Bighorn action and proof prefits.

I have never built a rifle (getting ready to) so I am a little confused about the question and a couple of the responses here. Maybe someone can help me understand this? The way I understand this issue is that Bighorn cuts all their actions for Savage small shank thread tenons. So when looking for a prefit barrel (for this action), you would be looking for a Savage (small shank) prefit thread not a Bighorn prefit since there is no Bighorn thread pattern? In other words, wouldn't you buy a Savage cut barrel, thread it in to any action that has been cut for Savage threads, head space, tighten the bolt nut, then the escutcheon and you are good to go? What am I not understanding?
 
They are shouldered prefits so you do not need a nut. Basically, you just screw them on and tighten up to torque. Due to the high tolerances they are able to ream and chamber without having the action specifically for Bighorn actions from what I understand.
 
Proof offering pre-fits that are shouldered without the use headspace guages and nut would imply that the tolerances of the Bighorn actions(Savage thread) are tight enough to alllow this. The only supplier I heard was doing this was Impact Precision, supplying both actions and shouldered "prefits" of their own manufacture. Am I mistaken?
 
They are shouldered prefits so you do not need a nut.
When you say "They," I assume you are referring to specific barrels that are cut with Savage threads but designed to shoulder on the action? If so, does is matter what action the barrel is shouldered on? In other words, do the prefits that are designed to be shouldered need to be action specific because of the reaming that was done by the barrel manufacturer? If that is the case, I am not sure why one would choose this option? Just a personal thing but I would not trust those tolerances. I really like the Savage barrel nut idea (no experience) since a person (non-smith) can fine tune his barrel to action perfectly (and easily) and the method used to attach the barrel (nut vs shouldered) has no influence on accuracy. The way I understand this is that the three things that influence accuracy are 1. Correct head spacing, 2. Quality of barrel, and 3. Action threads being trued (concentric) with the action. If those three things are perfect, the bullet has no idea if the shank end of the barrel is toughing the action since the case shoulder would be exactly the same distance and angle to the chamber no matter which method was used.

Again, this is all new to me. I am just trying to work this through my little brain since I am preparing to do a rifle build myself – and I would like to do it without a smith. I am open to pointing out any flaws in my thinking.
 
These Proof barrels are designed specifically for Bighorn actions. I think with Bighorn and Proof working together the tolerances can be trusted but that is just my opinion. This method simplifies the process by not needing go gauges or barrel nuts plus is more aesthetically pleasing in my opinion. If you click on the link I provided you can see the calibers and twists offered. Your thinking may be right as I am also new this.
 
IMG_2526.jpg
 
G'day guys new on here
I live across the pond in Western Australia between my gun smith and my self we came up with this
Big Horne action and a Rock Creek heavy Palma at 33 inches plus the break TL3
Action and Barrel were made for each other no nut required apart from me screwing them together
I ordered each component from the states , very slow receiving them via our customs lol
I've built this for the Hornady 212 VLD-X only fired 20 rounds and so far can't complain about accuracy
Just under a inch at 200 meters
Sorry stuffed up with putting the picture and post together
Cheers
Paul
 
Hbomb11, Thanks for that information. I did not know that Proof made a prefit shouldered barrel specific for the Bighorn action. I may give that option a try, even though it does make me a little nervous. The more I think about it though, if I can trust that they cut the barrel accurately, I should be able to trust that they reamed the chamber correctly to fit this action also. I also agree on the aesthetic thing too (regarding no nut).

Edit to add another comment: I have been to the Proof website several times and have never found that page that you linked to above regarding the Bighorn specific barrels. I don't know where you found it but I am glad you posted it so that I can save it.

Nowoolies, Beautiful set-up. Is that an MPA chassis?
 
Last edited:
G'day Hard Cast
Yes it's a MPA chassis , and can't fault it , forgot to mention it's a .300 Win Mag set throat long
Gives me a little more boiler room , I've yet to put it over the chrony that should happen this week
 
G'day Hard Cast
Yes it's a MPA chassis
First, .300 WM is my favorite hunting cartridge. Second, I now want to build a LR paper/steel puncher and I think it will be a 6.5 PRC. I can't decide between the MPA hybrid or the Manners PRS1? Sorry Hbomb11, my intention wasn't to highjack your thread.
 
This will be my third MPA Chassis
View attachment 123033
So I will assume since you have three of these chassis that you have had good luck with them.

I went back and forth for quite some time trying to decide between the 6.5x284 and the 6.5 PCR. Still not sure I am making the right choice but I suppose and can add the other later if i want. :)

Greyfox, have you been putting these together yourself with prefit barrels or are you having the standard barrels smithed?
I just viewed your photo - gorgeous rifle! It looks like it has a prefit barrel on this one – did you install it yourself?
 
Last edited:
Warning! This thread is more than 6 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.
Top