As I mentioned at the top of this page I am upgrading my Remington 700 Heavy Barrel Varmint Rifle. I am dumping the Bell & Carlson synthetic Remington 700 stock and using the barreled action and trigger.

Selecting the Modular Driven Technologies MDT HS3 Chassis was an easy choice. The recommendation comes straight from the fine folks at MDT. I really like the folks at MDT and I trust their opinions.  Also a hat tip to MDT for at the time I was ready to order the rifle chassis there was no stock to be found at the usual sources. MDT once again helped get a chassis in my hands. MDT also provided a set of FDE side panels. There is the possibility this rifle will be black with flat dark earth side panels.

The MDT HS3 is the MDT “Hunter Sniper” line of rifle chassis. The HS3 machined 6060 aluminum chassis weighs in at a featherweight 2.2 pounds. Like many other Modular Rifle Chassis the HS3 accepts MDT’s own line of buttstocks or your favorite AR15 stock. The Hunter Sniper 3 also accepts standard AR15 pistol grips.

The MDT HS3 Chassis utilizes Accuracy International “AICS” magazines. For the 22-250 we need the “short action” version which is the same as the .308 Winchester

Originally I had specified the MDT Skeleton Rifle Stock Lite for this rifle. Well for now the MDT Skeleton Stock and here’s why. I had a brand new Magpul PRS GEN3 Precision Adjustable Stock show up for a 308 rifle build at my 308 AR website. I thought to myself “hey why don’t I try it out on the MDT HS3?”. You can guess the rest. I liked the fit of the Magpul PRS GEN3 Precision Adjustable Stock that for now it’s staying on the HS3.

The Hogue OverMolded Rubber Grip with Finger Grooves is another Modular Driven Technologies recommendation for the HS3 Rifle Chassis. For about $22 dollars I will definitely give the Hogue AR 15 Pistol Grip a try. (No Magpul oh the horror). The MDT HS3 configuration does not allow for the use of a beavertail type pistol grip that is common today on the AR-15 platform. Quite simply the beavertail portion of the grip would interfere with the rifle stock. Other compatible grip option would be the Magpul MOE-K, Magpul MIAD with the proper grip kit, Bravo Company Mod-0 Gunfigher Grip and every single A2 pistol grip that is included with an AR lower parts kit. If you are following along on this project and have an A2 grip for an AR-15 on hand give it a try on your rifle before you drop more hard earned cash on something else.

Shooters looking to get the most out of their Remington 700 typically begin by replacing the trigger. The factory triggers, even the adjustable one are “ok” at best. Here it is 25 years later and the Jewell Trigger would still be my first choice with the cheaper, more readily available Timney Remington 700 90% as good a the Jewell. Also around here we like the folks at Timney. See both trigger brands here.

I plan on keeping the Timney Trigger already present on my model 700. If I was to buy a trigger today today for comparison sake my selection would be the Timney Calvin Elite. It’s priced on par with the Jewell.

Originally the plan was to run with a Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 FFP EBR-2C, MOA Reticle rifle scope. Unfortunately that scope was discontinued and Vortex released their PST Gen II line of improved and more expensive scopes. As of right now I’m planning on going with the replacement model the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP SKU: PST-5255. It’s still a First Focal Plane EBR-2C MOA.

Further down the page I specify a US Optics Scope Level Anti-Cant Device for the Remington 700 HS3. I still recommend that scope level for all long range precision rifles as I can certify it works as designed.The Steiner Optics 30MM T-Series Scope Rings include a level at the top of the rear scope base. As a sidebar Im going to compare the two scope levels and determine if the Steiner is up to the task as a mount and level. The incorporated level is more convenient and would result in a cost savings versus buying the parts individually. My biggest concern is the vial is unprotected. Anyhow I have not yet calculated ring height.

A personal preference of mine is matching scope base material to the rifle receiver material. In this case that material is steel. I also typically prefer steel for it’s rigidity and durability. I had originally planned on using a Badger Ordnance Steel Base but I found the NightForce X-Treme Duty One Piece 20MOA Steel Scope Base for $50 cheaper. As for which scope base is better I would say it’s too close to call. Both brands have a large dedicated following. Admittedly if the bases were priced the same I would have purchased the Badger Ordnance for this MDT HS3 rifle.

The US Optics Scope Level Anti-Cant Device has become another of those gun things I cannot live without. I’ll simplify why a scoped rifle needs an anti-cant device or “scope level”. Simply put adjusting for windage and elevation will be inaccurate if the rifle is canted. Adjustments and hold overs will be off target diagonally. It’s important to note that a scope should also be mounted perfectly level to a rifle for the same reasons.

No need to upgrade the Harris Bipod HBL. The Harris Bipod that is currently on the Remington 700 Heavy Barrel Varmint Rifle and was my very first bipod and it has performed flawlessly for decades. It’s also part of my nostalgic affection of my Remington 700 Varmint Rifle. If I was to purchase the Harris Bipod today I would select the 6″-9″ model with notched legs and swivels, the Harris HBRMS Bipod. Both models mount to the front sling swivel.

Accuracy International Chassis Systems Magazines also known as AICS magazines is the standard for most rifle chassis. In fact I would be hesitant to purchase a rifle chassis that did not use the aics magazines or something else globally accepted. Accuracy International branded magazines command a premium price. You get what you pay for and I believe shooters of a compatible platform should own a few regardless. However there is also room and budget for both MDT and Magpul versions at one third to one half the cost of the authentic AI AICS magazines.

• Accuracy International AICS Magazines
• Modular Driven Technologies AICS Magazines
• Magpul AICS PMAG Magazines