Best Action: For Listed Requirements

[Phil3]

Going to build a rifle to shoot small groups at the local 100 and 200 yard range. I have narrowed my action choices down to Savage or Howa. Which of these offers a higher level of build construction, as well as fit and finish? I would try them both out, but no Howas (or Weatherby Vanguards which use same action) in my area. I know the Savage is easier to work on, but I do like the built in recoil lug, flat bottom receiver, and M16 type extractor in the Howa.

- Phil

 

[superlight93]

For small groups neither one.

 

[fullersson]

IMO the Savage will give you small groups if you can learn to shoot it. I shoot a Savage Target action and my biggest complaint would be the lack of a good trigger. You can get a decent trigger for the Savages from SSS but they're still not as nice as the Jewel triggers in my opinion. I haven't built anything on a Howa action so I cant give you an opinion on them. I've seen some guys at the range shooting them and they seem to shoot very well.

I do agree with superlight93 to a degree. There are a lot of advantages that come with custom actions. Good triggers, smooth bolt operation, and light bolt lift are just a few that make me lean towards the custom actions. All of these give you more speed and speed equals accuracy in switching conditions.

I think you can get away building a short range score gun (30br) on a Savage action more so than you can a group gun (6ppc). The reason I say that is because in score you have to move your point of aim anyway for the next shot so speed isn't such a concern.

All of this is just my opinion on the matter. Brian Brown.

 

[6BRinNZ]

Triggers are also an issue for the Howas, rem clones give the most choices. I like the howa but I wouldn't go there to shoot truely small groups. I understand gretan is ok to bush the Howa firing pin...this has been my other bugbear - finding someone to bush the pin - as without it only very mild loads can be tested, again if I had a rem clone I would have a lot more options to ge the pin bushed.

Bottom line I would look custom to shoot little groups.

Good luck

 

[artbosco]

Going to build a rifle to shoot small groups at the local 100 and 200 yard range.

This type action is the BEST for small groups at 100/200 yard range: http://www.batmachine.com/products/products.htm

Anything else is an intermediate step before you arrive at this level.

Having said that, I did manage to shoot a Zero group [.0XX"] with a trued and timed Savage action, before my budget finally allowed me to eventually purchase two of the 7.5 B BAT actions.

 

[Phil3]

I am not trying to shoot competitively tiny groups, just something that does well with factory action level equipment. I did have the recent opportunity to operate a Remington action in SPS Varmint and shoot a 5R, and also shoot a Howa. I only operated the Savage action (unfortunately just the Axis version). I was sold on the Howa immediately...it really does feel nice and I like the design, with it using a beefy integral recoil lug, M16 style extractor, one piece forged bolt, and flat bottom receiver. I have ordered a Howa barreled action in 223 and intend on practicing a lot to hone skills.

- Phil