Understanding Short Action vs Long Action
When selecting an MDT chassis, it is important to match your rifle’s action length to the chassis.
The action length is determined by the overall cartridge length that the rifle was designed to feed.
Short Action (SA)
Short Action rifles are designed for cartridges with a shorter overall length, resulting in:
- Faster bolt throw
- Reduced rifle weight
- More compact overall rifle length
Common Short Action Cartridges
- .223 Remington
- 22-250 Remington
- .243 Winchester
- 6mm Creedmoor
- 6.5 Creedmoor
- .260 Remington
- 7mm-08 Remington
- .308 Winchester
- .358 Winchester
Long Action (LA)
Long Action rifles are designed for longer cartridges requiring additional magazine and bolt travel.
Common Long Action Cartridges
- .25-06 Remington
- .270 Winchester
- .280 Remington
- .30-06 Springfield
- .300 Winchester Magnum*
- 7mm Remington Magnum*
- .338 Winchester Magnum*
*Magnum cartridges may require a Magnum Bolt Face and compatible magazines.
Action Length Quick Reference
| Cartridge | Action Length |
|---|---|
| .223 Rem | Short Action |
| 22-250 Rem | Short Action |
| .243 Win | Short Action |
| 6mm Creedmoor | Short Action |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | Short Action |
| .260 Rem | Short Action |
| .308 Win | Short Action |
| 7mm-08 | Short Action |
| .270 Win | Long Action |
| .25-06 | Long Action |
| .280 Rem | Long Action |
| .30-06 | Long Action |
| 7mm Rem Mag | Long Action Magnum |
| .300 Win Mag | Long Action Magnum |
| .338 Win Mag | Long Action Magnum |
Understanding Action Footprints
An action footprint refers to the shape and dimensions of the rifle action where it interfaces with the stock or chassis.
Many manufacturers share common footprints, allowing a chassis designed for one action to fit another.
Remington 700 Footprint
The most common footprint in the precision rifle industry.
Compatible Actions
Factory Actions
- Remington 700
- Bergara B14
- Bergara Premier Series
- Defiance Tenacity
- Howa APC 6.5 Creedmoor (specific models)
- Zermatt Origin
- Bighorn TL3
- RimX (specific chassis)
- Aero Precision Solus
Custom Actions
- Impact Precision 737R
- Defiance Deviant
- Lone Peak Fuzion
- Terminus Zeus
- Stiller TAC Series
- Curtis Custom Axiom
Most MDT chassis are offered in Remington 700 SA and LA configurations.
Tikka T3 / T3x Footprint
Tikka actions use a proprietary footprint.
Compatible Actions
- Tikka T3
- Tikka T3x
- Tikka CTR
These require MDT chassis specifically designed for Tikka actions.
Howa 1500 Footprint
Compatible rifles include:
- Howa 1500 Short Action
- Howa 1500 Long Action
- Weatherby Vanguard
These require Howa-specific chassis inlets.
CZ 457 Footprint
Popular rimfire platform.
Compatible rifles:
- CZ 457 Synthetic
- CZ 457 Varmint
- CZ 457 MDT Editions
Requires CZ 457 specific chassis.
Ruger American Footprint
Compatible rifles:
- Ruger American Predator
- Ruger American Ranch
- Ruger American Hunter
Requires Ruger American specific MDT chassis.
Savage Footprint
Savage rifles differ from Remington and generally require their own chassis inlet.
Compatible rifles:
- Savage 10
- Savage 11
- Savage 12
- Savage 110
- Savage Axis (specific models only)
Common MDT Chassis Selection Examples
Example 1
Rifle: Tikka T3x CTR
Calibre: 6.5 Creedmoor
Result:
✅ Short Action
✅ Tikka Footprint
Required Chassis: MDT Tikka T3x SA Chassis
Example 2
Rifle: Remington 700 SPS
Calibre: .308 Winchester
Result:
✅ Short Action
✅ Remington 700 Footprint
Required Chassis: MDT Remington 700 SA Chassis
Example 3
Rifle: Bergara B14 HMR
Calibre: 6.5 Creedmoor
Result:
✅ Short Action
✅ Remington 700 Footprint
Required Chassis: MDT Remington 700 SA Chassis
Example 4
Rifle: Howa 1500
Calibre: .308 Winchester
Result:
✅ Short Action
✅ Howa 1500 Footprint
Required Chassis: MDT Howa 1500 SA Chassis
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a Short Action rifle in a Long Action chassis?
Generally yes, using spacers or specific chassis configurations in some MDT models. However, it is best practice to purchase the correct chassis for your action length.
Can a Long Action rifle fit a Short Action chassis?
No. A Long Action receiver is physically longer and will not fit a Short Action chassis.
Is a Bergara B14 a Remington 700 footprint?
Yes. Most Bergara B14 and Premier series rifles use the Remington 700 footprint and are compatible with MDT chassis designed for the Remington 700.
Is a Tikka T3x a Remington 700 footprint?
No. Tikka uses its own proprietary footprint and requires a Tikka-specific MDT chassis.
Before Ordering
To ensure compatibility, check:
✅ Rifle Make
✅ Rifle Model
✅ Calibre
✅ Action Length (SA or LA)
✅ MDT Chassis Model
If you’re still unsure, contact Perth Arms & Armour and our team can help identify the correct MDT chassis for your rifle.