thinking about my next rifle

[GSRswapandslow]

i'm trying to think about my next rifle build, and instead of building off a factory rifle...i want to just start with an action and go from there. But i'm not sure what action to go with.

I will be shooting quite a bit of paper between 100-250yds, steel at 200-400, and there's a chance my buddies and I will be joining the local 1000yd range this year.

I'm fairly certain i'm going to go with a dasher or 6slr....i'll decide that after i get everything together.

Weight is NOT a concern, neither is class legality....just another fun gun to go with my current crop.
going to go with a krieger 1:8 in either a heavy varmint or straight contour. 28-30"
going with a Shehane st1000, mbr, pr&t lowboy, or an SG&Y fx
will run an 8-32 Sightron SIII on top

so....what's everyones thoughts on an action? I'd LOVE a bat, but not sure i want to go that much into just a fun gun....like to keep the action at/below $1000. I want a rblp. i want a single shot. i don't much care if it's an integral lug, 3 lug bolt, integral rail, etc though.

 

[ShootDots]

It is VERY difficult to beat a B.A.T. when weight is of no consequence. A Panda is another if weight is of concern. Under $1000.00 you limit the field to a large degree. Having said that, a VERY nice, smooth and strong action for what you are looking for is a Pierce Engineering Action. It is just a shade under a grand if you get the picatinney rail mount>>>which is thread specific to their actions.

If you are going to do a variety of shooting, out to 1000 yards and want a "short action" cartridge, I would go with a 6.5 X 47 Lapua. If you inclined to go to something with a bit more horsepower, a .260A.I. is awesome. The 6.5's have GREAT B.C.'s, mild recoil, along with phenomenal accuracy. They drift considerably less in the wind with 140Gr. class bullets and terminal energy on steel plates is A LOT more. The reason I bring that up is that I read that when you miss, it is nearly imperative to SEE where your bullet struck.

I am a fan of the 6 Dasher, however, if ONE new build is the topic, I would stay away from the 6mm's. Wind is almost always a concern "out yonder" and the 6.5's will do considerably better when the wind is being your adversary!

 

[lawman29]

I just got a 6BR built on a Pierce Action. Single shot, Tac Bolt Knob, Pic rail & ship = $1,112. RBLP might be ~ $50 upgrade. They aren't SS but they cerakote & include recoil lug as part of the price and bolt is fluted.

Last year I also had a 280AI built on a Defiance Rebel Action. Single shot, RBRP, plunger ejector, recoil lug & pic rail, ship = $1,270.

Bugholes has a Defiance Deviant short action single shot RBLP in stock for $1,295 (integral lug & rail).

 

[dragman]

Lots of good actions here on the classifieds form time to time.
I have seen: Lawtons, Pandas, Stillers, and a few others come up used and bring anything from $900-1100. That is what I would do you can't beat a good custom.

 

[GSRswapandslow]

i'd really like a Panda or stiller aluminum......guess I'll just go piece meal with this one and buy when the right parts come up.

thanks guys

 

[lpreddick]

i was in the same boat a few years back and pondered the available actions and just tried a stiller predator repeating action and haven't looked back. went with with a single shot rbrp then discovered the single shot rblp predator V. it has a coned bolt and feeds beautifully! pinned recoil lug and price is good. buy several and get a discount. for paper and varmints the price and performance is what i want.

 

[artbosco]

Buy the BAT. It's the differenc in price that should be the defining factor, not the total price. Would the difference in price be worth it?

Where do you plan on finding a SG&Y FX stock? ???

 

[JRS]

Depending upon the cartridge you plan to use, the Marsh Saguaro is a very precision made action. It's very similar to the Panda, with roughly 1-1/8" removed from the center. Dr. Marsh has them listed on sale right now for a very reasonable $1050.00

 

[GSRswapandslow]

Buy the BAT. It's the differenc in price that should be the defining factor, not the total price. Would the difference in price be worth it?

Where do you plan on finding a SG&Y FX stock? ???

are they not available from Stiller? they're listed on their site?

If not. i have PR&T and Shehane local to me....so, all is not lost

 

[GSRswapandslow]

Depending upon the cartridge you plan to use, the Marsh Saguaro is a very precision made action. It's very similar to the Panda, with roughly 1-1/8" removed from the center. Dr. Marsh has them listed on sale right now for a very reasonable $1050.00

I almost bought one last year for a 6br build that never happened.....i was thinking that it wouldn't work for a 6slr due to not being about to eject a loaded round (i will use it for some hunting)

 

[GSPV]

You might also consider a 6-6.5x47 Lapua. I know that at least some of the Marsh actions' eject port accomorate the 6.5x47 as a friend talked directly to Dr Marsh for exactly that use.

If you are good with a right-right, you might check into the Kelbly Atlas.

 

[Road_Clam]

Reach for higher goals and buy a Mosin ! ;D

 

[GSRswapandslow]

haha...have an m38, m44, and 91-30 already

 

[Hoier]

I think you can get a Bat SV for less than $1100. There is a guy in the classifieds who sells abunch of Bats and I've bought 2 from him and he is a real pleasure to deal with.

 

[NWnewguy]

To be honest there aren't that many actions left that you can get for less than a grand. I think the Stiller and the Pierce are a couple. Most of the bigger name guys are around $1200 sometimes more depending on the options. American Rifle Company's new action is selling for $1600. I would look real hard at the Borden actions. I was fortunate enough to shoot one that a family member has chambered in 220 Swift and it was very nice.
I have Remington 40x, Defiance Deviant and Shilen (Stiller) custom or semi-custom actions and of those the Defiance was the most fun to build. They will make them however you want them. I guess with the exception of barrel thread. I tried to get them to thread one for Savage small shank and they politely declined.

 

[Road_Clam]

haha...have an m38, m44, and 91-30 already

So you're no stranger to shoulder pain and inaccuracy.... you have earned my respect and admiration.....

 

[GSRswapandslow]

haha...have an m38, m44, and 91-30 already

So you're no stranger to shoulder pain and inaccuracy.... you have earned my respect and admiration.....

haha, very much so. i also made the ignorant mistake of thinking i could shoot the m44, with one of the cheap ebay bolt on muzzle breaks, with NO hearing protection....one time. never again...never again.

 

[NickB1075]

Just my opinion, but I wouldn't skimp on a custom action to save a couple hundred dollars. The way I see it is the action is most likely a one time purchase. Don't take me the wrong way, I am not saying there is anything wrong with the previous actions mentioned. They are all excellent. Just get what you want the first time. It makes the rush to get your second custom not as urgent. Just speaking from experience.

Nick