Factory action choice for F-Class build.

[wildcat284]

Hey guys, need some advice please.

Decided to build a 6mm XC semi custom rifle for F class shooting out to 1000 metres.

Trying to decide on the action now. Due to the budget, i would rather spend the money on a good scope and Krieger barrel, which leaves out a custom action. So looking now at options for a suitable factory action.

I can purchase a Tikka T3x or Bergara B14 at 30% discount off retail through my work. I'm going to say I predict the answers on my post to be heavily in favour of the Tikka, however what's the consensus on the Bergara? I am a fan of the Remington 700 and I like the Bergara (and from what I've seen on the internet, Bergara's shoot really well). However at the end of the day I want to choose the action that is inherently the more accurate. Seems Tikka's are excellent when it comes to concentricity.

Thanking you in advance for your help.

Michael.

 

[STOMP442]

I would do Tikka Hands down. Actions are true and square and smooth as butter. Trigger needs a cheap spring and its good to go.

 

[PRR1957]

I’ve read some not so positive things about the Bergara. They had a problem with the bolt shroud that is a casting and the threading only encompasses part of the firing pins cocking threading and the bolt shroud threading would strip and not cock the firing pin. Supposedly this problem has been addressed, but it would be pot luck if you purchased an early production rifle, but Bergara warranty will replace the bolt shroud if you received one that was of the first design. Also. I read that the Bergara bolt is a PITA to disassemble.

 

[Will Henry]

I would buy a used Remington 700 over either of those mentioned. I wouldn't feel too bad about a Howa either but the Remington has more trigger options. WH

 

[swd]

I would put a want add in the classifieds and see if you can find one of the single shot Rem 700 actions that Northland was selling. I would also look at the Dasher or BRX over the XC.
Edit, Just noticed your in New Zealand, that might not work for you With the action...

 

[joshb]

I’ll say Tikka, then second, a Tikka, with third place......Tikka! I just like them! I’ve built 5 customs off Tikka actions and they all perform well! Like Stomp said, the bolts work like greased lightning, smooth as silk. See if you can find an old used 595 in 22-250 for cheap. They’ll usually have a burned out barrel, anyway. It’s a flat bottomed action. Nice to work with.
The T3 and T3x are good actions, too!
Good luck!
I was down your way, a few years back. Visited relatives in Aukland and took a cruise around your “island”. Very pretty place!

 

[Sandstorm]

I built several around the T3 Actions and the are just plain good to go...hands down my favorite
in a semi budget build...course you can get carried away with with a budget build too...lol
but what the hell.

 

[David101]

Being in NZ you should get a Barnard yes it will cost a little more but you will never have any doubts about its suitability for the job at hand. Getting a cheaper action is really false economy as once you thread that barrel it is forever mated to that action.
I think a precision rifle is like a house and needs to be built on a good foundation. The action is the place to start spend the money here first and then add better components around it as you can afford them. Then it is always a straight forward path without having to go back to the start and starting from scratch again at some time later.

 

[FNSafari]

Being in NZ you should get a Barnard yes it will cost a little more but you will never have any doubts about its suitability for the job at hand. Getting a cheaper action is really false economy as once you thread that barrel it is forever mated to that action.
I think a precision rifle is like a house and needs to be built on a good foundation. The action is the place to start spend the money here first and then add better components around it as you can afford them. Then it is always a straight forward path without having to go back to the start and starting from scratch again at some time later.

I agree with the above regarding going with a custom action vs a factory one. In the end, when you can afford a really good scope, will the rifle then shoot to your ability or will it be hamstrung by some aspect of the factory action. Also, resale value...much better with quality custom components. Good luck regardless. I do have a T3 6.5x55 and it is wonderfully accurate for a factory rifle. In their price range there are none better and they may equal or surpass more expensive rifles. My wife has latched on to it and loves the weight and how smooth the action is. Its her new whitetail rifle the last 2 years and has acquitted itself well.

 

[338 dude]

Hey guys, need some advice please.

Decided to build a 6mm XC semi custom rifle for F class shooting out to 1000 metres.

Trying to decide on the action now. Due to the budget, i would rather spend the money on a good scope and Krieger barrel, which leaves out a custom action. So looking now at options for a suitable factory action.

I can purchase a Tikka T3x or Bergara B14 at 30% discount off retail through my work. I'm going to say I predict the answers on my post to be heavily in favour of the Tikka, however what's the consensus on the Bergara? I am a fan of the Remington 700 and I like the Bergara (and from what I've seen on the internet, Bergara's shoot really well). However at the end of the day I want to choose the action that is inherently the more accurate. Seems Tikka's are excellent when it comes to concentricity.

Thanking you in advance for your help.

Michael.

Tikka

 

[Rtheurer]

Interesting to Read not one response in Favor of the Bargara. I do like Tikka's as well but the Bargara has the same foot print as the Remington 700, Takes the same Scope base, Takes any Rem 700 Trigger, Has a Floating bolt head like the Big Horn Arms action Uses Remington 700 Bottom Metal and Stocks. So tell me why it would be lesser choice with all the Remington 700 accessories fitting directly on a Bargara.
I work Full time at a Rifle Range that goes out to a 1000yds. Shoot Prone Long Range as well. I see these Bargara Rifles come to the line almost every day and they Flat out shoot for a Factory Rifle. More so than any other factory Rifle I have seen so far. I get to see it every day.

I like my custom stuff and would not go back, However I would not hesitate to recommend a Bargara in this particular instance.


Good luck to you, what ever your choice may be.

Russel

 

[NateHaler]

I second the motion for a Barnard. Buy local.

If you get their Rem 700 style, then you'll have many, many options to fit other parts down the road.

Mate it to a Mastin stock, mate, and you'll have a southern Hemi hammer, and help heal the rift between Aussies and Kiwis.

 

[wildcat284]

Being in NZ you should get a Barnard yes it will cost a little more but you will never have any doubts about its suitability for the job at hand. Getting a cheaper action is really false economy as once you thread that barrel it is forever mated to that action.
I think a precision rifle is like a house and needs to be built on a good foundation. The action is the place to start spend the money here first and then add better components around it as you can afford them. Then it is always a straight forward path without having to go back to the start and starting from scratch again at some time later.

Yes, I have one on the way on sale or return as I've never had the opportunity to physically handle one. Pretty excited actually and the most cost effective action for me.

 

[Forum Boss]

The Tikka is a good action, but you have to figure out what to do with the funky recoil lug. Alex Wheeler recommends replacing it with a conventional lug -- that will make it easier to bed the action properly.

Since you are from New Zealand, the suggestion to get a Barnard does make sense. No import issues.