MDT DRT Chassis: Lightweight Night-Hunter — SHOT Show 2026

MDT DRT Chassis launches as a 3.2-pound magnesium hunting chassis built for night vision and thermal setups. Designed specifically for predator hunters, it targets weight creep from modern night-hunting gear.

At SHOT Show 2026, MDT positions the DRT as a purpose-built solution rather than a crossover chassis. As a result, it focuses on strength, mounting stability, and field efficiency after dark.

SHOT Show always brings new ideas, but the MDT DRT Chassis feels targeted. Instead of adapting a competition chassis, MDT started fresh. The goal was clear. Night hunters keep adding gear, and rifles keep getting heavier. Therefore, MDT built a chassis that supports complex setups without punishing the user. As a night hunter myself, I am quite fond of what MDT is doing here.

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At the core is a magnesium chassis body and buttstock. This material choice keeps the total weight at 3.2 pounds. That number matters when hiking between stands or moving through rough terrain at night. Even so, the chassis maintains rigidity where it counts.

Night-hunting rifles live or die by mounting consistency. Because of that, MDT integrated a Type III hard-anodized aluminum NV bridge and ARCA rail. The system handles repeated clamping from thermal and night vision devices. More importantly, it resists flex and alignment shift.

Whether shooters run a clip-on in front of a day optic or a full bridge setup, the DRT stays stable. As a result, zero retention remains consistent over time. That reliability matters when continually removing clip-ons and bouncing around rough terrain.

MDT added a folding mechanism with adjustable friction. This reduces overall length for transport and vehicle storage. Meanwhile, users can tune the lock tension to their preference.

Ergonomics stay simple and functional. Tool-less length-of-pull adjustment speeds setup. An adjustable cheek riser with a foam insert improves comfort in cold weather. Additionally, a carbon fiber vertical grip cuts weight while remaining comfortable.

Up front, the forend combines M-LOK with a full-length ARCA rail. It supports RRS Lock and ARCALOCK, which helps on tripods and barricades.

The DRT focuses on Remington 700 clone actions with integral lugs under 3/8 inch. Compatible actions include Defiance, Impact, Terminus, Curtis, and Lone Peak. However, factory Remington 700 and Bergara actions require lug modification.

To prevent issues in low light, MDT added an adjustable magazine latch and a magazine release lock. The MDT DRT Chassis System ships around March at an undisclosed MSRP. For night hunters managing heavy optics and long hours, it delivers a lighter, more intentional platform built for the dark.

Learn more HERE.

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