After the last NRL Hunter match I shot in, I wanted to switch out the MDT HNT26 chassis to diagnose my zero shift issue. I have been observing a .3 to .4 MIL zero shift from range session to range session evern since I had the HNT26. I acquired a part from Soldier Mountain to add to the HNT26 to facilitate bedding of the action to the chassis.
However, I did want to try a different chassis or stock in the mean time and I was able to acquire the new MDT CRBN stock from Precision.Werk, who is a retailer operated by one of the regular attendees of my NRL22 match.
The MDT CRBN was announced and released in 2024 and is MDT’s answer to lightweight stocks.
The CRBN stands for carbon as it is a carbon fiber shell filled with foam and surrounding a magnesium micro chassis. By filling it with foam, the CRBN stock will absorb harmonic vibrations leading to better response on recoil, including keeping the rifle on target.
Among other features, the MDT CRBN includes:
- Full length ARCA foreend
- MLOK slots on bottom of foreend
- Front and rear QD sling cups
- Proof Sendero barrel channel profile
- Integrated thumb shelves
- 20-degree grip angle
- Quick adjustable cheek riser
- Adjustable length of pull (spacers; 12.75 to 13.75 inch range)
The MDT CRBN stock weighs 27 ounces without bottom metal and as this is a true stock, it requires additional bottom metal.
I chose the MDT Precision Bottom Metal which takes AICS/AW magazines and has a Badger M5 profile.
I wanted the MDT Precision Bottom Metal because I felt it would be ideal to match with the MDT CRBN stock and also because it has an adjustable magazine catch.
The bottom metal has a cut out to allow for trigger adjustment (at least on a TriggerTech).
The MDT CRBN plus MDT Precision Bottom Metal comes out to 31 ounces according to MDT specifications and this appears spot on as my rifle weighed 11 lb 11 oz with the HNT26 and after the switch to the CRBN it weighed 12 lb (and 0 oz).
The MDT CRBN is designed to be a drop-in fit and the pillars are not required according to MDT due to the magnesium micro-chassis which made this an easy install.
My initial impression of the stock is that it definitely feels lightweight, and while (without bottom metal) it is nearly the same weight as the HNT26, it feels a lot more stout and rigid, most likely due to the one-piece shell design.
The grip feels very comfortable and while I use chassis systems most often because of my NRL22 rigs, I always appreciate the feel of a stock. The swell of the grip is ergonomic adequate texture.
The sweep of the grip provides an adequate angle for the hand and the surface on the top side provides a good index point for the thumb to where I feel like I get a good straight to the rear trigger pull.
I do have smaller hands and can run a high grip for more control with my shooting hand to drive the gun or run a lower grip if I want to really stage my trigger pull while in a highly stable, supported position.
The built in Arca dovetail does concern me to some degree as I feel like the carbon fiber may not hold up to constant compression. I started acquiring more of the updated/current Really Right Stuff SOAR clamps that have adjustable clamp tension so I can tune the amount of compression so it’s not too excessive. However, you still want a tight grip so the bipod or tripod isn’t sliding on the foreend during recoil.
To this point, I do wish MDT put a threaded hole on the front of the foreend where you can put a small stud to act as a safety stop to prevent a bipod from coming off the front end during recoil if there is slippage.
That being said, if Arca rail started to get worn out on the CRBN, there are MLOK slots where I could put a full length Arca rail (and then secure the other end with the front action screw). Of course, this will add more weight to the rifle.
As mentioned earlier, MDT filled the stock with foam to promote deadening of the harmonics and after use the rifle does not exhibit the same metallic vibration on recoil that is common on modern rifles, especially those with chassis systems. Even with a light rifle and shooting off a bag, it exhibits a consistent and manageable recoil signature.
The structure and design of the MDT CRBN also brings about a very solid and rigid stock in the hands.
Should you get the MDT CRBN stock?
I feel that given some of the issues with the MDT HNT26 (zero shift, foreend and main body connection loosening), the MDT CRBN stock is going to be the safer choice in the lightweight MDT chassis/stock line. Compared to other stocks out there, the MDT CRBN is going to be one of the lightest, if not lightest, especially if you include bottom metal, as well as features like the Arca dovetail, adjustable cheek riser, and adjustable length-of-pull for an apples to apples comparison.
However, the MDT CRBN stock has an MSRP of $1299.95 USD and does not include the bottom metal (for reference, the MDT Precision Bottom Metal is $279.95 USD). This can be hard to stomach for many with a combined price of $1579 and change, and you could go with a Manners Long Range Hunter stock which has a ‘base’ price of around $1000 before bottom metal and options (e.g., Arca rail).
With the price, MDT has made the CRBN read to go out of the box with no pillar install or bedding required, and has adjustable length-of-pull and cheek riser to accommodate most users. Not to mention the stock already has an Arca dovetail and sling cups on both sides and both ends.
Assuming you use the MDT Precision Bottom Metal, you will have confidence your magazines will work in this stock and DBM setup.
With that said, I feel that the MDT CRBN is a safe buy if you are trying to save weight with a more traditional stock platform while having the modern amenities of today’s precision rifles (MLOK, Arca, detachable bottom metal, adjustable cheek riser and LOP), even though you have to sacrifice in the area of price.
If you are not willing to make the trade off of a few less ounces for a few hundred more USD, then you will want to gravitate towards a Manners Stock option for a similar platform that can support AICS or AW magazines.
Note: No knock on Manners as I hold these stocks in high regards and I have a Manners Long Range Hunter sitting in a cabinet still waiting to be built on for a long action project.
Furthermore, the company AG Composites is producing carbon fiber stocks at a price point similar to Manners when you add on various options. Based on product specifications, the weight of the AG Composites carbon fiber stocks rival the weight of the MDT CRBN.
Aside from the sticker shock compared to other options out there, the MDT CRBN is a good stock option.
The MDT CRBN and corresponding MDT Precision Bottom Metal are currently available in short action only. No word on a long action inlet.
I was fortunate to acquire an MDT CRBN stock earlier this year (from a local rifle competitor who operates an online retail store) as the current demand exceeds the supply. It is my understanding that the manufacturing process for the MDT CRBN stock is time-consuming which is why retailers are out-of-stock or backordered on them. Since the CRBN was released, MDT was quoting double digit week backorder lead-times. Currently, MDT simply states “out-of-stock” for the CRBN on their website with no ordering available.
If you are wanting to get the MDT CRBN, you will need to locate one at a retailer or dealer online or locally to you. For more information, visit the MDT website product page for the CRBN.
To close off this review of the MDT CRBN stock, I will recap the current configuration of my NRL Hunter Open Light rifle as of mid-2025:
- Defiance Machine anTi short action (Guardian/AW cut)
- Proof Research carbon fiber 22″, 1:8″ twist, prefit in 6.5 Creedmoor
- *TriggerTech Diamond 2-stage Pro Curve
- *MDT CRBN Stock with MDT Precision Bottom Metal
- Area 419 Hellfire TI muzzle brake
- Defiance Machine 20MOA scope base
- Area 419 Match scope rings, 36mm diameter, 28mm height
- Zero Compromise Optic ZC420, 10MIL NLE turret
* indicates changes made after previous NRL Hunter match.
As this main article described, I switched to the MDT CRBN after having issues with the MDT HNT26 and zero shift. One other change I made after my last NRL Hunter Hunter match is the TriggerTech Diamond 2-Stage from the TriggerTech Special 2-stage. I had a trigger malfunction with the original TriggerTech Special at the 2025 NRL Hunter Mason Valley match.
The trigger was failing to pull and actuate the sear on trigger pull even though the firing pin was cocked.
I was able to clean it out, but the issue would still reoccur throughout the weekend of the match. After the match I cleaned out the trigger with lighter fluid. It seemed to be working again but the trigger pull was starting to exhibit some creep on the second stage wall.
I removed the trigger and swapped in a brand new TriggerTech Diamond 2-stage and obtained an RMA to get the Special 2-stage replaced with a new unit.
With the chassis to stock change resulting in ~5 ounces in weight gain, getting me to 12 lbs even. For peace of mind, I shaved weight by converting my CKYE-POD with the LRT Fat Trimmer and removing the MDT Crush It Timer from the rifle (direct mount to scope).
Note that while my scale does show 11 lb 11 oz, it is likely rounding down because when I weighed in at an NRL Hunter match, the scale had me closer to 11 lb 12 oz. Even at 11 lb 12 oz, I do have enough leeway to re-mount the MDT Crush It Timer to my scope if I chose to do so, and I may end up mocking up an adapter to mount it to my Stone Glacier Sentinel binocular harness.
I am not expecting to shoot another NRL Hunter match in 2025, and am looking forward to 2026 NRL Hunter season. I will see if I can shoot a local PRS match under the Sportsman Division to get match-based trigger time with this new configuration.
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