Who makes the best action?

[Mach 1]

I would have a hard time deciding on 'The Best Action' because I've used nearly every one available to us as builders and consumers. We are extremely fortunate to have the breadth of selection and list of variables available for our selection from so many action makers. There are also the specialty designs for those who need something in the extremes of either cartridge or environment. Then add in Titanium!

The price point is no mystery anymore with the advent of a readily available internet to source prices and manufacturers. The generalized price point is what nearly every maker addresses with their list price. Those who stick their noses up in the air thinking and trying to prove that they are better because they cost more often don't win as often as they might like to. Then you have BAT, who, as a company, is so busy they have chosen to limit their production by raising their prices. Sometimes you just can't add machines and people to increase production so you raise the prices to limit some of the folks. Some of the industry's finest suppliers and manufacturers have found themselves in the same boat. Demand, as we all know, can and does outstrip the supply.

Now add in our Canadian brothers; Cadex and Fierce along with others I forget right now. All of these folks deserve our support because of how and why they supply us with the actions and components we need.

Regards.

I don't believe for a second that bat raises there prices to limit production. It's simple economics. If they can charge more for the same amount of work and cost of materials and not loose customers why wouldn't they raise prices? They raised prices to make more money or cover inflated manufacturing costs, good or bad it's that simple.

 

[sable tireur]

Believe as you see fit, it's your opinion. This was after a couple of conversations with BAT a few years ago, that's all I can offer. It's a common practice.

Have a good evening.

 

[aebhunter]

I've got a few different kinds. Defiance, Rem700, Lone Peak. If I am being honest with myself, I think the Tikkas are tough to beat. Really nice tolerances, short bolt throw, and affordable. I wish I could just buy the actions, you usually just have to get a whole new rifle and take off the plastic stock.

 

[Crews]

For real world practicality, I think it's REALLY hard to beat a $500 Tikka action. I don't think much else is really needed.

However, if I ever get anything different it'll be a Bighorn. Versatility out of a single action is the key... you can invest in a single action and have several different barrels/calibers/bolt face sizes. Buy one stock, action, and scope so it's the same no matter what. Get different bolt faces and barrels and swap depending on the need. The tolerances are apparently so tight you can get shouldered barrels that will headspace without having to send the action back to the smith every single time, and POI is repeatable every time you reinstall a barrel.

 

[adam32]

Blaser for practicality and versatility.

 

[Deleted member 103481]

For real world practicality, I think it's REALLY hard to beat a $500 Tikka action. I don't think much else is really needed.

However, if I ever get anything different it'll be a Bighorn. Versatility out of a single action is the key... you can invest in a single action and have several different barrels/calibers/bolt face sizes. Buy one stock, action, and scope so it's the same no matter what. Get different bolt faces and barrels and swap depending on the need. The tolerances are apparently so tight you can get shouldered barrels that will headspace without having to send the action back to the smith every single time, and POI is repeatable every time you reinstall a barrel.

To this point just get a Vector and its even easier

 

[Crews]

To this point just get a Vector and its even easier

Yeah, but is the POI shift as repeatable as a normal shouldered barrel that's torqued the same every time it's installed? No experience, just curious?

 

[Deleted member 103481]

I sure hope so, mine is not running yet. They have videos of Paul Reid on their Facebook page swapping and dialing for the shift.

Though I imagine most people will shoot at least one round though it to assure POI before taking important long shots.

If you realized it didn't run as repeatably with the set screws you can torque it just like a Bighorn.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Ok opinions aside...
What makes an action better than another?
Some have a better design that lends itself to accuracy, some seem to have been designed without any regard for top accuracy. Some do a better job putting out actions that are actually straight and true. There are many small nuances that make an action quality. Some of them miss the basics of action design. Looks, how they feel sliding the bolt back and forth, advertising, hype, ext. mean nothing. Find a good smith that actually checks dimensions and design, ask that man his opinion. Id bet he has a strong one.

 

[Mach 1]

Ok opinions aside...
What makes an action better than another?
Some have a better design that lends itself to accuracy, some seem to have been designed without any regard for top accuracy. Some do a better job putting out actions that are actually straight and true. There are many small nuances that make an action quality. Some of them miss the basics of action design. Looks, how they feel sliding the bolt back and forth, advertising, hype, ext. mean nothing. Find a good smith that actually checks dimensions and design, ask that man his opinion. Id bet he has a strong one.

Ok, ....your a good smith. What is your strong opinion?
I'm sure you like bat but what would your top 5 be? Cost being of no consequence

 

[KyCarl]

The trick there is finding a "Good Smith" I'm not a trusting soul. Most I have tried to
talk to seemed to have a vested interest and it wasn't helping me!

Well here's a list to look at several worth considering..
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2017/04/21/custom-rifle-actions-2/

 

[Pulpwood]

Anyone s experience with the law actions ?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Ok, ....your a good smith. What is your strong opinion?
I'm sure you like bat but what would your top 5 be? Cost being of no consequence

I would not post something like that. Things change and it would be here even when my opinions change. Some actions get better and other stay the same or even go down hill. Plus I feel you should listen to your smith, you should trust him if your using him. I will tell you to look at Benchrest and F-class equipment lists. We cant use actions that are not up to the accuracy requirements of those sports and most of those guys make rem clones as well as target actions. The worry about "benchrest actions" is just folk lore. They are every bit as reliable or rugged as the sloppy actions. I cant understand buying a sloppy custom, just run a factory action if thats what your after. Bat and Borden both run a little extra bolt clearance on their rem clone actions any ways. I may be a little biased but I like actions with roots in Benchrest, thats were all of the accuracy improvements come from. But there are some others that are not involved in BR that offer some good stuff. If you have a specific question send me an email.

 

[Buzzsaw]

Just got my CORE Solutions build. Lone Peak TI. My first Lone Peak and its awesome. I have also owned, Borden, Defiance and Stiller. I cant say anything bad about any of them. All were slick as glass.