Thread: Howa Mini EXCL Lite Chassis

I think it is still significantly lighter than the MDT LSS?

Originally Posted by kiwi-adam

Yea, I waited on this for the purpose of a lightweight rig, at 500grams it was the lightest possible option. Even went with the standard profile barrel.
With it coming in at a piss poor 850grams, I have given up on lightweight, and now wish I had just gone heavy barrel.
The only hope i have left is that the chassis aids inconsistency and accuracy.

@kiwi-adam

The lightest possible would be one of the Hi Tec stocks I think they are 650 grams complete for the Howa Mini. A lot more pricey though..

@308mate it is lighter than;
1. the LSS (1.x kg).
2. standard stock (980+ grams)
3. the heatseeker (900 grams excl. butt stock & grip).
4. the Oryx stock (1.x kg)

I almost coughed up the coin for the Hi-Tec at 600grams, but with the EXCL Lite imminent, I held out for the extra 100grams savings, I mean extra 250grams additional weight.

I have now convinced myself, the weight really isnt that bad, and I will persevere as it is.

If still not satisfied, I will switch to the Hi-Tec Carbon Fibre or the other NZ made chassis the Ken at 55six teased.

Cobbled mine together this morning

@Bill999 looks good in the Stainless!

Originally Posted by Flyblown

The chassis was being advertised by Broncos as 500g. At the time they said they had weighed a sample.

I will be very keen to hear their answer next time I’m in there, when I ask them how it grew an additional 350g!

I'm guessing there was an error when converting from pounds to grams.
Bronco's are now showing 850grams on their website.

Must be a heavy pistol grip

Original weight was complete with butt stock and pistol grip. Butt stock is different, but dont think its 350grams different. Be a good place to start for some additional savings though...

The stock does feel like the heaviest part of it when it's seperate from the barrelled action

This is the stock you need ��

Originally Posted by Remmodel7

Attachment 152892
This is the stock you need ��

Did you make that ?
Look pretty cool what's it made out of?

Originally Posted by JD300

Did you make that ?
Look pretty cool what's it made out of?

@JD300 yup made it. All carbon fibre

My EXCL chassis arrived today,
It weighed in at 892 grams compared to the original stock at 1017 grams, 125 grams lighter so nowhere near the weight saving as I was expecting.
EXCl chassis at its shortest setting is the same LOP as the original stock. I was hoping for a shorter LOP so my boy could get in behind it, I may now cut the original stock down for him, that said he will likely fit the EXCL chassis in a couple of years. I am only 5'6" and find the original stock fits me pretty much perfectly.
I needed to play around with the tube and locking nut a little to get it to lock into its shortest setting.
You re-use the rear action screw and there is a replacement front action screw which is shorter than the original, the replacement action screw is silver and hex drive, verses the original screws being black and Torx drive (T30).
In hindsight I should have put more effort into ascertaining what the minimum LOP on the chassis was but there were so many references online from people keen on the chassis for their kids that I assumed it would offer a shorter LOP.
Positives to me are, the mag release is an improvement from the original, balance /carry point is directly in front of the mag well and the mag sits more flush to the chassis. slimmer in the fore stock so easier for smaller hands, like mine to hang onto.
If I had been able to compare the chassis to the original stock in person before buying I probably wouldn't have purchased the chassis.

Don't know if anyone has seen these yet, but makes me want to get another mini in 6.5 Grendel for tight Bush work. Could be a cool light weight setup. Made in NZ too.

Originally Posted by Magnus

Don't know if anyone has seen these yet, but makes me want to get another mini in 6.5 Grendel for tight Bush work. Could be a cool light weight setup. Made in NZ too.

Attachment 152970
Attachment 152971

Interest on these is huge with enquiries coming from overseas too. We are still hopeful of a first run being completed around end of year or early next year.