Surgeon, defiance or Bighorn tl3....I know

[lrdchaos]

Getting ready to start a custom build and can't decide on the action. I had my mind set on a surgeon but the deviant/Bh tl3 are looking like nice options. The rifle will be a range and once every couple years hunting rifle. What is the general consensus? I know the tl3 isn't out yet.

 

[Josh11]

Tough one. Big Horn can use Savage Pre Fit barrels. So, if you wanted to try out different calibers, thats an option. But Surgeons are one action Ive always wanted. I dont think you can go wrong with any of them.

 

[boltfluter]

Bighorn for the win. Surgeon is not what it used to be from a machining standpoint. Defiance has bolt binding issues to contend with. The new Bighorn has controlled round feeding. This allows it to feed and eject 6 Dasher rounds flawlessly. A win win in my book.

Regards, Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[NortexDM]

I would look at Impact Precision over those. The tl3 isn't available yet but is close I hear.

 

[nakneker]

I had two rifles built on Defiance actions last year and one on a bighorn. They are all very enjoyable. I like the defiance actions a little better, my gunsmith loves the bighorn actions. The bighorn is a very accurate 6x47' shoots in the 2s but that could any number of things.

Jon Beanland built those rifles and he may be a good source for an opinion. Nice guy too, if wait until the work day is done and call him around 5 you might get more of his time. One man shop

 

[CTK]

The TL3 is out there. They are filling orders. I am waiting for a SR3 for a hunting rifle. I have a SR2 and think it is fantastic. My favorite action so far.

 

[CTK]

I had two rifles built on Defiance actions last year and one on a bighorn. They are all very enjoyable. I like the defiance actions a little better, my gunsmith loves the bighorn actions. The bighorn is a very accurate 6x47' shoots in the 2s but that could any number of things.

Jon Beanland built those rifles and he may be a good source for an opinion. Nice guy too, if wait until the work day is done and call him around 5 you might get more of his time. One man shop

Nakneker, I have never owned a Defiance action. Do you think that the Bighorn would do better or same in the mud or dust as a Defiance, Borden, Surgeon etc? I have this, possibly wrong, idea that the floating bolt head on the Bighorn allows the bolt tolerances to be slightly slacker.

 

[nakneker]

Nakneker, I have never owned a Defiance action. Do you think that the Bighorn would do better or same in the mud or dust as a Defiance, Borden, Surgeon etc? I have this, possibly wrong, idea that the floating bolt head on the Bighorn allows the bolt tolerances to be slightly slacker.

I like the concept/idea that a bighorn will do better if the cleanliness of the action is compromised, makes sense. I shoot a lot in northern Arizona, lots of sand and blowing dirt. However I haven't had the opportunity to use that rifle much, just received it this spring, so I don't have any real world experience to offer you comparing the Bighorn to another action when the action is kind of dirty. That being said I've never had any action so dirty it was compromised. I was like you wondering/questioning the floating head on the bighorn. After receiving the rifle and shooting the rifle I love it. I used the action on a recommendation, happy I did. I have just over 400 rounds fired in that action.

There are people here with much more experience with Bighorn actions than me, hope fully they chime in.

 

[Scott Harris]

Have owned many Defiance actions over years. The more I use em, the more I love em. By default, bolts have about .0025 clearance with the body. But, you can specify more clearance if desired. I've never had a single function issue with my actions and we shoot in dusty conditions all the time. However, if you want to cerakote your action, then it is advisable to ask for more clearance when ordering it.

Big Horn actions have great machining and a nice design, but I prefer an integral scope rail. Surgeon....was not impressed with the quality control on several of them.

 

[CTK]

If the new CRF Bighorn is well received, I think that it will be my next action. Bighorn may release the SR3 version in November. I am very happy with the SR2. No complaints with my Borden other than I have to keep the action clean or it gets a gummy feeling. It may slick up later as it does not have many cycles. It is a beautiful piece of machining. My Bighorn seems smoother and so far less fussy about cleanliness. BMW vs. Mercedes. Who can complain? I actually do not prefer integral rails as I do not use a rail. I still like the look and function of traditional mounts. I use Talley LW on everything.

 

[willbas]

I have the TL3 in single shoot on order shove have by the end of the month

My not get till Mid Sep they are triple checking everything before the release them.

 

[fredo]

I too like integral rail & lug of Surgeon & Defiance Deviant actions & own both. Can't say I like one over the other...

OP: for a range rifle, I'd suggest a Defiance action. The polished finish is soooo handsome! Seeing as how a range rifle won't see harsh conditions, it won't be an issue to keep it lookin' pretty. Everyone who has shot my rifles & worked the Defiance bolt have been very impressed with the feel & lockup. Also, you can have the action built to your needs/desires regarding rail cant, bolt handle angle, bolt body fluting, bolt nose, etc...

The new Bighorn TL3 does look well spec'ed for a tactical/field rifle, and that is Surgeon's wheelhouse, too. But that's not what your building, so....give Defiance a call!

 

[watrob]

I run 3 Defiance Action benchrest rifles with Krieger barrels, we even mill down the scope rails that are not needed to save weight, they shoot better than I can make them.

 

[taliv]

i've owned and competed with bighorn 1 and 2, and multiple surgeons, and multiple defiance

today, if i were right handed, i'd use the impact. though defiance is also a great action, and is the only custom action of the 3. (They are awesome sponsors of my sport though and I've taken two certs for their actions off PRS prize tables so far this year... looking forward to some cool builds)

the CRF does theoretically fix the biggest problem with the bighorns, which is they don't eject well at all. however, i'm not a fan of CRF

 

[Terry Altom]

Very interesting.

 

[lrdchaos]

Thanks for the info fellas. I'm leaning towards the deviant, but I may hold off on the build a month and see how the TL3 actions run.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Thanks for the info fellas. I'm leaning towards the deviant, but I may hold off on the build a month and see how the TL3 actions run.

If your holding off a month then take a look at the new Curtis actions, doe to be out by the end of this month.

Don Dunlap