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Stillers are at the bottom of the custom action food chain, they need worked on to even come close to what the top two roll out of the box like for about the same money
I would suggest giving a Kelbly tactical action a very serious look for what you looking for, nitrided and will run smooth dry and even smoother once polished, simple extractor and the TG ejector is simple yet really function awesome.
The ONLY reason to build any custom firearm is because you want it! It is NOT an investment. Few recover the $$$$ they've spent when they sell. True, a custom built using a custom action will bring more $$$$ (in general, depends of the quality of the overall work) than a custom built using a 'commercially' produced action such as a Remington or Savage. If you're looking for "investment" firearms, you need to be looking at the higher quality European double rifles/shotguns, custom rifles built by known builders of yesteryear, firearms engraved by known engravers. (and usually, these makers/engravers have passed on before their work really begins to appreciate in value). Its like buying a new car, the value in $$$$ drops as it leaves the lot!Interesting - that's very helpful! I was of the assumption that a 20 MOA rail was for long range only - so if I go a separate rail then pinned is the way to go then?
I originally was going to go a factory rifle but I'm going to replace the barrel, rework the action/bolt and change the stock anyway so I decided a custom would be a better investment. So if you had a choice of a custom action what would be your choice and why?
I was looking at the Kelbly Atlas Tactical - simple and reliable on paper. Do you own or have you used one? Cheers for your thoughts
Rather than hashing out "which custom action is best for my goal of 400yds." , I'd concentrate on the barrel, the stock (bedding), the ammo, and the quality of the work of each of these. Your choice of custom action, be it a Stillier or a Bat, will have a miniscule contribution at your stated 400yds. Your abilities as a shooter will have more influence on your desired 400yd. accuracy goals. When it comes to custom actions, everyone has their preference. Choose one and build it!
I really like Bat actions.
I have not gotten one in yet but I've had a bunch of the Panda's through for my buddy which are an aluminum flat bottom version. I think he's going to have some Atlas action come in though. He's gone through Bats, Peirce, Stiller, Kelbly, Borden and who knows what else on top he's one of the few guys who tunes and times actions, he's high on the Kelbly and Borden.
There are a lot of good custom actions out there now. For a hunting rifle my top two would be Borden or Defiance. I'd forget integral rails and the like, any advantage is theoretical and I'd want to have the option of removing the rail later if I desired. My trigger wouldn't be a Timney and most certainly wouldn't be a two stage.
I'd find a gunsmith that I wanted to do the work first and ask his preference.
I really like Timney Triggers especially the Calvin elite, they'll take more crap than a Jewel and keep running. Personally I'll run Calvin elite on hunting rifles and Bixnandy on comp or elr rifles.
