Not to start any pi####g match, but Dennis is thorough, and does up a Remington action as well as you can get. He is very reasonable and will tell it like it is. He has built 4 rifles for me so far. I have nothing but respect for Dennis, especially after having him sort out a problem child of my own. I don't want to name any names, but two reputable 'smiths had a go at this one, and without any noticeable results. Took Dennis one try, and the thing has become a zinger. Regards, Eagleye
Custom Actions
- Thread starter RockChucker
- Start date
Not to start any pi####g match, but Dennis is thorough, and does up a Remington action as well as you can get. He is very reasonable and will tell it like it is. He has built 4 rifles for me so far. I have nothing but respect for Dennis, especially after having him sort out a problem child of my own. I don't want to name any names, but two reputable 'smiths had a go at this one, and without any noticeable results. Took Dennis one try, and the thing has become a zinger. Regards, Eagleye
The Rem v custom debate has been going on for how many years? Sam Adams in Nova Scotia also does a great job, but the concensus in a 20 +/- year old Precison Shooting survey was go for custom. One reasoning was that you still have a Rem. after spending the money. I have a 40X, 3 Rem 700's, Sako M591, big BAT, big Barnard. most accurate rifle was a Wichita in .308 Win. with Maddco barrel.
Regards,
Peter
Regards,
Peter
I will agree
that Dennis does great work. He is on project #3 for me which should be finished this coming week. The man has been building guns or modifying them for 40 years. He studied the trade so I would think he has a very good handle on what he is doing.
Bottom line is to truely make a Rem 700 action worthy of comparing it to a Custom is money.
First you have the basic cost of a base Rem 700 around 6 bills +taxes.
Then there is truing the face, touching up the threads, lapping the bolt lugs. To take up the slop in the bolt requires bushing the bolt for a tighter fit. The other alternative to taking up the bolt slop without bushing the bolt is to ream the raceway and install a aftermarket bolt.
The firing pin hole should be bushed as well and the pin itself tuned to the new bushed hole.
Finally, if I have everything, the last piece of the puzzle is to sleave the Rem 700 action.
Oh I did not touch on the trigger. You can get that worked. IT is OK but it still is not a Jewell.
You have decide what you want and how far you are willing to go.
Ask for a figure what it would cost to have all that work done to it to make it almost comparable to a custom action. These steps are what I feel is required to make it close to a custom action.
You don't take your done up Viper to a F1 race. It may be fast but it just will not cut it with the big boys.
This is my opinion and it probably will just stay my opinion.
If I asked 2500.00 for my done up Rem 700 6BR how many offers do you think I would get? And it does not have all the work done to it. The 2500.00 just covers what I have into it.
Calvin
that Dennis does great work. He is on project #3 for me which should be finished this coming week. The man has been building guns or modifying them for 40 years. He studied the trade so I would think he has a very good handle on what he is doing.
Bottom line is to truely make a Rem 700 action worthy of comparing it to a Custom is money.
First you have the basic cost of a base Rem 700 around 6 bills +taxes.
Then there is truing the face, touching up the threads, lapping the bolt lugs. To take up the slop in the bolt requires bushing the bolt for a tighter fit. The other alternative to taking up the bolt slop without bushing the bolt is to ream the raceway and install a aftermarket bolt.
The firing pin hole should be bushed as well and the pin itself tuned to the new bushed hole.
Finally, if I have everything, the last piece of the puzzle is to sleave the Rem 700 action.
Oh I did not touch on the trigger. You can get that worked. IT is OK but it still is not a Jewell.
You have decide what you want and how far you are willing to go.
Ask for a figure what it would cost to have all that work done to it to make it almost comparable to a custom action. These steps are what I feel is required to make it close to a custom action.
You don't take your done up Viper to a F1 race. It may be fast but it just will not cut it with the big boys.
This is my opinion and it probably will just stay my opinion.
If I asked 2500.00 for my done up Rem 700 6BR how many offers do you think I would get? And it does not have all the work done to it. The 2500.00 just covers what I have into it.
Calvin
Maynard, Wichita was/is a BR action, though not held in as high regard as some of the other top-shelf BR actions, so says Joe Kroetsch and others.
I would like to hear from Mr.Pollock as to what constitutes top-shelf in actions.
Regards,
Peter
I would like to hear from Mr.Pollock as to what constitutes top-shelf in actions.
Regards,
Peter
Peter, not
to answer for Rick but this is my take on it.
What constitutes as Top shelf in actions?
First of all I look at what is out there winning at the present time in the field of shooting I am interested in which is shortrange benchrest. Right now the top actions are Panda's and Bat's. Panda's have been around a long time while the BAT is a relative new comer to the game. Others are definately used as well but they don't seem to pop up as often. How many hear of Farleys? I have heard that Farleys are king of the hill in regards to actions. The wait time for them is about 2 years. Why? that I cannot answer.
Yes, there are other top actions out there but a lot of it comes down to what you are looking for in regards to options, materials, ### appeal, and even geographically.
I do believe that ALL aftermarket actions are great actions but you have to look at the application it is going to be used for. In shortrange benchrest or long range benchrest the tighter the tolerences the better. The actions used are single shot actions trying to leave as much metal as possible to keep the action as stiff as possible yet utilizing single or dual ports to aid in machine gunning when the right condition presents itself. The gun is being shot off of the bench and not dragged around like in a tactical shoot situation. An action that is being used for benchrest will not work for the person wanting to shoot a tactical match where one runs, drops down and shoots off of the dirt. The action would more than likely jam up.
The type of shooting discipline that one is intersted in will determine what makes a feesible action for that person.
Taking a look at Canada as a whole it is a pain in the b*** to get many of these great components. Some are available if it fits your shooting discipline. Barnards I can see being popular in Canada for the F Class shooters but they are not popular with the diehard benchresters.
PGWDT actions are fine for the tactical shooters out there. I feel that if anybody in Canada has the capability and machines to turn out a TOP NOTCH action these guys are it. When the smoke clears I really would like to see them come out with a GREAT single shot action for the benchrester. They are right hear in our backyard. Yes we are a small group but once the program is written for the mills it is no different than what they are presently doing. If anything I think it may be easier.
Gaulins I have never seen one or know anything about.
ATR Rick appears to be coming out with a action. I see it as being a action for the long range tactical shooter.
Finally we have Ian and the gang at Robertsons Composites who are also handling Jerry Stillers actions. This is the first action that may be available with some ease in Canada for the Benchrest shooter.
This is my take on it from my very limited knowledge database.
Calvin
to answer for Rick but this is my take on it.
What constitutes as Top shelf in actions?
First of all I look at what is out there winning at the present time in the field of shooting I am interested in which is shortrange benchrest. Right now the top actions are Panda's and Bat's. Panda's have been around a long time while the BAT is a relative new comer to the game. Others are definately used as well but they don't seem to pop up as often. How many hear of Farleys? I have heard that Farleys are king of the hill in regards to actions. The wait time for them is about 2 years. Why? that I cannot answer.
Yes, there are other top actions out there but a lot of it comes down to what you are looking for in regards to options, materials, ### appeal, and even geographically.
I do believe that ALL aftermarket actions are great actions but you have to look at the application it is going to be used for. In shortrange benchrest or long range benchrest the tighter the tolerences the better. The actions used are single shot actions trying to leave as much metal as possible to keep the action as stiff as possible yet utilizing single or dual ports to aid in machine gunning when the right condition presents itself. The gun is being shot off of the bench and not dragged around like in a tactical shoot situation. An action that is being used for benchrest will not work for the person wanting to shoot a tactical match where one runs, drops down and shoots off of the dirt. The action would more than likely jam up.
The type of shooting discipline that one is intersted in will determine what makes a feesible action for that person.
Taking a look at Canada as a whole it is a pain in the b*** to get many of these great components. Some are available if it fits your shooting discipline. Barnards I can see being popular in Canada for the F Class shooters but they are not popular with the diehard benchresters.
PGWDT actions are fine for the tactical shooters out there. I feel that if anybody in Canada has the capability and machines to turn out a TOP NOTCH action these guys are it. When the smoke clears I really would like to see them come out with a GREAT single shot action for the benchrester. They are right hear in our backyard. Yes we are a small group but once the program is written for the mills it is no different than what they are presently doing. If anything I think it may be easier.
Gaulins I have never seen one or know anything about.
ATR Rick appears to be coming out with a action. I see it as being a action for the long range tactical shooter.
Finally we have Ian and the gang at Robertsons Composites who are also handling Jerry Stillers actions. This is the first action that may be available with some ease in Canada for the Benchrest shooter.
This is my take on it from my very limited knowledge database.
Calvin
slaym, I'll second that and appreciate cycbb486's comments. I have seem a PGWDTI Timberwolf shoot a group @ 300 meters with all shots touching in .338LM!
I hear they also make important hits overseas somewhere @1500+ meters.
Regards,
Peter
I hear they also make important hits overseas somewhere @1500+ meters.
Regards,
Peter
Peter,
The original poster was looking at 1000 yd BR actions. This is not my game so I can't say what runs at the front in those matches.
For short range BR the Bat actions have become very popular out west, not sure on actual numbers in use. There is a mix of Pandas, Nesikas, Stillers etc. etc that make up the balance of the field. In the right hands all are capable of winning.
Since the custom actions have become so good, availability can be the biggest deciding factor in selection for a new project.
Rick
Calvin, this action already exists. I can't remember what year we did this, but I have an article in Precision Shooting on the very first Coyote built at PGW. At the time Steve and Ross and I collaborated on designing just such an action. I have s/n "Numero Uno". The coyote led to the timberwolf. The rest is history as they say. The single shot action died for the most part and the repeater actions sold well.
I had PGW incorporate a lot of the features we need in BR such as a large bearing surface for bedding, solid floor, integral rail, cone bolt, RB/LP, side bolt release, panda compatible barrel threading so I could switch my Panda barrels to the Coyote etc etc. Still have it.
I have a fondness for Canadian actions. I had a Maclennan (sp?) which I wish I still had. Sold it a few years back to a fellow out East who has gone on and done a bunch of winning with it and is unlikely to want to sell it back, or so I am told!
Looking for a Swindlehurst to complete the Canadian experience.
Rick
Thanks Rick, also have a PGW Coyote in 6.5X47 Lapua. Very nice indeed and didn't know you had a hand in it.
For 1000 yard BR, I think any short-range BR action would do if using a .308 Win size bolt face.
ATB,
Peter
For 1000 yard BR, I think any short-range BR action would do if using a .308 Win size bolt face.
ATB,
Peter
Peter, given the 1000yd BR guys tend to run very heavy barrels when compared to short range br, I would look at the longer bats and nesikas, stillers etc that can easily support a much heavier barrel and not stress the action too much.
Rick,
it would be nice if they would still do a run on them occasionally for the BR crowd.
What are your honest thoughts on them say in regards to the BAT?
E-mail me personally or PM for your thoughts. I do not want to start a war.
I would also like to see some pics of the rig.
Calvin
it would be nice if they would still do a run on them occasionally for the BR crowd.
What are your honest thoughts on them say in regards to the BAT?
E-mail me personally or PM for your thoughts. I do not want to start a war.
I would also like to see some pics of the rig.
Calvin
My apologies if anyone thinks I want to start a war re custom action. I re read some of my posts and they do seem a bit aggresive...Sorry that was not my intention.
Dollar for dollar I don't believe the Remington can be beat...The new Stiller's may be an exception.
If I were building a 1000 yard heavy bench (bench only) rifle it would wear a Bat. For a pure benchrest rifle it seems they are one of the best....Have a look at what the Pennsylvania shooters are using.
My earlier post was in reference to (my) opinion the Bat action does not make a good multi purpose/multi position platform...It's tolerances are too tight and the metal composition is not very forgiving to field abuse.....Since most guys interests here revolve around some sort of field/tactical shooting I though the point valid....When most guys say 1000 yard bench that is not what they really mean.
The last thing I intended to do was stifle a discussion environment...Since that is why we are all here.
Once again my apologies.
Dollar for dollar I don't believe the Remington can be beat...The new Stiller's may be an exception.
If I were building a 1000 yard heavy bench (bench only) rifle it would wear a Bat. For a pure benchrest rifle it seems they are one of the best....Have a look at what the Pennsylvania shooters are using.
My earlier post was in reference to (my) opinion the Bat action does not make a good multi purpose/multi position platform...It's tolerances are too tight and the metal composition is not very forgiving to field abuse.....Since most guys interests here revolve around some sort of field/tactical shooting I though the point valid....When most guys say 1000 yard bench that is not what they really mean.
The last thing I intended to do was stifle a discussion environment...Since that is why we are all here.
Once again my apologies.
sillymike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Another vote for the Gaulin (www armtechcanada com)
I don't know much about 1000 yards benchrest, but many 1000 yards DCRA shooters are using his stuff or have them fix their existing gun...
I don't know much about 1000 yards benchrest, but many 1000 yards DCRA shooters are using his stuff or have them fix their existing gun...
1000 yard DCRA shooter comprises a number of type of shooters. Are you talking about the tradition TR shooter, The factory or Farquesion Shooter, or the Open F-Class shooter.
which group and how many? Give a number or percentage and where you got the number from. Are you talking 5, 10, 15 shooters, 5% 10% 50% or 75% of the shooters? Are you talking a specific province of shooters etc...
your statement is potentially misleading...
Last edited:
Obtunded,
no different than Lawton actions. They are reasonably priced as well. In the same ball park or slightly less.
I cannot answer the reason on the pricing.
All I know, if there were to be a Benchrest capable action on the market that is made solely in Canada, I would not expect to pay more for it than what a US citizen would pay for one of there actions down in the US. For what I require they run 1000.00-1100.00 US. I could see possibly slightly more as the steel required for them probably comes from the US. I sure would not want to see 500.00+ dollars more.
We end up paying more because of the BS required by the US Government.
I was fortunate enough to get my BAT action into Canada 100% legal with the appropriate paperwork. The fellow who imported it did it at no extra cost to me as he has the paperwork in place. I lucked out that there were a few issues so he was good enough to me to give me a break.
I am forever greatful to him.
no different than Lawton actions. They are reasonably priced as well. In the same ball park or slightly less.
I cannot answer the reason on the pricing.
All I know, if there were to be a Benchrest capable action on the market that is made solely in Canada, I would not expect to pay more for it than what a US citizen would pay for one of there actions down in the US. For what I require they run 1000.00-1100.00 US. I could see possibly slightly more as the steel required for them probably comes from the US. I sure would not want to see 500.00+ dollars more.
We end up paying more because of the BS required by the US Government.
I was fortunate enough to get my BAT action into Canada 100% legal with the appropriate paperwork. The fellow who imported it did it at no extra cost to me as he has the paperwork in place. I lucked out that there were a few issues so he was good enough to me to give me a break.
I am forever greatful to him.
