Gunsmiths honest opinion required on custom actions

[essexboy]

I'm in the planning stage of my new project and need honest opinions on the quality of custom actions, I was speaking to a gunsmith the last time I shot and he said the only 2 makes that do not need work are stolle and Barnard . This seemed a bit strange to me.
The rifle will be another f-class and be chambered in 6mm dasher


Steve

 

[jscandale]

What is your budget? F class open or Target Rifle (TR)? I really don't think there is a better action than a Bat Machine if you are into stainless steel and F open.

JS

 

[T 700]

+1 for Bat

 

[Sully2]

Im using a Stiller in one of my build-ups and there isnt anything wrong with Stillers

 

[tightneck]

I can guarantee that any and all action manufacturers have and will continue to have work performed on their actions. Do they all need work, no. Some require work, while others are worked on to fine tune the little things. Actions for BR guns get most of the attention because of the extreme accuracy and flawless function required for that discipline.

 

[Jeffvn]

Take a look at the 2011 international F-Class finals list of top shooters. In every category you will see that at least 7 of the top 10 finishers shot a Barnard. I have Bat and it shoot very well indeed; my F-Class rig is a Barnard "P".

http://www.gbfclass.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104%3Acheck-out-the-top-shooters-rifle-specs&catid=29%3Abulletin&Itemid=154
Jeffvn

 

[gamma]

Steve, ask your gunsmith when you see him again which actions he has in stock. I bet you already know the answer. Also tell him he,s talking from his rear end about custom actions then find a gunsmith that knows what he,s talking about.

 

[jscandale]

Keep in mind that a high end action is shooters "candy". The same results can be obtained with a factory production action with a good barrel and proper smithing.

JS

 

[clowdis]

Looking back at my notes on action headspace etc. I can truly say that Barnard is the only action that time after time is within .002 headspace on all actions across the board. While I haven't worked on a pile of all the other actions out there, they have all varied more than that from action to action. I know of one custom action that the headspace was varying up to .020.

 

[boltfluter]

essexboy,

I personally own a Stolle Panda, Stolle Atlas, and a Borden Alpine. Unfortunately, I have had extraction issues with every last one. Most disappointing. I am about ready to go back to a standard Remington 700 and call it good.

Regards, Paul.

www.boltfluting.com

 

[DCRYDER]

I will gladly trade you 3 Remington actions for your junky custom actions. Let me know what kind you want, I have many.

 

[Rustystud]

I have built rifles on most every action factory and custom. The following is a list and not in any order of what I thinks are the better of the bunch.
Barnard (MT Guns), Bat (Bruce), Kelbly (Jim Ian Kelbly), Borden (Jim or Joan Borden), Pierce (John Pierce),

All of the aformentioned not only produce fine actions they are good to do business with honest and straight forward with what they tell you.

There are other good custom actions out there that I have not mentioned.

Nat Lambeth

 

[Jim See]

There are a ton of good after market actions, there are a couple small companies that I have inspected there actions and thought not to try them until they worked out what I saw as problem areas.

The idea of lumping one or two manf. as the best is a little problematic; best at what? what a BR, F-O, tactical shooter, or LR hunter, want are all different.

When a remy or savage pta are properly trued and set up, they can have the accuracy potential of many of the custom actions. For a "custom action maker" to crank out a POS would require a total lack of commitment to quality control, I think most of them take pride in there work and turn out the best they are capable of.

I'm running a Border BRM in 284 this year, you can't go wrong with a Borden. And my trusty 6mm br on a remy 700, which last year had a 600 yard FO score of 799- 56x, and set a new range record at the Corbin BR match for smallest 600y group.

 

[Dans40X]

The fire control/trigger group should be a consideration.

Barnard P-02's are second to NONE!

 

[essexboy]

Thanks for all the advice, I have just ordered a Barnard S action and a kelbly trigger.

Now it's time to fire up the lathe and mill and get to work

Steve