defiance, stiller, or Bat?

[ishootkittens]

I need an action to start my first 100% custom build. I cant spend more than 1200$ for the action but i have heard very good (while some bad) about all three of these actions. Which do u guys use and why? Plan on this one to be a 300 norma, so big bolt face but no lapua size action. Thanks!

 

[MontanaRifleman]

The 300 Norma Mag has the same bolt face as the Lapua and so it will also have the same bolt thrust. So I would think you want just as beefy an action as for the Lapua.

If and when I do a full custom build, my first choice would be a Defiance Mutant because of its integral recoil lug. The Deviant also has a integral 20 MOA picatinny rail but I prefer a 40 MOA rail.

I think all three action makers you are considering are well proven to be top notch action makers. I would say pick the one with the features you like best.

 

[300 ultra]

I am at the same point and have narrowed my options to Stller predator or the Defiance Rebel. I am building a 300 win.

 

[old_heli_logger]

I'd look close at the Barnard...you get a match trigger with theirs, at a reasonable price.

Custom Actions

Good luck!

 

[Hunter2678]

I am at the same point and have narrowed my options to Stller predator or the Defiance Rebel. I am building a 300 win.

Now that you're down to 2..comes the easy part...flip a coin!!

 

[ishootkittens]

The 300 Norma Mag has the same bolt face as the Lapua and so it will also have the same bolt thrust. So I would think you want just as beefy an action as for the Lapua.

If and when I do a full custom build, my first choice would be a Defiance Mutant because of its integral recoil lug. The Deviant also has a integral 20 MOA picatinny rail but I prefer a 40 MOA rail.

I think all three action makers you are considering are well proven to be top notch action makers. I would say pick the one with the features you like best.

Now I thought the whole point of the .338 norma was to have lapua perfomance in a standard action. If I wanted a longer action id probably just go with a lapua. Alottaaaa guys (including mr. Sloan" has built a .338 norma on a standard long action with an opened magnum bolt face. If I didn't have to blueprint a remmy action id probably use the one I have. That and I don't own a custom action and I think it would be a nice change

 

[IdahoCTD]

I'm pretty sure the Defiance is the only one with a standard Remington 700 foot print. The stiller is 1.400" and longer and the BAT is bigger as well. I would go Defiance but 1200.00 probably isn't going to get you there unless it's used. I have a buddy with 2 of the Defiance actions in 500 A square and .500 Weatherby so I'm sure they will hold up to the .300 Norma.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

Now I thought the whole point of the .338 norma was to have lapua perfomance in a standard action. If I wanted a longer action id probably just go with a lapua. Alottaaaa guys (including mr. Sloan" has built a .338 norma on a standard long action with an opened magnum bolt face. If I didn't have to blueprint a remmy action id probably use the one I have. That and I don't own a custom action and I think it would be a nice change

I'm not talking about the length of the action. I'm talking about the bolt body, lugs and strength of the reciever. The .588 bolt face will have more bolt thrust than the standard mag bolt face.

A lot of guys have built Lapua's and Norma's on standard factory actions but some smiths don't really like to and some flat out won't.

 

[TXshooter]

I have a 338 Norma on a customized 700 action and I love it. I like all three actions you are looking at so can't help you there but I think I'd go with a Bat action. Only because I've always wanted one.

 

[Cascade_Sherpa]

I was asking this similar question for my last build and my gunsmith advised me to steer clear of the Stiller action because he had seen too many that needed work; and that for hunting purposes the BAT had the potential to lock up after getting grit into it. His recommendations for me and what I would use the rifle for was to go with a Defiance or Surgeon. And since I've already got a Surgeon I went with the Defiance.....and I like it alot, maybe better than my Surgeon action.

Of all of the ones you are considering I think the shortest wait would also be the Defiance.

Just my two cents.

John

 

[BountyHunter]

For all the reasons said above, another vote for the defiance. I have a 338 AI on one.

 

[ishootkittens]

Seems like defiance is the answer for me. Thanks guys

 

[sp6x6]

I was asking this similar question for my last build and my gunsmith advised me to steer clear of the Stiller action because he had seen too many that needed work; and that for hunting purposes the BAT had the potential to lock up after getting grit into it. His recommendations for me and what I would use the rifle for was to go with a Defiance or Surgeon. And since I've already got a Surgeon I went with the Defiance.....and I like it alot, maybe better than my Surgeon action.

Of all of the ones you are considering I think the shortest wait would also be the Defiance.

Just my two cents.

John

I heard same thing from a friend that had a Stiller. I was advised by 2 smiths not to do a lapua on a mark V action and advised Defiance. I have 2 -338 NM built on them and love them. Their shop is across the street from me so I get to see the goodies

 

[screech]

My 2 cents. Barnard probably makes the best action as far as squarness and normally don't need any work but there ugly so if it was me I would go defiance. Just my opinion