Help me pick an action!

[Endyo]

F-Class shooter. I've handled BAT, Panda, Borden, Stiller, Barnard.

I know this is a subjective and likely not the most important factor when purchasing an action. Assuming all other things held constant. Action and ignition properly timed, etc.

What action will be the smoothest in regards to bolt lift/closing and to a lesser extent down the raceways.

I've recently been looking at the Pierce since they have the enhaced Firing Pin Assembly. They boast a lightened bolt lift. I've never handled a Pierce personally.

Any input is appreciated. I've been shopping for an action for several months and I've been back and forth.

 

[Kyle Schultz]

F-Class shooter. I've handled BAT, Panda, Borden, Stiller, Barnard.

Which one did YOU like? In the end, that's all that matters.

 

[rmist]

Borden BRM
Watch Alex Wheelers video on his website about action timing. I've had Bats, Keblys, Stiller, and Borden. The Borden is the best of the ones I've had. You already shot the top brands and the amount decision should be easy enough.

 

[wapiti25]

I would buy a Borden

 

[wapiti25]

I have two Borden's and a BAT. The Borden's are smoother.

 

[butchlambert]

I have a couple Pierces that I really like, but the Borden or Kelblys would be hard to beat also.

 

[Endyo]

Kyle,

I haven't been able to find one that's consistent.

The smoothest action I've shot was John Myers' Stiller he relayed it had over 8 barrels on it. I've handled another Stiller since and it wasn't as smooth as John's. No action has been.

The next smoothest was Erik Cortina's BRMXD. I got a BRL in a trade from Greg Taylor and the bolt lift is heavier than the BRMXD's granted the BRL isn't mounted in a stock so it may be a perception thing.

 

[butchlambert]

My smoothest was a Stiller Diamondback. I used lapping compound on the bolt body and vigorously lapped it before the build. I think that helps with most new receivers.

 

[Endyo]

I have a couple Pierces that I really like, but the Borden or Kelblys would be hard to beat also.

Butch in terms of smoothness particularly bolt lift/force would you rank the Borden or Pierce higher?

 

[butchlambert]

That is a tough question. I do like John's bolt caming, but if you let Jim install your trigger and adjust your bolt and timing it will be great. The actual smoothness of operating the bolt back and forth would be a wash if you lapped them.

 

[Endyo]

That is a tough question. I do like John's bolt caming, but if you let Jim install your trigger and adjust your bolt and timing it will be great. The actual smoothness of operating the bolt back and forth would be a wash if you lapped them.

Thank you for the solid input Butch. Lapping is something I will look into.

I can't find a way to reduce bolt lift except changing the firing pin spring which may cause other problems, and isn't a topic that's readily covered.

The Borden I currently have cams down beautifully. It's the cock on open and significant bolt lift that's got me frowning and considering giving the Pierce a try.

I may be grasping at straws here, but if I'm going to invest $1,500+ on a custom action I'd like it to be spot on or at least be able to get it there.

 

[BigBlueandGoldie]

I have a Pierce and I like how it cams open. I cant comment on the Borden, but it will likely be my next action as I've never read anything bad about them.

 

[butchlambert]

I don't like changing to a lighter firing pin spring unless my has excess tension. You might check and I haven't checked my Ti receiver, but I think John does his caming a little different.

 

[Liven The Dream]

Barnard fast lockup time great trigger they just don't break .

 

[BJ44BJ]

Barnard fast lockup time great trigger they just don't break .

Iv'e handled quite a few different actions and my preference is a Melonite treated Bat B action. I don't think you will find a smoother better functioning action. The Borden actions would be a close second.

 

[dragman]

Ok, might not be the most popular answer but if your buying new it's a crap shoot. All the ones you listed above are good actions and I handled MANY MANY of them. What I can say is you can always get a good one and a bad one in any of them. I have had BAT's that are the best in the world awesome smooth and perfect, and I have had one that isn't as good as an old Remington. this goes for any brand out there from what I found. My current model L bat is really great as is my Stiller Python. but that doesn't mean that every model L or python is great.

 

[butchlambert]

Ok, might not be the most popular answer but if your buying new it's a crap shoot. All the ones you listed above are good actions and I handled MANY MANY of them. What I can say is you can always get a good one and a bad one in any of them. I have had BAT's that are the best in the world awesome smooth and perfect, and I have had one that isn't as good as an old Remington. this goes for any brand out there from what I found. My current model L bat is really great as is my Stiller Python. but that doesn't mean that every model L or python is great.

I can go with what you said. My 2 current Bats are not the smoothest receivers that I have owned though. I have not lapped them thinking I wouldn't need to.

 

[Endyo]

The BAT I've handled was smooth down the raceways probably the best. Bolt lift was the heaviest out of any action I've handled to date. I guess due to the 3-lug design.

I have no doubt they are one of the best, many competitions are won and records broken with the BAT. It also represents 40%< of the field depending on the sport.

The price is the highest and wait times are the longest (generally speaking). A few have spoken that the bolt timing and ignition may need to be tweaked to get it 100%.

For these reasons I've leaned against the BAT. Flirting with a year wait plus needing some gunsmithing done on top of a $1600 price tag makes me .

 

[Va Jim]

You just cant go wrong with a Borden BRM smoothest action around in my opinion.
James Crofts

 

[dedeadeye]

A+++ for the Borden BRM. Over my 45+ years of competition I have owned my different brands. I currently favor the Bat and Borden. Both are very smooth but the timing on the Borden is second to none.
Roger Gower