Custom action help. Which one is best?

[fisherman983]

So I'm gathering funds for a new long range stick. I've decided to sell a couple older factory guns that just sit in the corner collecting dust.
The project so far will be either a 28 nosler pushing the 180/195
OR, a 300 wm pushing the 215 hybrids.
I have no experience with custom actions and don't know anyone personally that owns one so I don't know what would make one a better choice over another.
If anyone has any opinions I'd love to hear them. Thanks

 

[MudRunner2005]

All are good...Pick which you like. If you haven't checked out the Curtis Axiom actions, then I suggest giving them a look. Chase Curtis is also a member here, so he can answer any questions you might have.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

MudRunner is spot on. IMHO, it's a matter of personal preference. Find the one that fits your needs and roll with it. I tend to stick to reputable manufacturers to ensure that I don't encounter any unforeseen issues (warranty or the like).

The best one I've played with so far was the Defiance Deviant pictured. This action was placed into an AIAX chassis, Obermeyer barrel, Jewell trigger & topped with a NF scope. Chambered in 300win, factory GMM shot .196 @ 100yds.

If I build another full tilt custom I will be using a American Rifle Company Mausingfeld action:

www.americanrifle.com/product/mausingfield-bolt-action/



t

 

[ohiohunter]

Barnard, borden, defiance, stolle, curtis etc.. you'll probably never know the difference on paper. Budget usually makes this decision. Unless you want something specific like bolt angle.

I recently spoke to a guy who was talking about guys burning up barrels in less than 1000rnds on the 28 nos. Of the 2 my vote is 300wm.

 

[Edd]

My vote goes to Surgeon.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Dont overlook Kelbley , they're amazing. If you need to pinch a few pennies, a Stiller is a great option.

 

[bigngreen]

Kelbly, Borden, Surgeon, Lone Peak are in my top end Defiance and Stiller just never blown my skirt up, Mausingfield and Curtis are at the bottom of custom actions I'd own.
They all make something go bang but there is a lot of little differences in them that one has to weigh, timing, extractor type, ejector type, what type of shooting your doing with what chambering sways my decision differently.

 

[elkaholic]

I have not heard BAT mentioned and the last time I checked, they were winning a lot of long range competitions. I can't afford one of each so I have no idea which is best but I really like the smoothness of my BAT and it is super strong and tight. You can blow the primer clear out of a case and still lift the bolt with one finger. (DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME)......RICH

 

[Greyfox]

Another vote for the Surgeon.

 

[FURMAN]

I have owned or played with Pandas, Predators/Tac300s, Surgeons, Bordens, Diamondbacks, GAPs, and Pierces. The Panda was the "nicest" but not intended for hunting. My favorite hunting action is the Pierce.

 

[sable tireur]

So I'm gathering funds for a new long range stick.

You don't explain clearly what you want to accomplish with this rifle. The 215 Hybrid is a Match bullet not meant for hunting while the other two, one is for hunting and the other could be both. Sure you want a custom action but is this for hunting, target shooting or a compromise for both. Once you determine your choice there, you can proceed with looking at the actions to decide about the attributes you need to perform.

Your hunting and shooting environment contribute to the decision as well. Some of the custom actions are actually tighter which require being kept cleaner than others which have a slightly looser fit. Like using Jewell triggers, I carry some form of liquid cleaner I can squirt down through the trigger when needed. Your custom action can require a little more attention than the typical factory offerings. A little lube on the back of the lugs goes a long way to preventing galling.

After that, the world of custom actions is yours for the taking. I've used every single action named with one exception and I don't have a use for it so I can't comment. Some I have used by the dozens and others, a few at a time. I don't find any drawbacks to the basic function of any individual action so long as you stipulate the use. I don't agree with using a Benchrest action for a hunting rifle without some discussion ahead of the build. Each of the actions has minuscule differences between itself and all the others. That's what makes them unique, otherwise they would all be exactly the same and you could simply flip a coin. Do some of the legwork yourself and visit the websites, then talk to some of the people that use these actions to get their opinions.

Regards.

 

[FURMAN]

I do not want to take this off topic but the 215 Berger's performance on game is well documented. It is one of, if not, the best bullets in 30 cal for long range hunting. It's performance at short ranges is great as well.

 

[Mikecr]

Custom is usually misnomer for aftermarket.
There are far fewer aftermarket actions that are actually 'custom'.
For this, if you want something truly one-off(custom), BAT comes to mind. Bruce can make anything for you.

But easiest, is any of the aftermarket actions mentioned & more -that are Remington clones. With this, you can choose from all the aftermarket parts to build a gun around it, and there are far more gunbuilders able to work with this.
IMO, forget gun'smiths', seek the best gunbuilder,, and let this influence your choice of components.

For instance, let's say you end up favoring GA Precision(GAP)(a gunbuilder) for your build. Of late they offer a Remington clone 'Templar' action. If you want the best from GAP, consider their action choice.

 

[Edd]

I once tried to get BAT to build me an HR action with a 1-1/16" tenon thread, they wouldn't. A while later I ordered a standard HR action from Brunos. The quality of that action was so poor, I wondered if they sold their mistakes to Brunos. I'm not sure I would ever consider another one. I know I wouldn't buy another one unless I could inspect it first.