Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Bolt action bullpup chassis I'm developing!

I've been prototyping on a new chassis that I think will make a big impact on the bolt action market. There are historical downfalls of the bullpup format, namely trigger pull and feel, bolt position, and length of pull issues. Through some unique design features, I think these issues have all been addressed.

What you see here is V2 of my chassis, which will be done within a month of so. It features tool free adjustable length of pull, recoil pad cant, and cheekpiece adjustment. With an allen wrench you can adjust recoil pad height, and I'm working towards making it hand-adjustable as well.

What you don't see is a bolt extension that will be offered, to put the bolt back in a conventional position. Trigger linkage is accomplished via some unique design and tight machining tolerances. My first prototype increased pull weight from 2.5 to 2.75lbs with an Xmark trigger. A major trigger company is going to be receiving V2 of the chassis for some R&D on a custom trigger unit just for this chassis, and I'm confident it will feel great.

The entire design is very modular, and eventually I will offer the chassis for several popular bolt actions. First up is the Remington 700 short action because of it's sheer popularity in the market. Once production is up and running there will be several options for the rear section and forend of the chassis, along with a variety of finishes.

I'm sure I left out something, but if you have any questions just ask and I'd be glad to answer them! For more developmental info, you can check out my facebook page at "MK Machining", or my website at mkmachining.com

From years of competitive shooting and working in the industry, I believe I've come up with a solid idea that is turning into a physical one, and I'm excited with prototyping so far!

Cool H. W. Shiseck did a great article on how he turned a 722 Rem into a bull pup with a electronic trigger. I talked with him a few times about the performance. It was great until it got cold. The trigger didn't like cold.

Keep us updated with your design. I like what I see.

I'd like to explore some electronic designs in the future, it seems like something more easily accomplished with today's equipment.

Can't wait to get this chassis in the hands of some industry folks, obviously you can talk about quality all you want but the proof is in the product.

One thing that has always bothered me about bullpups is that your face is right beside the chamber and bolt where bad things will happen during a kaboom. If the adjustable comb could be designed and fabricated from material that would act as a blast shield that may be a big plus. May also limit manufacturers liability when the inevitable occurs.

Yeah, I want no part of them.

You also make a mighty fine 3d printed scope level. Here's the one I purchased for my 34mm scope. Yesterday I ordered a 1" for my new Nikon.

Good idea, especially with the bolt relocated and a blast shield for the cheekpiece. But do you really need a detachable magazine?

I always wondered why someone didn't make a bullpup hunting rifle. You can get a very long barrel length for maximum velocity while maintaining a short overall length and light weight.

As it is, the bolt can't be operated with the rifle on shoulder. Could he bolt handle be moved forward on the bolt?

The cheekpiece is thick aluminum, guarantee it's better than having the bolt right in front of your face, and will more than vent any gasses. If you literally blow up the chamber...well you screwed up and I feel coming out ok is a matter of luck with your face anywhere near it.

No, you don't need a detachable mag, but why not have the advantage of AICS mags, which is what this chassis will fit in standard configuration? In long range shooting your left hand will be on a sandbag almost right there, making mag changes very easy.

As far as bolt handle location, there will be a bolt extension service offered, you send in a bolt and we thread it and install an extended bolt handle that places it where a normal rifle is. The threads will be standard aftermarket bolt handle threads, so you won't be married to this platform.

Ty,

I like your idea. +1 on the detachable mag. Are you using AR pistol grips? That's an easy way to give a lot of choice in grips.

Good luck.

We are indeed using AR grips for just that reason! I like ERGO grips, and are what I plan on offering standard on this chassis.

So if I am following the bolt extension will be what, about 6-8 inches forward?

Correct. Right now I plan on having it use standard aftermarket bolt handle threads, so that the user isn't totally married to this system.

Exactly where the bolt handle is placed will just take some trial and error, it is the last thing I'm worried about, as I'm tackling one piece at a time to my satisfaction.

Good luck with it.

Won't the extended bolt handle need to be drop to a lower level than were it is now to avoided a mounted scope. Good luck. I like the idea. Cheers NC

The Dewey trigger linkage for the XP-100, mid grip, pistols would be something to study on for your concept. They are superb.

16 years ago I ordered a Bushmaster bullpup.

There was a delay because of Y2K.

The trigger was so terrible, I never shot it. I just took it to a gun store and traded it for a Leupold scope boosted by Premier Reticle. Great scope.

Is the bad trigger inherent in the bullpup concept?

It is.

Made even moreso by the fact that it has to work around a magazine. The one's on the center grip XP-100 pistols didn't have that disadvantage to contend with.