The Long Shot - Building an Ultralight Competition Rifle

The new MDT DRT chassis brings a full-featured precision rifle platform down to about 3.2 pounds, opening possibilities beyond its intended role as a lightweight hunting chassis. In this video, Mike of The Long Shot builds a complete precision rifle weighing just 12 pounds, 5 ounces, and explains why the DRT could be a compelling option for lightweight competition and endurance-style matches. Let's dig in.

Lightweight Without Losing Features

The DRT chassis combines a magnesium body and buttstock with a carbon fiber grip, an aluminum ARCA rail, a night vision bridge, and titanium hardware. It also features a folding stock, an adjustable cheek riser, and an adjustable buttstock, giving shooters plenty of room to configure the rifle to their preferences without adding unnecessary weight.

Mike built his rifle around an Impact Precision 737R action and a fluted 25 Creedmoor barrel, chambered by Stuteville Precision. The rest of the setup includes an Arken EP5 Gen 2 5-25x56 with the TOR-MIL reticle, a BANISH 30 titanium suppressor, and a Tricer RP lightweight bipod. The Impact action is the standard model rather than the lighter one, leaving room for further weight savings. Even with the optic, suppressor, and bipod installed, the complete rifle weighs 12 pounds, 5 ounces.

Built for More Than Hunting

MDT designed the DRT primarily for lightweight hunting, including predator hunting with clip-on night vision. Its full-length night-vision rail provides room to mount compatible equipment, while the skeletonized design helps keep overall weight down. But Mike sees potential applications beyond hunting, including NRL Hunter Light, PRS Sportsman, the all-new PRSUIT series, and the Mammoth Sniper Challenge.

Weight limits are especially important for these applications. The NRL Hunter Light class has a 12-pound rifle limit, with an allowance for a suppressor that can bring the permitted weight to 12 pounds, 10 ounces. Mike's build weighs 12 pounds, 5 ounces with the suppressor installed, which falls within that allowance. Shooters should still confirm the current rules and applicable equipment limits before entering a match. In the new PRSUIT Series, shooters are rewarded with a lighter rifle. In comparison, those with heavier rifles are penalized under a handicap system (the lighter the rifle, the higher the handicap).

The folding stock is another practical feature for hunters and competitors who need to transport their rifles through tight spaces or pack them into the backcountry (for example, on a backpack or a pack animal).

Details That Matter

The DRT includes an integrated ARCALOCK & RRS LOCK rail and multiple accessory mounting points. The rail’s ridged surface may provide additional purchase for compatible ARCALOCK (Area 419) and RRS LOCK accessories. The chassis also includes a magazine safety so you can’t inadvertently drop the magazine during a hunt. However, make sure the safety is disengaged before inserting a magazine—don’t force it as Mike did.

At approximately $2,250, the DRT is a significant investment. A conventional stock paired with an ARCA rail may cost less, but it won't necessarily offer the same weight savings, adjustability, or accessory integration. This is a serious piece of kit that doesn't cut corners.

Final Thoughts

The MDT DRT chassis seems like a capable foundation for shooters who want to keep weight down without sacrificing the features needed for precision rifle work. Mike's build shows how a carefully selected combination of components can produce a versatile rifle that approaches the limits of lightweight competition.

For more videos like this, check out The Long Shot YouTube channel.