I'm getting ready to buy a new action for a 280 cartridge. There are enough choices that I'm not sure which one I like the best. I've got it narrowed down to my favorite three or four. If you could have any action you wanted, what would it be and why. Cost is not part of the decision making.
Action for 280 Remington
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J E Custom
Well-Known Member
I would normally look for a Remington donor because there is just about everything available
as far as after market parts. (Stocks, Triggers,Action parts,scope mounts ECT).
Next would be a Weatherby vanguard (Same as a Howa).
The Savage would be next.
These choices are for most magnum and standard cases and if I were going to build a very large
caliber rifle (Larger than a standard magnum ) I look for a Mark 5 Weatherby or a custom action.
J E CUSTOM
gr8whyt
Well-Known Member
+1 on what J E Custom says for the Remington 700.
But if you want a really strong stainless steel controlled round feed action, take a look at the Model 1999 actions from Montana Rifle Company.
-- gr8whyt
But if you want a really strong stainless steel controlled round feed action, take a look at the Model 1999 actions from Montana Rifle Company.
-- gr8whyt
rscott5028
Well-Known Member
Stiller TAC-300
This is essentially a high quality Rem 700 clone with a few improvements. So, it has all of the benefits that JE referenced. But, it should not require any further bluenprinting/accurizing from a smith.
So, your smith can focus on doing a perfect chambering job and barrel installation.
-- richard
This is essentially a high quality Rem 700 clone with a few improvements. So, it has all of the benefits that JE referenced. But, it should not require any further bluenprinting/accurizing from a smith.
So, your smith can focus on doing a perfect chambering job and barrel installation.
-- richard
The best is the BAT. I don't have one yet, but have looked at others and handled rifles built on most and nothing comes close. My shooting partner has a bat and it is so smooth and sweet. have a friend that has the MT 1999, just a pre 64 win action, nothing special about it.
JARHEAD1371
Well-Known Member
Surgeon action hands down IMO. I have a Surgeon 591 (single shot, short action) on my & SAUM and I love it. I'll have 2 more rifles built in the next year and both will have a Surgeon action.
rscott5028
Well-Known Member
BAT is an excellent target action, but often frowned on for hunting because the clearance is so tight that any dirt at all will cause a jam. But, perhaps they make one for hunting. ...not sure.
I don't think you can go wrong with Surgeon either.
Stiller is top shelf as well. They make actions for Les Baer, Gunworks, Shilen, US Govt and others.
Lawton, Kelby, Hall and others are great too if it's within your budget.
My point was simply that a Rem 700 is very good when trued up by a qualified smith. But, when you pay a smith to do everything that's necessary to nearly equal a custom action, you'll often find that the custom action is about the same cost or only a hair more. ...and, has a better resale value.
-- richard
rscott5028
Well-Known Member
Sorry guys. It was not my intent to badmouth BAT. They are fine actions.
I was unaware that they had repeater/hunting models which they do in fact have.
I don't think you can go much wrong with any of the actions that have been listed including a trued up Remington 700.
It all depends on your requirements, preferences, and budget.
In the end, it's the complete system and assembly that makes for a successful build.
-- richard
I was unaware that they had repeater/hunting models which they do in fact have.
I don't think you can go much wrong with any of the actions that have been listed including a trued up Remington 700.
It all depends on your requirements, preferences, and budget.
In the end, it's the complete system and assembly that makes for a successful build.
-- richard
honestly was not taking it as a bad mouth on your part. You had just said you were not sure they made one for hunting and I was just answering.
I am planning on having Shawn Carlock build my next rifle after shooting mine and one that he built for a shooting buddy side by side and his was better. when the time comes it will be with a BAT action. I have looked at and handled a defiance and lawton. Lawton is definately out not just on quality but also customer service. The defiance was nice and would be my second choice but the bat was nicer yet. Smoother.
I am planning on having Shawn Carlock build my next rifle after shooting mine and one that he built for a shooting buddy side by side and his was better. when the time comes it will be with a BAT action. I have looked at and handled a defiance and lawton. Lawton is definately out not just on quality but also customer service. The defiance was nice and would be my second choice but the bat was nicer yet. Smoother.
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rscott5028
Well-Known Member
That's interesting about Lawton as I've heard lots of good things about them although I've never personally held one.
It's all relative in my opinion though...
You can go with a plain 700 untrued and may have a decent shooter.
A trued/blueprinted 700 will cost a more and should be better if not more consistently high quality. I say "should" because the terms are used loosely and not everyone "blueprints" to the same level of detail and precision.
The customs will cost a little more than that. Stiller is one that I consider moderately priced and very consistently high quality. It will probably set you back about the same as the trued 700 or a hair more. But, it will consistently be a top performer for hunting/tactical. Surgeon and others probably fit into this category.
BAT appears to offer some premium features in their repeaters such as integrated picatinny and integrated recoil lug. I expect the price reflects that as well. But if you are going all out, then it seems to be at the top of the heap.
Whether you have a trued 700 or BAT, 1/4 MOA is the same. Nonetheless, the latter will likely outperform in the long run and consequently retain value.
...and, I'm surprised the Savage proponents haven't jumped in because they make some pretty nice actions as well for someone who's a DIY or budget minded.
-- richard
It's all relative in my opinion though...
You can go with a plain 700 untrued and may have a decent shooter.
A trued/blueprinted 700 will cost a more and should be better if not more consistently high quality. I say "should" because the terms are used loosely and not everyone "blueprints" to the same level of detail and precision.
The customs will cost a little more than that. Stiller is one that I consider moderately priced and very consistently high quality. It will probably set you back about the same as the trued 700 or a hair more. But, it will consistently be a top performer for hunting/tactical. Surgeon and others probably fit into this category.
BAT appears to offer some premium features in their repeaters such as integrated picatinny and integrated recoil lug. I expect the price reflects that as well. But if you are going all out, then it seems to be at the top of the heap.
Whether you have a trued 700 or BAT, 1/4 MOA is the same. Nonetheless, the latter will likely outperform in the long run and consequently retain value.
...and, I'm surprised the Savage proponents haven't jumped in because they make some pretty nice actions as well for someone who's a DIY or budget minded.
-- richard
WyoElk2Hunt
Well-Known Member
I have a Nesika action and really like it.
