Executive Summary
The Sharps Bros. Heatseeker family is a line of 6061-T6 billet aluminum bolt-action chassis with long free-float handguards, AR-15 or 1913 stock interfaces, and broad M-LOK coverage. The lineup spans Remington 700 SA, Savage 110 SA, Ruger American (SA/LA/Ranch), Ruger Precision Rimfire, and Ruger 10/22—plus left-handed Ruger options.
In May 2025, Springfield Armory validated the platform with its Model 2020 Heatseeker factory rifle in .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor: a compact 16" carbon-fiber barrel, B5 furniture, integrated QD sling cups, and a .75-MOA guarantee. That’s serious endorsement.
Features and Interfaces
- Materials: CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum with durable Cerakote finish.
- Handguard: Sharps Bros.-exclusive extrusion with M-LOK on four sides.
- QD Sling attachments: Cups available only on the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker handguard; standard Sharps Bros. chassis handguards have holes for attachment.
- Interfaces:
- AR-15 buffer tube models (standard) for AR stocks.
- 1913 Picatinny models (e.g., SBC02-1913, SBC05-1913) for folding/fixed stocks without adapters.
- Weight: Chassis around 1–1.3 lb; handguards 6–10 oz depending on model.
- Grip compatibility: AR-15 grips. The Magpul MOE is officially recommended, but many users find the MOE-K provides the most natural fit.
- Aesthetics: Optional wood M-LOK panels and aluminum/wood grip kits (Brazilian Cherry, Wenge) give rifles a warm, retro-lux feel.
John Sharps himself highlights the Samson S.A.S. stock as an excellent match for the 1913 versions and even points buyers toward the A3 Tactical buffer-to-1913 adapter for conversions. Another option, if you bought the buffer version and want a 1913 stock is the KNS adapter.
Available Models
- Remington 700 SA
- Savage 110 SA
- Ruger American SA, LA, and Ranch (AR-mag fed)
- Ruger Precision Rimfire (22 LR, 17 HMR, 22 WMR)
- Ruger 10/22
Magazine Compatibility by Model
- Remington 700 SA Heatseeker: Designed around AICS-pattern magazines, giving broad access to polymer and metal AICS options.
- Savage 110 SA Heatseeker: Also set up for AICS-pattern mags, streamlining compatibility with precision-shooting standards.
- Ruger American SA/LA Heatseeker: Generally uses AICS-pattern magazines when fitted into the Heatseeker.
- Ruger American Ranch Heatseeker (SBC05/SBC05-1913): These models are specifically configured to accept AR-15 pattern magazines in .223/5.56 and AR-10/SR25 magazines in .308-based calibers, depending on the Ranch action.
- Ruger Precision Rimfire & Ruger 10/22 Heatseeker: Both retain their native rimfire magazine systems—10/22 rotary mags or BX-25 mags for the 10/22, and Ruger factory magazines for the RPR rimfire calibers.
Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker
- Launch: May 20, 2025
- Chamberings: .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel: 16" carbon-fiber, threaded 5/8×24
- Twist: 1:10 (.308), 1:8 (6.5 CM)
- Accuracy Guarantee: .75 MOA (3 shots, 100 yd, match ammo)
- Furniture: B5 Systems CPS stock + P-23 grip
- Magazine: AICS 5-round
- Action: Springfield 2020 (Rem 700 SA rail pattern, 6-48 screws)
- Handguard: Unique Springfield-spec Heatseeker tube with integrated QD sling cups
- MSRP: $2,355
Trigger Compatibility
One of the Heatseeker’s strengths is that it doesn’t interfere with aftermarket trigger upgrades:
- Remington 700 SA: Compatible with popular drop-ins like TriggerTech Primary/Diamond and Timney 510/Calvin Elite.
- Savage 110 SA: Compatible with Timney and Rifle Basix triggers designed for the 110 action.
- Ruger American (SA/LA/Ranch): Accepts Timney Ruger American drop-ins, offering lighter pulls and more comfortable triggers than the stock Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger.
- Ruger Precision Rimfire & 10/22: Continue to use their native trigger packs, both of which have abundant aftermarket options (e.g., Kidd for 10/22, Timney for RPR).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight but rigid backbone.
- AR and 1913 interface choices provide a wide range of stock choices
- Customization with AR grips/stocks and wood furniture kits -- one of the most beautiful kits out there!
- Springfield version adds QD sling cups for convenient carry.
- Wide trigger and magazine compatibility with standard aftermarket ecosystems.
- Factory-validated with Springfield’s .75-MOA rifle.
Cons:
- Limited inlets compared to MDT or KRG.
- Standard Sharps Bros. chassis handguards lack integrated QD cups.
- Not a heavy PRS chassis with integrated tunable weights (but weights can easily be added with aftermarket M-Lok weights -- so is this really a con?).
Competition Comparison
| Chassis Model | Bare Weight (approx) | Rear Interface | Inlets Covered | Use-Case Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharps Bros. Heatseeker | 1–1.3 lb (body) + 6–10 oz handguard | AR buffer tube or 1913 Pic rail | Ruger American, 700 SA, Savage 110 SA, RPR Rimfire, 10/22 | Light, modular, AR-ergonomics, Springfield validation |
| MDT LSS-XL Gen2 | 1.6–2.0 lb | AR buffer tube | Many (700, Tikka, Howa, etc.) | Lightweight modular; shorter forend |
| MDT ORYX | ~4 lb complete | Integral fixed stock | Broad (700, Savage, Tikka, CZ, etc.) | Value-focused, rugged, heavier |
| KRG Bravo | ~2.9–3.0 lb | Integral polymer stock | Wide action coverage | Hybrid stock feel, competition-ready options |
| Magpul Hunter 700 SA/LA | ~3.0–3.2 lb | Magpul buttstock system | Rem 700 SA/LA | Affordable, stock-like ergonomics |
| XLR Element 4.0 Magnesium | ~16 oz (chassis only) | Modular buttstock options | Multiple | Premium ultralight builds, expensive |
| MPA BA Ultra Lite | ~2.6 lb | Folding stock options | Multiple | Lightweight from a PRS pedigree |
| Aero SOLUS Competition | ~4.28 lb | Proprietary/adjustable | Aero SOLUS action | Competition features, ARCA rails, heavy duty |
Use Cases
- Back-40 hunter: Ruger American + Heatseeker + compact stock, 16–18" barrel. Balanced ~7.5–8.5 lb rig.
- Rimfire trainer: Heatseeker 10/22 with same AR furniture as your centerfire.
- Night utility rifle: Ruger American Ranch 1913 with Samson S.A.S. folder, ARCA plate, thermal optic.
- Springfield buyers: Get QD cups, carbon-fiber barrel, and a factory .75-MOA guarantee out of the box.
Shooter & User Feedback
Early reviewers of both the standalone Heatseeker chassis and Springfield’s 2020 variant highlight:
- Balance and handling: The light chassis keeps rifles maneuverable even with optics and suppressors.
- AR ergonomics: Familiar grip and stock interface makes transition seamless for AR shooters.
- Rigidity: Users note improved consistency when mounting bipods/tripods compared to factory polymer stocks.
- Springfield 2020 Heatseeker: Test shooters consistently report sub-MOA performance and praise the inclusion of QD cups on the Springfield handguard for practical sling carry.
Our Experience
We tooks a Ruger American Ranch Gen II in .300 Blackout with an upgraded Timney trigger and dropped it into the Heatseeker Chassis. We chose the version of the Heatseeker with a 1913 Picatinny rail interface rather than an AR buffer interface so we could more cleanly add a foldable stock.
The buffer-tube interface allows the use of any AR style stock or brace on your rifle.
We used the Samson S.A.S. stock due to it's adjustability. It's pricey and a bit heavy, but absolutely the best in our opinion. Intitially we hadn't ordered the Sharps Bros. grip and wood panels, thinking a more rugged build would be more suitable to our needs, we initially used a 3D printed MOE-K style handgrip. That was a mistake. The Sharps Bros. handgrips are gorgeous! We've ordered the grip and wooden handguard panels and will upgrade it soon. Update: We received the Sharps Bros. handgrip. It's absoluately the most substantial and highest quality AR-style handgrip we've ever seen. This thing is unreal--solid, precise, and super luxurious. We honestly couldn't tell what could possibly be done to make a handgrip worth over $100 bucks--until this thing arrived. It and it's corresponding wooden panels have been added to the build.
The entire operation took under 5 minutes first time through. We did it blind, but in case you need directions, John Sharps has a handy video on the topic, which can be found here.
The build is elegant, ergonomic, and highly functional. The chassis is strong, rugged, lightweight, delivers on modularity, allowing the addition of any type of accessories that you'd typically mount on an AR. It's beautiful--we LOVE it!
We'll be making a few more upgrades to the rifle, adding upgraded parts to the bolt, and eventually the barrel. Meanwhile we've begun production on a field-test article on this set-up -- check back in a few weeks.
About Sharps Bros.
Founded by John Sharps in 2012, Sharps Bros. is known for bold AR lowers (e.g., The Jack, Warthog, Livewire, Etc.) and high-precision machining. Over the years, they’ve expanded into bolt-action chassis, AK/AR parts, and accessories, all with a focus on craftsmanship and functional design.
FAQ
Q: What rifles fit the Sharps Bros. Heatseeker chassis?
A: Models are available for Remington 700 SA, Savage 110 SA, Ruger American (SA, LA, Ranch), Ruger Precision Rimfire, and Ruger 10/22.
Q: Do all Heatseeker chassis come with QD sling cups?
A: No. Only the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker version includes integrated QD cups. Standard Sharps Bros. chassis do not.
Q: Does the Heatseeker support folding stocks?
A: Yes. The “-1913” models include a Picatinny rail interface for folding/fixed stocks like the Samson S.A.S.
Q: What magazines are compatible with the Heatseeker chassis?
A: Rem 700, Savage 110, and Ruger American SA/LA versions use AICS magazines; Ruger American Ranch versions use AR mags; 10/22 and RPR Rimfire keep their native mags.
Q: Are aftermarket triggers compatible?
A: Yes. Timney, TriggerTech, and Rifle Basix triggers fit the supported actions (e.g., Ruger American, Rem 700, Savage 110).
Q: Is the Heatseeker good for hunting?
A: Absolutely. Its light weight and AR ergonomics make it ideal for hunters covering long distances.
Q: What’s special about the Springfield Model 2020 Heatseeker?
A: It’s a factory rifle with a .75-MOA guarantee, carbon-fiber barrel, integrated QD cups, and full modularity.
The Sharps Bros. website can be found here.
If you know of any forums or sites that should be referenced on this listing, please let us know here.
