The Remington RACS (Remington Accessory Chassis System) is the next generation platform for the venerable Model 700. The new RACS chassis system will likely keep the Remington 700 popular and relevant for decades to come.
The Remington 700 is perhaps the most well-known and iconic bolt-action rifle in American history. Over 5 million Remington 700’s have been sold to the public, and after 50 years the rifle is still a flagship firearm for Remington. Though the classic 700 is still a hot seller, Remington has recognized modern technology and materials can improve the performance of even the time-honored master. The RACS chassis system is a huge improvement on the classic rifle, and opens up many more options and functionality to law enforcement snipers.
Remington RACS
Remington is not the first to come up with a modular chassis for a rifle, but the RACS chassis is well thought-out, and particularly designed to maximize the excellent action and accuracy of the Model 700. First, the modular chassis is designed to fully bed the receiver to maintain accuracy and repeatability.
The RACS system uses a pistol-grip design, and incorporates a detachable box magazine. BlueSheepDog has posted before about the incredible advantages of having a detachable box magazine on a sniper rifle, and the RACS is just one more example of manufacturers taking note and incorporating that benefit in new designs.
The hand guard is free-floated to avoid any interference with the barrel or harmonics during firing. The machined aluminum is very lightweight, and ready to add Picatinny attachments that fit the shooter’s needs, and not some generic model. A standard full-length Picatinny rail extends the length of the top allowing a wide range of scope or optic options.
The stock is collapsible making the RACS very portable, especially in tight situations many snipers must travel to get into a final shooting position. In addition, the RACS stock has full adjustments for cheek weld and length of pull (LOP), allowing the shooter to fully personalize the rifle’s fit to their particular body and needs. Adjustments are fine-tuned by manipulating the two control dials, which turn screws that move the adjustable cheek weld and buttstock. The dials have built-in grips for assured movements.
The RACS method of adjustment is far superior to other methods of adjustment. It allows the shooter to get on the rifle, get comfortable, and then make the minor adjustments needed to fit the rifle to their needs all while they feel the rifle underneath them. The ability to make minor adjustments is key to a perfect fit. Even adjustable parts that slide in or out and then are tightened into place by screws are not as beneficial, and gone are the days of taping padding for a cheek weld.
The stock has pre-set small Picatinny rail sections in case the shooter wants a rear mono-pod, or specialized sling attachment. The pistol grip is rubberized for comfort and has mild finger grooves to help the shooter’s hand to rest easily while shooting.
RACS Specifications
- Fits Model 700 Long or Short Action, Right or Left-Hand
- Material: T7075 Aluminum
- Overall Length: 36.4″ to 39.2″
- Overall Length Folded: 28.25″
- Weight: 6.1 lbs.
- LOP Adjustment: 2.0″ (More with Optional Recoil Pad Spacers)
- Comb Adjustment: 1.5″
- Mag. Capacity 5 or 10 Rounds (Caliber Dependent)
- Finish: Anodized (Optional CeraKote)
- Color Options: Black, Tan or Flat Dark Earth
- MSRP: $3,000.00.
Final Thoughts
The Remington RACS chassis is a wonderful advancement for an outstanding rifle platform. The modularity is maximized as is the portability with the folding stock. Adjustments for cheek weld and length of pull (LOP) allow minute adjustments for incredibly good personalization to each shooter’s needs.
The pistol grip is a different animal than standard rifle stocks, and must be a serious consideration for any police sniper evaluating a transition. This directly affects the shooter’s trigger pull and subsequent manipulation of the bolt. A pistol grip also tends to draw a shooter into a tighter grip, which is not often used when shooting standard stock rifles. This may have an effect on trigger pull and accuracy from increased shooter input when firing. In addition, the pistol grip takes the shooters hand a little further from the bolt, making rapid follow-up shots more difficult and slower.
The Remington RACS chassis offers a lot of advancements to the shooter, and several that can directly improve the law enforcement snipers ability to carry their rifle, move into position, adjust the rifle to their specific needs, and allow a wealth of accessory options to fulfill almost any mission. Whether the system is desirable is going to depend on the shooter, and the $3000 price tag may make this an unachievable item for most law enforcement snipers.