The STRASSER RS 700 XRS Chassis combines uncompromising Austrian manufacturing quality with the modularity of the globally popular Remington 700 design. By further developing the Strasser straight-pull system and integrating it with the Remington 700 footprint, you get a precision rifle with unique characteristics that is also compatible with a huge range of aftermarket parts.
A possible configuration combining all these features can be obtained directly from the Strasser company. Our friend MAJOR FINDING is currently testing one thoroughly.
The "RS 700 XRS Chassis" is a combination of the RS 700 barrel system and an MDT XRS stock. The Canadian company "Modular Driven Technologies" - or MDT for short - is one of the most well-known manufacturers of stocks and offers a product, the XRS chassis, that meets most requirements of a modern stock.
In this third article about the RS 700 itself, we take a detailed look at the finished rifle. We examine both the rifle in its current configuration and its individual components. The images and texts in this article are provided by our friend MAJOR FINDING.
System and Barrel
As the name suggests, the straight-pull bolt action system from STRASSER opens by pulling the bolt handle straight back. This requires fewer hand movements to cycle the action, making it faster and ensuring no rotational force is transferred to the rifle due to the straight movement of the bolt backward and forward.
In conventional bolt action systems, the rifle inevitably tilts to the side during the cycling process, easily causing the shooter to lose sight of their target. This difference not only makes the RS 700 an ideal hunting rifle for stalking, but also an excellent platform for precision shooting, as the shooter does not need to search for the target again after cycling when shooting at long distances with high magnification.
The interaction between the bolt and the system has been further refined in the RS 700, and unlike the RS 14, the bolt now runs on two guide blocks instead of one. In addition, the guide blocks in the RS 700 are made of brass, making the bolt even smoother. No scratching, no play, no jamming - every movement of the bolt feels like two glass panes gliding over each other.
A slight pressure on the bolt handle moves the bolt forward, and the four elements of the bolt head engage smoothly and effortlessly with the bolt housing.
Since the system is compatible with Remington-style triggers, the safety is integrated into the trigger. Additionally, compared to the RS 14, the bolt housing in the RS 700 is narrower as it is entirely made of steel. The bolt catcher is located on the outside of the bolt housing and fits into the recess in the stock where the bolt handle is located in conventional systems. The bolt catcher can also be switched to the left side if necessary.
As mentioned in the first and second articles about the STRASSER RS 700, the test rifle is equipped with a 24-inch (approximately 61 cm) barrel with a semi-weight contour, chambered in .308 Winchester. So far, it has been supplemented with a three-chamber muzzle brake and a 20 MOA Picatinny rail.
MDT XRS Chassis
MDT is probably the most well-known manufacturer of chassis and is particularly prevalent in the PRS field. The XRS Chassis is especially suitable for entry-level precision shooting and offers very good value for money.
The core of the XRS is made of aluminum, covered with plastic parts. There are three MLOK slots on the left and right sides of the forend. The underside of the forend is equipped with MLOK along its entire length, with a section of it featuring an ARCA rail from MDT.
At the end of the forend, we have attached a "BONE" bipod. This versatile bipod also comes from STRASSER, like the rifle, and we will take a closer look at it in a separate article.
The grip of the XRS chassis has an optimal angle of 90° for us and is suitable for both shooting from a rest and shooting prone. The thumb rest on the top makes the grip area very ergonomic overall.
The buttstock can be adjusted in length and height, with the length being adjusted using four inserts. The height can be adjusted continuously, allowing the shooter to set their optimal head position individually. The height is locked in place with two screws. However, if the screws are tightened sufficiently to prevent loosening during shooting, the plastic caps on the screws break very easily and then only function as decorative caps. The screws can also be tightened with an Allen key, so the functionality of the stock is only slightly compromised.
Scope
The optic is from VECTOR OPTICS and has been reviewed in a separate article - the mount, adjustment levers, and aluminum flip-up caps are also from VECTOR OPTICS.
Particular attention should be paid to the choice of mount, as it can potentially cause malfunctions. The originally used canted quick-release mount from SIGHTMARK consistently caused ejection failures. The spent casings would rebound against one of the right screws of the mount and not be ejected. The one-piece XARS-3014 mount from VECTOR OPTICS solved the problem.
Conclusion
With the RS 700 XRS, Strasser offers a unique precision rifle with a straight-pull system that, when combined with the MDT XRS chassis, is very well-suited for precision shooting or long-range shooting. The configuration described here can be classified as a "general purpose" precision rifle, both stylish and high-quality, perfect for shooters looking for something special.
For those specifically dedicated to PRS competition, a thicker and longer "Long Range" barrel - as well as a different caliber - may be preferred. We have also shot a model with a Long Range barrel and did not notice any difference in precision when shooting factory ammunition. A thicker barrel heats up more slowly and can better maintain precision under extended shooting conditions. Personal requirements vary from shooter to shooter.
Regarding the chassis, there is a wide range of manufacturers and products to choose from, allowing shooters to customize to their heart's content.
If you need support on a custom project based on a Strasser RS 700, you can now consult a dedicated expert in this field. Martin Skrivanek, a gunsmith and engineering manager at Strasser, can design custom rifles according to your individual preferences. More information is available on his own website - Ferrum Noricum Precision Firearms.
https://www.ferrumnoricum.at/
More information on the RS 700 and other STRASSER models can be found HERE directly at STRASSER
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