SHOT Show is all about new gear that solves real-world problems, and this year MDT is shining a spotlight on something simple, purposeful, and long overdue: a truly minimal buttstock that doesn’t sacrifice strength or modularity. Meet the MDT Stalker Core Buttstock, a lightweight, budget-friendly, and upgradeable buttstock system designed for shooters who want to strip weight and bulk without giving up performance.
Built around MDT’s XTN interface, the Stalker Core was developed for modern rifle setups that demand compact dimensions, clean ergonomics, and rock-solid rigidity. Whether you’re building a lightweight hunting rifle, a compact night rig, or a no-nonsense competition setup, the Stalker Core delivers just the essentials. At 9 ounces, the Stalker Core keeps overall system weight to a minimum while maintaining a rigid aluminum skeleton finished in durable Cerakote. The narrow profile and ultra-low length of pull make it especially appealing for shooters running bulky clothing, armor, or night-hunting equipment, where compact positioning and fast mounting matter most.
Despite its minimal footprint, the Stalker Core is designed to grow with your rifle. MDT built it as a modular foundation, compatible with the Stalker Cheek Riser Kit, LOP Spacer Kit, and a variety of QD accessories. Compatibility is straightforward and flexible. The Stalker Core mounts to all MDT XTN chassis systems and folding adapters, making it an easy upgrade for existing MDT users. For those running folding setups, MDT recommends installing the buttstock so it folds toward the non-bolt side for proper clearance.
MDT has also validated the design through internal durability testing, including drop testing and adverse-conditions testing using their XTN folding adapter systems, ensuring the Stalker Core holds up to real field abuse, not just range-day use. Installation is simple and tool-friendly. The buttstock slides into the rear XTN interface, secures using the chassis-supplied 3/16-24 socket head cap screw, and tightens with the included 5/16-inch hex key. All hardware is standard, accessible, and designed for repeatable mounting without guesswork.
MDT Stalker Core Buttstock: Key Details
Ultra-low LOP, minimalist design
Weight: 9 oz
Cerakote aluminum skeleton construction
Narrow overmolded polymer buttpad
XTN interface compatible
Upgradeable with cheek riser and LOP spacers
QD accessory compatible
Dimensions: 8.5in x 1in x 5in
Default LOP: 11.2in (on ACC Premier Gen2 R700 SA)
Color: Black
Includes buttstock and 5/16in ball-end hex key
The MDT Stalker Core Buttstock will be on display at SHOT Show 2026, giving attendees a hands-on look at MDT’s most stripped-down buttstock design to date. For shooters who care more about efficiency than excess—and want a lightweight foundation they can build on—the Stalker Core proves that simple can still be seriously capable.
