Action choices????

[skipper]

I had a rifle built by Stick at SG&Y rifles back in December of last year. I shipped the parts in early December and got the rifle back by February. That's fast and I think Stick's work speaks for itself.

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

I decided to have Stiller install a Bartlein barrel on my TAC300.He did an excellent job and this saved me a step in the build process. Stiller has a working relationship with Bartlein and seems to be able to get the barrels that he wants rather quickly. Of course, he'll install other barrel makers products if you so specify. In my case the turnaround time was better than if I got the action alone from Stiller and then had to send it out for the barrel installation. He used a Kiff reamer that was ground to provide the chamber that I wanted. I'm more than pleased with the result.

I also had Stiller install a Jewell HVRTS-A trigger. IMO, there are no triggers out there that have the feel of the Jewell. Period! I have a couple of M700 actions with Rifle Basix triggers, and while they're good they really don't match the Jewell. Stiller will also install one of his modified Timney triggers on his actions for a bit less money than the Jewell, and that might be a better choice than the Jewell for those who are hunting and get down in the dirt with their rifles. The Jewell is a bit more sensitive to dirt but,while I've never encountered any problems with mine) will flush right out using lighter fluid and return to being as good as new.

Best of luck with your build. Please keep us posted.

 

[SlowpokeRodriguez]

I wonder who is doing the chambering for Stiller?

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

I wonder who is doing the chambering for Stiller?

Stiller says that everything is done in-house except for the heat treating and metal coating. I'm not sure if Curtis, Jerry, or another machinist in his shop did the chambering work on my barrel.

 

[65BR]

Thanks for the messages, I had a quick e-chat with a top gunsmith, but his prices, wait time, and ego were not in my best interest and had about settled on Pac-Nor as they have never let me down. That said, I will give some thought to Stiller and Barlein and was wondering if you can give me some info on your caliber, contour, and accuracy report?

If Stiller can do as good or better,and I don't doubt they can do good smith work) at a good price, then I have no qualms. This 'exercise' can be mentally taxing when trying to get the best quality and value, with so many good choices. I just want a tackdriver that I will hope to enjoy for many years.

Much thanks for the help, as this is my first custom action rifle and I feel heavily compelled to get it right the first time.

 

[SlowpokeRodriguez]

It was Curtis that most likely did that one and they are not doing and building right now and most likely will not until next year if then. Too busy keeping up with building actions......

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

65BR,
This is a Tactical rifle built on a Stiller TAC300 action with a 30" Bartlein Medium Palma contour 5R 1/8.5" twist barrel chambered in 6.5-284 with a no-turn Kiff reamer, dropped into an AICS 1.5 LA stock. I had Stiller install a Jewell HVRTS-A trigger and one of his one-piece 20MOA Picatinny scope bases.

This is by no means a bench rest rifle but consistantly shoots five shot 100yd. groups in the very low four tenths range and will hold five shots into a two inch square at 600yds. when I'm reading the wind well. I live in a very windy area. I've only had three chances to shoot it at 1000yds. so far and all three times I was shooting into a boil with the winds gusting to 25mph and the temperatures hovering at the 100F mark. It was all I could do to keep all of my shots on a 24 inch gong so I was pretty satisfied with the performance. If the weather holds out this fall I plan to go back to the 1000yd. range and try my luck under better conditions.

 

[65BR]

Sounds like that accuracy is not bad at all.

I hope to get 3 shots into .3-.4, striving for 1/2moa consistent in my hunting rifles, knowing that might be twice what I need, then I only have myself to blame if/when things do not go as 'squeezed!' Thanks for the info.