Borden or Stiller...

[Santee116]

I am beginning to assemble parts for a 6.5 x 284 build and I can't decide on which action to go with. This rifle will primarily be a hunting rifle, with the hopes of easing into long range target shooting,for fun), maybe competition one day. Because of it's use and a budget, I am looking at the stiller predator compared to the borden timberline.

Any opinions are appreciated.

 

[bluejazz]

Because of a recent thread I read about poor customer service with Stiller, I would look at using the Borden action.

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Borden I have delt with him. No issues getting him on the phone and his actions are held to tighter tolerences than the stiller which in the end leads to less gun smithing

 

[mikecockcroft]

bluejazz
Read latest thread. Disagreement worked out.
I believe he was asking for advice from shooters who actually have the actions.
Santee16
I have both actions, have talked to both men, and talked to Jerry personally at matches. You can build a great rifle out of either action. All good action builders and gunsmiths are extremely busy now. My Predator is a fine piece of work, my Timberline is an awesome piece of work.
Not sure of the price difference today, my guess is the Timberline is about $200.00 more. Maybe your choice should be which one can you get the quickest, does either one have the action you want available now?
You won't regret the 6.5/284 for hunting or targets.
Good luck
Mike C

 

[SongdogHunter]

I have first hand experience with both. I like the alpine better But thats just me. Jim built me a 6.5 x 47L hunting rifle that is nearly perfect. I had a .243AI on a predator. No issues with either but do feel the tolerances are held a little tighter on the Borden alpines.
Going to do a 6 x 47 L on my next alpine.

SDH

 

[topwater225]

Never had a Borden, but I'm sure they are nice...

I currently have a Stiller Predator and I have absolutely no complaints. I would/will go that route again.

That being said, I would do what was already mentioned....go with whoever has the fastest delivery.

 

[wwbrown]

I have a Stiller Predator one of the early ones and I have shot it quite a bit and it is a great option with R 700 footprint.

The great thing for us shooters is that there are options as good as Stiller, Borden and others for actions. The same is true for barrels new makers like Bartlien, Brux and others entering the field.

wade

 

[ChuckMiller]

I own a Predator in a 6.5-47L and a Borden Alpine in a 17-223AI, if one has tighter tolerances than the other I can't tell. I like the bolt handle on the Predator better, nice custom look, the Borden has a Rem 700 look, not impressed but it works fine. The Borden has a nice polished finish, the Predator a matte/beadblasted finish. The Borden cost 300.00 more than the Predator. I like them both I just see a apples to oranges comparison when one costs me 650.00 and the other goes for close to a grand. Both of mine are singleshots and I'd buy Stiller's Viper before I'd buy a Borden for the same price. It's kind of like comparing a stock Rem 700 to the Predator. I do know this, Borden doesn't have near the available inventory of actions ready to ship like Stiller does.

 

[WayneShaw]

Pierce action.

 

[bluejazz]

mikecockcroft,
I have 3 Stiller actions. On 1 occasion they sent me the wrong order,a Pred Xtreme instead of a Tac, and another time sent me the wrong bolt face, Standard instead of a magnum.
While it was cleared up eventually, it took some time.
I think they are fine actions, but if I order more in the future, I will know what to expect.

 

[Geo]

I have dealt with jerry Stiller for quite some timw, the SS Vipers and the preditors are excellent actions. As for support, I have had excellent service from Jerry and Curtis. They alwasys answer any questions.

 

[SilverEagle]

+1 for Stiller Actions. Top shelf all the way around

 

[vmthtr]

I have owned a Borden, Stiller, Hall and now a BAT. All are very good actions, I am just fickle. Never a problem with them.

Mike

 

[SongdogHunter]

I own a Predator in a 6.5-47L and a Borden Alpine in a 17-223AI, if one has tighter tolerances than the other I can't tell. I like the bolt handle on the Predator better, nice custom look, the Borden has a Rem 700 look, not impressed but it works fine. The Borden has a nice polished finish, the Predator a matte/beadblasted finish. The Borden cost 300.00 more than the Predator. .

Chuck the new Borden's are a different bolt not like the M700 bolt on your 17-223AI.
You taking care of that rifle?
Suppose my only complaint with the Predator is the cut out in the top.
Both real nice, the Borden does cost more but seems to be better finished as well. Either are a good choice. Chuck it appears the predators are $825.00 unless you get in on a group buy.

I would go with a Stiller Predator XP length action if I build another.

ML

 

[ChuckMiller]

I did buy mine in the original group buy, not sure what the Alpine sells for today. You know that rifle is the only 17cal I own that will shoot 30gr Bergers. Memorial day my 13yr old shot a feral pig right behind the ear quartering away at 300yds with it. He said he had never seen a pigs eye's bulge like that, oh yea, no exit wound. Not sure I would have believed that was where he was aiming except he called the shot before he puled the trigger. He also thinks you have better taste in stocks than I do, I told him I was giving the rifle to his little brother, that shut him up.

 

[benjamin199]

I haven't owned a Stiller action, but I do have a Borden alpine single shot. The Borden is a very nice action, with it I have set club records and won a state mid-range F-class championship. I think either action will serve you well.

 

[CentrePunch]

I have a 22-250 AI i built for myself on a Stiller Predator and a 257 AI i bulit on a Borden Timberline.
Both are excellent actions and i would not hesitate to buy either but if i really had to choose, the Borden just nudges it.

Ian.