Bighorn vs. Savage target action

[moorepower]

I have been thinking really hard about a Bighorn action. My question is, other than the obvious which is the choice of great Rem 700 triggers, how much advantage will the Bighorn get me over the Savage that has been trued? I am shooting mostly varmints, but like to make tiny groups on occasion. I have 2 LRPV's already so I understand the trigger disadvantages of the Savage. I also shoot bugholes with them, not BR bugholes, just 3/8" at 100 yds. Bighorn actions are made about 15 miles from my house, which kind of has me arguing between my split personalities. I can build the Savage for the price of the Bighorn.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Id stick with the Savage.

 

[Delfuego]

Bighorn in a heartbeat. Just down the street is also an awesome reason There is no comparison between a Bighorn and a Salvage.

 

[AckleymanII]

Also, the Remington 783 is machined very true. If you want an upgrade from a Savage, there you go. Replace spring in the trigger for a very light trigger pull.

These are of course Varmint hunter options where you are wanting very tiny groups. 783 has a very short firing pin fall and quick lock time also.

 

[Ggmac]

Also, the Remington 783 is machined very true. If you want an upgrade from a Savage, there you go. Replace spring in the trigger for a very light trigger pull.

These are of course Varmint hunter options where you are wanting very tiny groups. 783 has a very short firing pin fall and quick lock time also.

The Remington 783 is a very good action with some great improvements over a savage .
1 same threads and barrel nut as savage small shank .
It does require some machining on savage barrels as the Remington bolt face recess is deeper
2 has a 90 deg sear .
3 very rigid with a faster lock time than Rem 700
4 easy bolt lift especially when comparing to savages

 

[Chrs_28]

Beyond all mentioned, value is a factor.

Also features not offered on stock actions.

 

[Liven The Dream]

Just more to check out ???

PTG Blue Printed Remington 700 Actions ??? More trigger and stock choices
I have Target Rifles on Rem.700 that shoot bug holes and I can't out shoot ??

 

[boltfluter]

Bighorn hands down. One of the nicest actions that I personally own. There is no comparison between a Savage and the Bighorn.

Paul

 

[Sniper338]

Answer is none. Trigger and resale are the pros. Piece of mind is a pro.

Potential for better accuracy is there because of better trigger, tighter tollerances, etc etc. Nothing guarenteed tho.

 

[Evlshnngns]

How about the Shilen actions, or A.r.c nucleus? (Assuming you want to run a Savage tennon thread)

 

[swd]

Take a look at Haverkamp actions. $905. Very nice for the money. Cone bolt, trigger hanger, very tight bolt fit and use any 700 type trigger. They fit a SA 700 inlet with the recoil lug inlet moved slightly forward to accomadate a longer barrel tennon.

 

[Marksman]

Bighorn>Shilen>Savage.

I should have the Nucleus to play with soon as well. Savage shank barrels make life more fun.

 

[Cuando]

Id stick with the Savage.

Why?

 

[klmshooterk]

I just received my rifle with bighorn action. It's actually the first long action completed. I also used his partner Mark Chanlynn to do the barrel and bedding. I figured with Frank highly endorsing the action and Chad Dixon believing that Mark makes the best .30 cal barrel in the world, I couldn't go wrong. I love this rifle and so does everyone else who gets behind it.

 

[Cuando]

Why?

bump

 

[Alex Wheeler]

He answered his own question. Savage trigger doesnt bother him, not shooting competition, budget, ext. No reason at all to use the custom. Bighorns have very short firing pin fall. So obviously Im not a fan. But thats how they get them to open so easy. For the use they were designed I doubt it holds them back.

 

[Cuando]

Thanks Alex. Was curious is all.

Can you explain why the short firing pin fall is a detriment?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I have not worked with an action yet that would give top accuracy at .175" firing pin fall. Reliability yes, optimal accuracy no. Will you see it in a hunting or tactical rifle? Maybe not. But the action makers that build actions for BR/F-class and are involved in accuracy testing are going to heavier pins, springs, and more firing pin fall. Its open and close cycle is probably as good as it gets, but there have been sacrifices to achieve that.

 

[Cuando]

Interesting.

Thanks man.

 

[Clancy]

Awaiting my 5th Bighorn right now...
I respect the opinion of Alex Wheeler, but I can’t tell you that firing pin has held any of them back. Tiny groups at both short and long range, single digit ES, etc.

It could very well make the difference between 1 and 2 inches at 1,000 yards, but I’ll never know. Maybe that’s what Alex means.