New Build - Action opinions

[LiveToHunt7]

This will be my first rifle build. I was set on building a rifle on a Tikka action but with the costs after upgrades, it's not that much less than one of the three following actions. I'd like input to see what everyone favors.

Bighorn Origin
Defiant Tenacity
ARC Nucleus

Build will be a 7 Sherm Max used for hunting elk primarily and mule deer.

 

[MOOSE39465]

Flip a coin. Any of those will be fine. Appearance wise i would choose the Defiant

 

[Totoro]

Kelbly Atlas gets my vote...and my $$.

That being said those listed are well received by many others.

 

[WanderingGoatie]

I've got two Stillers, one Deviant and I've shot a few tikkas. Tikkas are butter smooth but a bit sloppy. Defiance will feel like a smooth piece of equipment. Either way you're going to have a nice rifle when you're done.

The one down side to a really tight action I learned this year on an exceptionally windy trip for prairie dogs where everything got gritty. One of the two stiller actions has tighter tolerances and that thing got downright questionable regarding consistent function. I never thought tight tolerances in a rifle would be a bad thing until that day. They really were extreme circumstances but on a hunting rifle on the buck of a lifetime... who knows if it would ever matter.

 

[CMDR Kibo]

As far as functionality and quality, any of the three will be more than adequate for your stated purposes.

Have you gone out and handled any of them? Ask some guys at your range or at a shooting match if you can cycle the actions. Cycle the bolt and feel it for yourself. Feel is subjective and what one guy likes may not float your boat as much.

I personally have enjoyed shooting my Arc and I like the three lug design. Very smooth on the rails and no binding. I have shot a Defiant and a BigHorn belonging to friends and I like them both also. Your decision may come down to lead times.

Good luck on your build and your hunt!

 

[FrozenMinnesotan]

I had a tenacity. i sold it and got a origin and by far happier. with the choices of bolt faces and knobs, id go that route. why be stuck with one cartridge? i have it in 6.5cm now but will be getting a 6arc and a magnum barrel for elk for it.

 

[Deleted member 103481]

Conversely, I sold my tl3 and bought a tenacity and am much happier.

 

[FrozenMinnesotan]

Conversely, I sold my tl3 and bought a tenacity and am much happier.

SHHH! lol. i wanted swappable bolt heads. no budget for multiple rifles currently. id buy a tenacity for a match rifle. also if chambering in SA mack bros has a new action under $600. standard and mag bolt face.

 

[Cesky fousek]

This will be my first rifle build. I was set on building a rifle on a Tikka action but with the costs after upgrades, it's not that much less than one of the three following actions. I'd like input to see what everyone favors.

Bighorn Origin
Defiant Tenacity
ARC Nucleus

Build will be a 7 Sherm Max used for hunting elk primarily and mule deer.

Try Cadex

 

[LiveToHunt7]

Thank you everyone. Would someone mind explaining the major differences between them? A buddy mentioned thread patterns and being able to buy prefit barrels. Any other features that one may have over the others?

 

[Rep 284]

I'll put in a vote for the Kelbly Atlas or Atlas tactical. I have a Kelbly Panda on my f class rifle and love it, cycles smooth as silk and has over 1,500 rounds run through it. Shot a friends Atlas and it's the same way. I think their pricing will be competitive with the others on your list. Good luck

Rep

 

[brcfo_outdoors]

The Origin and ARC are controlled round feed vs the Defiant being a push feed, to me that makes a difference when using them in the field (CRF is my preference). As previously mentioned the different bolt heads on the Origin allow you to change the caliber. With most caliber exchange type set ups, I don't see people swapping out and re-zeroing their rifles hardly ever. It will be easy if you want your gun to be a different caliber somewhere down the road and you don't want to buy another action, but its not going to be an every other range session type of transition. The Origin takes Savage threaded barrels (I believe the ARC does too), with companies (i.e. Proof) also making pre-fits specifically for it which are really handy. Of the ones you listed, it would be my choice.

 

[FEENIX]

Thank you everyone. Would someone mind explaining the major differences between them? A buddy mentioned thread patterns and being able to buy prefit barrels. Any other features that one may have over the others?

If you read the description of the actions, it gives you a brief features. The BHA and ARC afford you to the brotherhood of barrel nuts , pre-fit barrels are readily available for a DIY install like the Savage actions.

 

[Randel]

This will be my first rifle build. I was set on building a rifle on a Tikka action but with the costs after upgrades, it's not that much less than one of the three following actions. I'd like input to see what everyone favors.

Bighorn Origin
Defiant Tenacity
ARC Nucleus

Build will be a 7 Sherm Max used for hunting elk primarily and mule deer.

Check out BORDON actions family owned family run iv got a Timberline MAGNUM action smooth as melted butter.