Debating actions...

Ardent

Ardent

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Well, the issue has been picking at me for some time; What's the best action out of the big name commercial rifles for a repeater? For the single shots I've built I like Remingtons, but not so much for repeaters. Next, I've never built a gun on one (only kept them stock) but I really like the M77 Mk. II and I'm considering using a stainless M77 action for a project in the future. Other than that I've played with various mil surp bolts but never once an M70 :oops: Can't say why, just never had occasion to... So all in all even though I'm not a fan of them for repeaters, my last 5 or more have been Remingtons, just because getting parts, stocks, and having them rebarrelled is such a breeze. I'm working on breaking that pattern... :lol: Personally I just don't like how the Remington bolt "feels" through the late stages of its operation, almost grinding as the extractor cams in. Just not smooth at all like a claw/mauser extractor...

Anyone had issues with extraction in Rem 700's on newer models? I never have, but have heard about it enough. Basically I'm pondering putting a custom bolt rifle together to take with me overseas, a short action (likely a .308) that just won't quit. Maybe it's time I play with the Win M70...

What weaknesses do the various designs face, and especially the Rem 700? Am I giving it an undue hard time?

Cheers...
 
All commercial actions are mass produced and have been in existence for at least 25yrs. most post WWII. With at least 1 million or more out and about, any design has been tested in numerous situations. The exception might be the HOWA although seems to work well from all reports.

I sincerely doubt that any major action style has issues enough to keep it from running. Whether you like a style of extraction, bolt location or shape, trigger or safety configuration, etc is more about tastes then actual function.

I have used many controlled feed actions like the Enfields, Mausers and have had them all modified to allow for push feed. I hate having to put a rd in the mag before I can load it.

I am presently playing with a bunch of Savage/Stevens and have little to complain about. Everything is modular and so easily tweaked. Feeding and function have been faultless. The only quirk is that the bolt lift is a bit 'harder' then other actions. The bolt moves very smoothly in the action from brand new (it should as only the bolt head is touching the rails).

The orig mag system is good but I think the new style will be better. There is certainly no issue with stock rifle accuracy. For the best bang vs buck on this planet, a Stevens 200 will work in any condition I can dream of hunting in. You just have to like the blind mag. Otherwise, a Savage 'American' short action.

If there are a few extra bucks and you want a pretty action, the Sako short action would be on my list. Otherwise, I would also think seriously of a Rem700 SPS w/mag. Smooth things out a bit and go hunting.

Jerry
 
mysticplayer said:
All commercial actions are mass produced and have been in existence for at least 25yrs. most post WWII. With at least 1 million or more out and about, any design has been tested in numerous situations. The exception might be the HOWA although seems to work well from all reports.

I sincerely doubt that any major action style has issues enough to keep it from running. Whether you like a style of extraction, bolt location or shape, trigger or safety configuration, etc is more about tastes then actual function.
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Good points.
 
For the large based cartridges, say 404 Jeffrey and up, a custom action based on the P14/17 would be my choice!! Especially if cost is a factor!
 
IMHO..........the best might be the Win 70 controlled round/push feed. It will have none of the feeding issues that can arise when the Mauser style extractor is just not quite perfect. It will have a better extractor that the Rem 700, and a whole lot easier to replace if something does go awry, a spare could be changed in the field with a paperclip. And for a short action, it has a longer magbox than most. The trigger is exposed, very simple and easy to adjust. The three position safety is very good, blocking the firing pin instead if "just" the sear......makes me wonder why I don't have one......... :? :lol:
 
mysticplayer said:
All commercial actions are mass produced and have been in existence for at least 25yrs. most post WWII. With at least 1 million or more out and about, any design has been tested in numerous situations. The exception might be the HOWA
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The Howa has been around as the Weatherby Vanguard since about 1972..........
 
Ardent said:
Rembo said:
makes me wonder why I don't have one......... :? :lol:
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And now you've got me wondering too... :lol:
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:lol: :shock: :D

not like I haven't owned them...the second bolt action centerfire I ever owned was a Vanguard in 270 Winchester, bought at Carter's Country on Highway 59, otherwise known as the Southwest Freeway in Houston Texas for $299 in 1990.......excellent rifle,..killed a dozen or so deer with it here in Alberta before I sold it five or six years ago. I've had Howa's with every name except Mossberg, had one with Howa's own name on it...looked at some today at Phoenix Range & Gunshop in Edmonton...pretty hard to beat them for the money......they have it all over the SPS and the T3..except the trigger requires a bit more work to be as nice as the 700 trigger....they are workable. They have an extractor similiar to the M16 type that is sometimes installed in a Rem 700. I actually built a close copy of this extractor and installed it into a 722/244 in about 1992. Used my Vanguard 270 as a reference.

I have to add a bit more here....the Vanguard 270 was the first rifle I ever handloaded for......a 130 Hornady SpirePoint loaded with IMR4350 out of a Lee dipper put the first four rounds , these were the first handloads I EVER assembled, into .70"....still have the target here somewhere.....yup....I screwed up the group with the 5th shot... :roll: ..shot at the Southwest Rifle Range in Richmond Texas.
 
Ardent said:
So are you a transplanted Yankee then? (They'll be no ribbing here, my father is a dual citizen :wink: :p )
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no luck in that department....if I were an American or had dual citizenship I sure as hell wouldn't be living in this socialist dictatorship :?
 
I make no gripes about it, my favorite action is the M70 CRF actions for hunting guns. As some others already know I also use M700's but mostly for shooting guns as a recent 40XB I built into a long range 223. For my money the recent Win M70 CRF actions are as good a rifle as you will find for the money, a 308 might be a little hard to find but they make a compact model that is a beauty to hold and carry. If your budget allows look into the Kimber it is a great rifle and very very light, a friend just bought one in 308 and it is supperior to the M70 in my opinion, lighter, better made, beautiful wood stock and nice bottom metal, really classy. My 270 WSM is a Kimber and it is all of those things and more.
bigbull
 
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