Build or Factory where to go next?

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mareshow

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Alright so I've tried a multitude of factory rifles, most that are just "ok" and considering a lot of them are north of 5k thats something I'm not happy with. So I'm thinking custom.

that said I'd like to hear some experiences and tips from those who have already gone that route.

Insite is currently building a 338 Norma for me that's an impact/foundation based build. I'm wondering do I build my 6.5 rig to be the same to that they feel the same? or do I go different? I've always been a short throw bolt guy but basically everywhere I've read claims 2 lug is the way to go for smoothness/lightest throw.

I'd like to hear thoughts or experiences on falkor, defiance and impact if you have any?

If I'm missing something please let me know
 
I have a bunch of bolt guns (all built by Insite) in a bunch of different patterns (2x Rem 700s, Defiance Deviant Elite, ARC Nucleus, Stiller Tac 338, Bergara B14R) set up a few different ways.

I have my main match gun for PRS-kinda stuff (Defiance Elite in 6 creed and 6.5 creed) and my backup/trainer match gun (ARC Nucleus in .223 and 6 creed) and both of those rifles are in the same chassis (MDT ACC), have the same trigger (TT 2-stage Special), super similar (soon to be same) optics (Vortex Razor Gen 2 and Gen 3) all running Heathen brakes. Basically the guns are identical other than the actions and even though 1 is 2-lug and the other 3-lug, it really makes no difference to me. The trigger feels the same, chassis feels the same, through the optic is the same, etc etc.

I have 1 of my R700s (.308 soon to be 6.5) setup almost exactly like my Stiller Tac 338 (.300NM), both in MDT ESS, same triggers as my match guns, both have the same optics. In fact the only real differences between the 2 setups is barrel length (26" vs 29.5") and the actions. Again, it really doesn't matter to me, the main interface for the guns (chassis, optic, trigger) is the same (and almost the same as my match setups) so I'm never adapting to something really different. The different "feel" of running the bolt really doesn't enter into the equation.

My other R700 (20" .308 and 26" 7SAUM) switches between a MDT XRS and HNT26 and has the same trigger as all the other rifles and a very similar optic (Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22) same goes for my .22 (in a MDT XRS).

I guess my point is that there certainly is a lot of validity to having very similar/matching rifle setups for the purpose of familiarity but I'd argue that the action is the least important thing to have as a common factor so if you want to try something different, by all means do so. Conversely, Impacts are excellent actions so no harm in sticking with them as well. The only caveat I'd add to all this is that I have been considering either getting another Defiance Elite (to replace my ARC Nucleus) or replacing both of my match actions with somethings else (Defiance Ruckus, Impact, I dunno?) solely for spare parts commonality and the ability to swap barrels and bolts from action to action but that doesn't really apply to you as not much will swap from a Lapua-sized action to a regular short action.
 
I have a custom long action built by Insite and an AIAW short action with an Insite barrel. Both are absolutely amazing rifles, they are just different.
 
I have Falkor Impact and Defiance actions, they are about the same…

Insite arms build great rifles. I had several rifles built by them, absolutely fantastic. They guaranteed 3/8 MOA with match grade factory ammo. And you can get better accuracy with hand loads.

You may also look at go big tactical. I got my Falkor and defiance from Tom, he also have some prefits. You will have to torque the barrel by yourself and tweak the feeding a little bit. It will be a bit cheaper.
 
There's certainly something to be said for commonality between rifles. If you're getting a long action Impact done up already, a short action Impact just makes sense.

I've had Insite build me a couple rifles and multiple barrels for each. One Impact, and one Surgeon. I have played with numerous Defiance, Stiller, Curtis, and Cadex actions and I do find the Impact to be the lightest bolt lift of all of them.

Seeing that you're in Edmonton, it might be worth a short trip to Lloydminster to visit Harley and Andy at Insite. Usually they'll have a bunch of different actions laying around that you can handle and see what you like best.
 
Thanks for the input guys, for me it was in-between a GBT build and having Insite do up another one for me. The sucky part will be waiting for it to be completed. But I think doing another foundation/impact is the way for me to go. Basically the same money as most custom rifles only exactly what you want and not a one size fits all. I understand the purpose of the factory rigs and will probably get one one day, but for now I think I'll stick with customs :)

Edit: Any recommendations scope wise? I'd like them all to be the same, been looking really hard at the Atacr and Nx8 lines. ZCO and TT are just too pricey for me right now. too many hobbies haha
 
Definitely go custom Insite Arms.

Rifles are like suits. Buying off the rack the suit may or may not fit you. A suit off the rack may fit most people okay, some people not at all, and very few it will fit perfectly. Getting a suit tailored/built for you allows you to have every feature you want, none you don't, and it will fit you perfectly. Much like a custom rifle (as long as you understand what you like/dislike in a rifle).

Besides that, everything else is a personal choice. I don't think rifles have to be identical - in fact, I like having different actions. I enjoy different actions and their different features, it's fun to play with actions that aren't identical. That said, my preference in action is for it to be 90 degree bolt lift, and 100% #### on open.

When people talk about other actions and how light the bolt lift is, you need to keep in mind that a lot of that is influenced by how the trigger and action interfaces. In order to optimize this, you need to have the trigger timed to the action (which can be easily done by the user with the BnA triggers). Someone saying their Impact has a lighter bolt lift than other actions doesn't really mean anything on face value, and is not an apples to apples comparison unless all the actions have this interface optimized through trigger timing. If not, its a crap shoot with how triggers will mate up with the action, and there's always tolerances at play. Some triggers also tend to err on the side of caution, with more sear engagement rather than less (like TT).

The only way to know what your preferences are is to try new actions, stocks/chassis', etc. I went through many iterations of my field rifle before I was finally 100% happy. I love my rifle setup, and wouldn't change anything. But what works for me and what my preferences are may not work for you. Just like how suits out of my closet may not fit you 100%, or well at all.
 
For optics, if you're willing to spend the cash to get into the upper levels of stuff (TT and Zco notwithstanding) they're all very good. It's a matter of personal preference and picking the features and reticle that you like best. I don't have any experience with Atacrs (barring playing with a few friends') but I did have a NX8 2.5-20 Mil-XT and really liked it. I've run Leupold Mk5s as well and found them to be great as well. These days I'm running a mix of Vortex Gen II and Gen III Razors and really like them. The Gen III is a phenomenal scope and definitely worth considering alongside the other upper end optics out there.
 
mareshow said:
Thanks for the input guys, for me it was in-between a GBT build and having Insite do up another one for me. The sucky part will be waiting for it to be completed. But I think doing another foundation/impact is the way for me to go. Basically the same money as most custom rifles only exactly what you want and not a one size fits all. I understand the purpose of the factory rigs and will probably get one one day, but for now I think I'll stick with customs :)

Edit: Any recommendations scope wise? I'd like them all to be the same, been looking really hard at the Atacr and Nx8 lines. ZCO and TT are just too pricey for me right now. too many hobbies haha
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I would definitely go Gen 3 Razor right now if you're not looking to spend ZCO or TT level money. Another option you could look at would be the new Apex Rival scope.
 
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rugbydave said:
For optics, if you're willing to spend the cash to get into the upper levels of stuff (TT and Zco notwithstanding) they're all very good. It's a matter of personal preference and picking the features and reticle that you like best. I don't have any experience with Atacrs (barring playing with a few friends') but I did have a NX8 2.5-20 Mil-XT and really liked it. I've run Leupold Mk5s as well and found them to be great as well. These days I'm running a mix of Vortex Gen II and Gen III Razors and really like them. The Gen III is a phenomenal scope and definitely worth considering alongside the other upper end optics out there.
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ZCO and TT are the top dogs. TT has crappy reticle choices unfortunately, but an excellent scope if the reticle suits you and your objectives.

The Leupold MK5's are a great value. Likewise the Vortex Razors.

I'm personally a big fan of Khales. While they are not necessarily the best scope at any one category, they do everything very well, and at a decent price. They are also notoriously good at tracking.

Lots of great options in the scope market these days, in all price ranges.
 
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I have custom rifles and off the shelf I have 2 EMP precision rifles 1x Jerry Rice ,Savage factory and customs all shoot great it depends on what you are looking for .
 
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