quite suppressed shooting in 308. The cost involved for what you get as a complete rifle is very pleasing; plus no wasted ammo. I’m shooting targets between 500 yards – 800 yards with no problems. I hope sharing this information in helpful for any legal gun owner who wishes to do long range target shooting.

  • Chet October 4, 2012, 1:41 pm

    Ditto Sean935-Is the conversion CA legal?

    • Michael November 10, 2012, 8:44 pm

      Yes. I haven’t had any problems with mine and I’ve had it in many gun shops and at a few ranges… I’ve actually had LEO interested in mine.

  • wart October 2, 2012, 7:05 am

    Hello does anyone what total cost will be turn key

  • Julio October 2, 2012, 6:19 am

    WOW, what an outstanding article. I am highly impressed on how the weapon turn out, I never thought I would want a Remington 700 but you just sold me on one. I was looking at the new Colt .308, but now it seems like I be getting two different .308 Kudos you fine sir.

  • Jerry October 1, 2012, 8:33 pm

    I’m sure they meant to say 60 inch-pounds, which converts to 5 foot-pounds. Awesome looking rifle!

  • Sean935 October 1, 2012, 7:23 pm

    I know the Winchester Model 700 is legal in CA. But would the conversion be legal in California?

    • Michael November 10, 2012, 8:42 pm

      Winchester 700? What is that? The Winchester Model 70 is legal, just as the Remington 700 is… If you’re asking if the DBM is legal, yes it is b/c it is in that neither of these rifles are considered “assault weapons”.

    • Mailman August 21, 2016, 5:09 am

      Excuse me, but either you have a Winchester model 70 or a Remington 700…both very fine rifles but made by very different companies.

  • George October 1, 2012, 4:27 pm

    Although I’m aware that some military sniper rifles incorporate pistol grips in their design (not something I would choose) the fact that the shooter on the review page is using a machine rest and has assumed a truly odd position just to enable him to shoot prone causes me to wonder about the ergonomics of this stock. For my own long range shooting I’d rather see this stock without the pistol grip resting on a bipod.

  • bhp9 October 1, 2012, 11:50 am

    If you like the “latest and greatest” expensive arm chair commando toy then this is the stock for you, but lets face facts, do you really need this type of stock to get outstanding accuracy. Of course not. Most heavy barrel guns in good condition will easily shoot 1/2 minute of angle if they are bedded properly with a cheap glass bedding kit. All this is way cheaper if accuracy is what you want but it does not bring you snob appeal like the “latest and greatest” arm chair commando toys do. My 1938 beautiful wood stocked Model 70 Winchester out-shoots most of my more modern plasticky rifles.

    • Michael November 10, 2012, 8:40 pm

      I agree, I had my M48 Mauser sporterized in the original stock and glass bedded, barrel free-floated and was turning between 1/2- 3/4″ groups. But, when it comes to the tupperware POS stock that came on my 700 SPS-V, there was no hope. The interior of the stock was injection molded and not able to do mu ch beyond a pillar bed (maybe). The barrel was obstructed by having two contact pads on the very and of the fore end… In short, while the action and the barrel were quality, the stock was a huge hindrance in accuracy. I’ve the before and after targets to prove it! Shaved an entire 1/2″ on my groups.

  • Charlie October 1, 2012, 10:11 am

    Great Questions!!!

    We can only hope that these are asked and not the “what is your favorite color Mr. President” type.

    • Bo Carter October 1, 2012, 6:53 pm

      Does any one use the 30-06 as a sniper Rifel? I have two a Remington and Springfield.

  • Joel October 1, 2012, 9:15 am

    What accuracy were you seeing out of the rifle before the stock replacement?

    • Dave October 1, 2012, 12:54 pm

      I’m with Joel. Without a real before and after comparison, and at longer ranges, this isn’t much of a test.

    • Michael October 1, 2012, 12:57 pm

      My SPS-V .308 was (at best) a 1″ gun before I went to my McRee. Since then I’m getting 3/4″ from factory loads and down in the .5″ area with hand loads. Just my experience, fwiw….

  • Russ October 1, 2012, 8:52 am

    I wonder how this stock compares to AICS. Price point is about the same.

    • Michael October 1, 2012, 1:01 pm

      I went with the McRee over the AICS, McMillan and Manners simply for a few reasons: It is definitely different from most of the “standard” high end options, AND the McRee already had bottom metal included (the others would require another substantial investment to finish) and the McRee requires no bedding.

  • john murphy October 1, 2012, 7:11 am

    the torque sounds high at 60ft/lbs, 60 in/lbs sounds more reasonable

    • George October 1, 2012, 4:32 pm

      I had the same question but, if images mean anything, the image of the foot pound torque wrench is resting at 60#.
      That’s darn near what the lug nuts on my car’s wheels torque to.

  • Gary Howell September 30, 2012, 9:09 pm

    I’m very impressed and would love to duplicate what you’ve done here with a similar rifle of my own. Very, very cool.

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