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Third Eye Tactical Chassis System

Third Eye Tactical Chassis System

After months of trials, testing, evaluation and hours of machine time, Third Eye Tactical (TET) in West Yorkshire have introduced their modular chassis system for the Tikka T3 and Remington 700. I have seen the various stages of development over the last year until its launch at the British Shooting Show in February. The design has continuously evolved with further options, subtle tweaks and new finishes. I have had one on test in various modular formats since then and have learned how it can be specified to suit many roles.

BEGINNING IN THE MIDDLE

The central section of the stock is the key foundation of the structure, incorporating the bedding inlet for the rifle action, trigger mechanism and magazine well. Tolerances here are critical on something that is not designed for synthetic bedding. One major factor when choosing a chassis system is the ability to bolt your barrelled action straight into it, with no gunsmithing required. Action bolts are supplied at exact length to avoid any issues.

Millions of pounds of advanced machinery whir away at TET, working within thousandths of a millimetre and sometimes it takes a backward step to allow for the relatively poor tolerances of the factory actions to fit the EVO. Remington 700’s are all unique in their own small way and the design used for securing the action has to work with this to alleviate any bedding stress.

TET uses longitudinal rails forming a V-block; the central mag well is compatible with all AICS magazines to allow for both 222/223/204 and 22-250/243/308 case families. Short, long and ambidextrous release levers fit to the magazine well all offering click-in, drop-out speedy changes. A single shot option is available and the trigger cut-out has been generously oversized. Future proofing the stock for fitment of any aftermarket units which can vary in size and external complexity. Likewise, the recoil lug pocket will accept generously sized custom options on re-barrelled rifles.

TRIPLE CHOICE

Three forend types are offered with specific features to suit individual requirements. Those wanting lightweight, compact guns can go for the low profile tubular AR-style which is very rigid! F-class or target riflemen can go for the longer rectangular section incorporating an Anschutz rail, optimised with parallel bearing surfaces for straight tracking during recoil or to firmly attach a wide FTR bipod. The third option is my personal favourite, a tactical dogleg unit that is a little shorter, again with an integral Anschutz rail and swivel studs for any bipod. It is internally webbed to reduce weight yet still maintains total rigidity. All forends show threaded holes to mount Picatinny rails and bolt to the mid-section using 4 x M6 fasteners and steel dowels.

It takes 2 minutes to swap them and doesn’t interfere with the action bedding; all styles fully float the barrel.

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BUTT

The butt is where development seems to be most prevalent. Starting behind the AR15-compatible grip, the central action support is threaded to accept any standard AR15 furniture. Both TET units offer height adjustable butt pads, cheekpieces and length of pull (L.O.P.) using internal spacers but here the options begin. Type-1 as I shall call it is suited for a bag riding gun, likely to be shot from a fully rested position. An adjustable bag-rider can be mounted beneath the gun for elevation adjustment at the time of setup on the firing point. Everything runs parallel to the bore-line to minimise tracking drift during recoil.

Type-2 is ideal for shooters preferring more tactile control, where a supporting hand or soft bag may be employed, wedged up under the butt and holding the gun into the shoulder if rapid shifts of aim-point are required. Either design can be fitted with a notched, height adjustable monopod whose threaded foot shows precise elevation control. The folding option is attractive at little extra cost, long barrelled guns will fit more easily into cars and cabinets and those carrying a tactical rifle certainly appreciate compact overall size. It is rock solid when `open` but can rattle a little when folded as there is no solid `folded` locking mechanism.

COMFORTABLY NUMB

I have shot the stock on a 243 Remington in every conceivable format and have seen how the ability to select your own options will make a gun suitable for your needs. The price and modularity is also attractive to a user unsure of exactly where their shooting may evolve and what future requirements might appear. Testing the applied bedding stress using three different Remington rifles has shown minimal stress applied to the action and point of impact has remained close to `zero` showing the v-block system to work well, it is certainly superior to MANY other designs I have tested!

The weight and solidity of the stock give the gun a dead feeling when fired but it rides bags well and exhibits little of the muzzle flip or bounce exhibited by spongy forends. I couldn’t really develop a liking for the tubular forend, seeing it as a totally aesthetic choice but the other two held equal favour for relevant shooting styles.

Weight is a factor though; it is competitive for an all metal, highly adjustable chassis but can’t compete with laminate or composites where rulebooks are concerned. The relatively organic shape of a wooden laminate or composite stock is certainly tactile but these rarely suit precision mass manufacture and require hand-fitting for best results. For a chassis unit, the TET Evo provides everything you could want at an attractive price and the options of Anodising, Cerakote, DuraCoat and film (dipped finishes) give limitless possibilities. Just bolt it on!

FOR
Precision made with
good bedding design
Modular system will suit most users
Smooth mag feed

AGAINST
Relatively heavy
No lock on the
folded butt

VERDICT
A true off-the-shelf
accuracy solution
Attractive pricing structure
for future changes

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