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MDT DRT Chassis launches as a 3.2-pound magnesium hunting chassis built for night vision and thermal setups. Designed specifically for predator hunters, it targets weight creep from modern night-hunting gear.
At SHOT Show 2026, MDT positions the DRT as a purpose-built solution rather than a crossover chassis. As a result, it focuses on strength, mounting stability, and field efficiency after dark.
Built for Night Hunting from the Start
SHOT Show always brings new ideas, but the MDT DRT Chassis feels targeted. Instead of adapting a competition chassis, MDT started fresh. The goal was clear. Night hunters keep adding gear, and rifles keep getting heavier. Therefore, MDT built a chassis that supports complex setups without punishing the user. As a night hunter myself, I am quite fond of what MDT is doing here.
SEE ALSO: Chiappa Rhino 44 Mag: Bigger, Better, Bottom Firing — SHOT Show 2026
At the core is a magnesium chassis body and buttstock. This material choice keeps the total weight at 3.2 pounds. That number matters when hiking between stands or moving through rough terrain at night. Even so, the chassis maintains rigidity where it counts.
NV Bridge and Mounting Stability
Night-hunting rifles live or die by mounting consistency. Because of that, MDT integrated a Type III hard-anodized aluminum NV bridge and ARCA rail. The system handles repeated clamping from thermal and night vision devices. More importantly, it resists flex and alignment shift.
Whether shooters run a clip-on in front of a day optic or a full bridge setup, the DRT stays stable. As a result, zero retention remains consistent over time. That reliability matters when continually removing clip-ons and bouncing around rough terrain.
Field-Driven Ergonomics and Folding Design
MDT added a folding mechanism with adjustable friction. This reduces overall length for transport and vehicle storage. Meanwhile, users can tune the lock tension to their preference.
Ergonomics stay simple and functional. Tool-less length-of-pull adjustment speeds setup. An adjustable cheek riser with a foam insert improves comfort in cold weather. Additionally, a carbon fiber vertical grip cuts weight while remaining comfortable.
Up front, the forend combines M-LOK with a full-length ARCA rail. It supports RRS Lock and ARCALOCK, which helps on tripods and barricades.
Compatibility and Reliability Choices
The DRT focuses on Remington 700 clone actions with integral lugs under 3/8 inch. Compatible actions include Defiance, Impact, Terminus, Curtis, and Lone Peak. However, factory Remington 700 and Bergara actions require lug modification.
To prevent issues in low light, MDT added an adjustable magazine latch and a magazine release lock. The MDT DRT Chassis System ships around March at an undisclosed MSRP. For night hunters managing heavy optics and long hours, it delivers a lighter, more intentional platform built for the dark.
Learn more HERE.
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Mitchell Graf is a dedicated hunter, competitive shooter, and firearms enthusiast. As a former instructor and president of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team, he has a strong foundation in marksmanship and competition shooting. These days, he spends as much time as possible chasing pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermal optics.
When he’s not in the field or on the range, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer in the Aerospace and Defense industry and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether he’s behind a rifle, designing parts, or working the land, his drive for precision and performance remains the same.
Experience:
– Mechanical Engineer – Full-time professional in the Aerospace/Defense industry.
– Competitive Shooter & Instructor – Former President and Instructor of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team.
– Night Vision & Thermal Hunter – Passionate about night time predator and hog hunting.
– Part-Time Farmer – Working to provide for my family, and raise food for this great nation.