Custom Actions

RockChucker

RockChucker

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Whitehorse, Yukon
Looking to build another long range {1000yd} BR gun. This time I wish to start with a custom BR action instead of wasting $ on blueprinting and sleeving a 700 rem. Hoping for better accuracy as an end result. It will be chambered in a 6.5x47 Lapua. No magazine required as I will only load one at a time.
So the question is what maker and model of action would be your choice and where do I find one in Canada? I would appreciate hearing the reasons behind your choice of maker.
 
Go to Robertson Composites and check out Barnard. These are very "true" actions according to legendary gunmith-shooter Al Warner and are in use by winning target shooters such as the U.S FClass Team + many others. Top product, reasonable price, supplied by a reliable dealer.

Peter Dobson
Hirsch Precision Inc.
Lapua in Canada
 
I guess it depends on what you want to spend but if it was me (which it is) I would build it on a Stiller TAC 30 single shot. I am building a 6-6.5X47 Lapua on one as I type this.
 
I went with the Stiller TAC30 after having considered a Bernard. However, my rifle isn't going to be benchrest rifle. If I were going that route, I don't see how you could possibly go wrong with any of the high quality aftermarket actions that are out there, including Bernard.

It all depends on what you like. I'd go for the Bernard, however, in light of the reasons mentioned by Peter. However, don't be afraid of a 700 action if you already have one available. Peter has a 6.5x47 Lapua based on a 700 action and from what I hear, it's a great shooter. Ask him for more details.
 
The 700 action works fine, but requires work which new member Sam Adams can perform quite well. However they are still Rems. and BR or other match-grade single shots are nicer. There are lots of nice stuff from the USA and RPA from GB.

Regards,

Peter
 
Gaulin action

I suggest a Gaulin action. These actions are custom made by Francis Gaulin, from Armtech Canada, in Quebec. I never fired one but I did operate one and they are smooth as smooth can be( and they look great too). Many LR shooters here in Quebec use those actions. You can find the link to his internet site on w. w. w. f i r e a r m s c a n a d a . c o m.

The next custom rifle I will build will use a Gaulin action.
Just my opinion though.
 
The guy who built my rifle shoots a barnard and says there is nothing around that can touch them. He says they have tolerances down to a thousands of an inch. Kevin.
 
Availability is key. There are pros and cons to most everything but not getting one for 1 yr isn't much fun. Then not having any support if a part breaks is very frustrating. Also, check the available port style. some like the RB dual port actions so they can 'gun them quickly.

I have not seen any bad info from any of the main brands and choosing one is a balance of availability and price. Most will also have the planform to fit a Rem 700 stock so that solves one head ache.

I like to use Burris rings so would lean to an action that allowed a Weaver/Pic base to be put on. Some must use proprietory rings which increases costs and limits options. An MOA base is a great idea whether integral or add on.

All of the various lug styles will work just fine. Trigger choices are pretty much limited to Jewel. Although there some new ones on the market but we may not be able to access them.

Unfortunately, getting a certain brand of BR action does not guarantee winning accuracy. Only a barrel and load can do that. Definitely buy from the best names out there like Gaillard, Krieger, Broughton, Benchmark, etc. Ones that are on winning rifles.

Then budget that you might need to buy more then one. That really depends on your competition and what level of accuracy is likely to win. The 600yd game is now a 1" or better 5 shot group game. That is fantastic accuracy. Having a pipe that only shoots 2" isn't going to help you bring home any plastic.

Enjoy the project...

Jerry
 
I've got three Barnards and can't think of one reason, that would make me
go to another action. Smooth, simple to pull apart if needed, it takes seconds,the lock time is super.
 
CG 2-stage match triggers for Rem 700 and clones, Paramount/Swing, RPA and Sakos range from $300 -$330 and come with/WO safeties.

ATB,

Peter
 
Barnards most certainly are in the same class of finish as BAT etc. They are however blued chromoly steel with a ground surface finish which is very hard and therefore they do not look the same. When the stainless actions are gaulled from a bit of sand the Barnards will still be going strong. Every time I work with a BAT I have to handle it VERY carefully as it will show everything that touches it, Barnards I chuck on my bench and don't worry about!
 
Ian Robertson said:
Barnards most certainly are in the same class of finish as BAT etc. They are however blued chromoly steel with a ground surface finish which is very hard and therefore they do not look the same. When the stainless actions are gaulled from a bit of sand the Barnards will still be going strong. Every time I work with a BAT I have to handle it VERY carefully as it will show everything that touches it, Barnards I chuck on my bench and don't worry about!
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I'll second that!

I got to handle a buddies Barnard the other day. The word precision doesn't do it justice. The trigger is second to none. It also looks better than it does in the pictures.

Well said about Bat actions....They are not ment to see anything but a clean shooting bench. The Bat bubblegum stainless turns me off.

Good luck getting more accuracy from a bench action than you can from a blueprinted Remington.
 
X-fan said:
Good luck getting more accuracy from a bench action than you can from a blueprinted Remington.
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The net cost to properly "blue print an action" such that it is on par with a custom action will end up costing you more than just buying a custom action first, or perhaps buying a used custom rifle. Then when it comes to sell, it still says Remington on the side. Net cost will be higher since no one will repay you for the labour to blueprint a factory rifle.

The other problem is that you won't have a selection of port configurations, small firing pins, single shot action stiffess if desired, easier camming and cocking, possibly integral rails etc etc...

All the above contributes to accuracy. It is so much easier than trying to make a Remington into bench action. Got the T-shirt so to speak.
 
I just had Guntech (Dennis Sorinson) blueprint 4 Remington's for me.....You should talk to him before you jump to any conclusions....It was not that expensive (Sorrinson knows benchrest accuracy stuff better than most). Sleeves are overrated in my books.
Your cost analysis is not even close to accurate if you are considering something like a Bat or Nesika.....Unless there are options I am unaware of I don't think the less expensive actions come with port selections.....

In my opinion custom actions are not about accuracy or cost. The biggest advantages custom actions offer (that I can see) is the port selection thing as well as the ability to shoot a string quicker (less bag disruption).

Good luck with your build!
 
X-fan said:
I just had Guntech (Dennis Sorinson) blueprint 4 Remington's for me.....You should talk to him before you jump to any conclusions....It was not that expensive (Sorrinson knows benchrest accuracy stuff better than most). Sleeves are overrated in my books.
Your cost analysis is not even close to accurate if you are considering something like a Bat or Nesika.....Unless there are options I am unaware of I don't think the less expensive actions come with port selections.....

In my opinion custom actions are not about accuracy or cost. The biggest advantages custom actions offer (that I can see) is the port selection thing as well as the ability to shoot a string quicker (less bag disruption).

Good luck with your build!
Click to expand...

Hardly jumping to conclusions here. I would be interested in hearing what is the scope of the action blueprinting you mention and the costs involved that makes my analysis incorrect.
 
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