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Defiance not measuring up?

Lifesfordeath

Life is but a dream...
Hello,

Just recently looking at getting a custom action setup for some informal local f class matches and while looking at what the "pros" use the Defiance doesn't seem to be measuring up so to speak.

I saw where fclass john switched recently to Borden and if you look at the nationals equipment list it is drowned by Borden and Bat with only a few reporting to be using a Defiance.

Being that they seem to be around the same price (so cost not being a strike against any of them) is there truly an advantage to running one of the B or B actions that would sway so many to not choose the Defiance?

I've owned a Bat B model and a Borden Brm in the past, both seemed to be great so I do have experience there, just never with the Defiance models namely the Deviant.

What say all the competitive fellows?
 
Defiance makes very fine tactical style actions. Personally, I don't care for them. They all seem to rust and the finish really degrades over time.

Lots of (new) F-Class guys show up with PRS equipment and soon start belly aching because they dont have what any of the good shooters have.

Anyway. Fine action. But it's not a benchrest action.
 
Defiance makes very fine tactical style actions. Personally, I don't care for them. They all seem to rust and the finish really degrades over time.

Lots of (new) F-Class guys show up with PRS equipment and soon start belly aching because they dont have what any of the good shooters have.

Anyway. Fine action. But it's not a benchrest action.

Thank you sir, kinda what I was looking for. Had read great things about the Deviant single shot, even some fine endorsements to the likes of Alex Wheeler. I understand too there may be personal experiences of course for each of us that may sway us one way or the other.

Appreciate your reply
 
No problem. Again, they make great actions, but the finish deterioration is concerning to me... if you want to shoot BR/F-Class- There are more appropriate actions available.
 
No problem. Again, they make great actions, but the finish deterioration is concerning to me... if you want to shoot BR/F-Class- There are more appropriate actions available.
I have a couple of Defiance actions. What should I expect to happen to their finish?
 
I have a couple of Defiance actions. What should I expect to happen to their finish?
I've only had them "in the shop" and don't own one personally. The sheen seems to turn from shine to matte.. and they gather rust spots. I'd keep them dry and oiled and not worry about it.
 
I have an action from 2010 when I worked there that’s still shiny as can be, bolt I blued at some point along the way and most of that’s worn off. High volume varminter. Now I probably have a half dozen defiance actions that get used for different purposes prs hunting and varminting not much f class or benchrest here in northwest Montana. Closest is probably 100+miles from me. One thing is a guy should wipe the bolt down before putting it up, as the bolt is chrome moly. I use clp wipes

I would look at the rebel action as there is a lot of custom options available with that action that make it more suitable to the benchrest and f class.
Ive been talking with them about custom dimensions on a few different features mainly reducing clearance in a few locations. There is some good guys working there even if it is under new ownership.
 
I have had two Rebel drop ports for years. I have seen no sign of rust, finish deterioration or dulling on either. They are as smooth and reliable as my Pandas and the Bat 3L I recently sold.

I run a 6bra barrel on one and it shoots pretty good. I am running a 6 Dasher barrel on the other and it’s a work in progress . The action runs fine but the jury is still out on the Dasher chambering.

If I saw any problem with the Defiance Rebel actions, I would have already changed to something else.
 
Theres a couple reasons you dont see a lot in F class. The main one is all the stocks are designed for square tang actions, not Remington tang actions. So that leaves only the rebel as an option. The second is most everyone wants a heavier action to meet the 22 pound limit. And I am sure the image as a tactical action is part of it as well. What makes an action suitable for F class or Br is that they are straight enough to have good lug contact, or so close it doesnt require much to achieve it. The ignition system is well design and lends itself to a bind free consistent setup without total rework. That means parts are straight and fit well. The ignition is designed in a way that they can be timed without total rework and still have enough pin travel. The bolts are fit reasonably well to the action. Defiance checks every box, and in some areas actually beats out the others. When I go through a Defiance, in many cases I have to do very little to them to get them to where I want them. If they came out with a more specific action with the features we want, it would be very popular in competition.
 
I have worked on a few Defiance bolts in the shop. For the most part, very nice. One thing I have seen is gauled lugs on most of the bolts. Heat treat of action to bolt is very important to me personally. Conversely I have yet to see gauled lugs on well over 200 Tikka bolts! Defiance makes a fine action, but I will stick to my Borden actions, thanks very much.
Paul
 
I have a couple of Defiance actions. What should I expect to happen to their finish?
I've got a Deviant that is probably close to 10 years old and a Tenacity that is 2 years old. They look just like they did when new. The Tenacity has ridden around in a gun case with temps swinging from just above 0 to 50 or 60 during the day. Anybody knows with those temp swings, the gun comes out as wet as if you'd sprayed it down with a water hose. No rust. Buddy has a Deviant hunter and it has never had a rag wiped on it, no rust, looks like new. Sounds like someone rubbed some down with some steel wool. Then they'll rust.
 
I've only had them "in the shop" and don't own one personally. The sheen seems to turn from shine to matte.. and they gather rust spots. I'd keep them dry and oiled and not worry about it.
The shine on mine always goes away when I media blast them.
 
I've got a Deviant that is probably close to 10 years old and a Tenacity that is 2 years old. They look just like they did when new. The Tenacity has ridden around in a gun case with temps swinging from just above 0 to 50 or 60 during the day. Anybody knows with those temp swings, the gun comes out as wet as if you'd sprayed it down with a water hose. No rust. Buddy has a Deviant hunter and it has never had a rag wiped on it, no rust, looks like new. Sounds like someone rubbed some down with some steel wool. Then they'll rust.


Might be from cleaning solvent. But I don't own them, I just see them.
 
Bolts are not stainless so they all can rust. But on bordens or bats they had stainless handles. With the one piece defiance bolt, the handles the same material as the bolt so is more likely to rust.
 

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