60 degree bolt action comparison

[Nik S]

Have had a Sako TRG 300 Win Mag for years, and love that action. Have a couple other rifles with a 90 degree throw, and definitely prefer the TRG. Never had a custom rifle, but have been researching options, and am looking at custom actions comparable to the TRG's.

Concept is a "do all" 6.5 Creedmoor (know they don't exist)--but basically it's something that I could take plinking steel to 1000yds, perhaps eventually run on the lower end of the pack in a PRS (not worried about winning matches, but happy to practice with a competent tool), and be the same rifle I'd take hunting (mostly deer). Somehow, I just don't like the idea of spending a lot of time/money on a competition gun, only to throw in the safe when it comes to practical use. Based on advice/research, I've been gravitating toward a light palma, perhaps 20", and am intrigued by gain twist, left twist (as a right-hander). Haven't settled on a stock or trigger yet.

I'm curious about the custom action options out there that might be comparable (or better?) than the TRG. How do Curtis or Nucleus (72 degree) compare? How do Cooper rifles compare?--in that case scrapping the custom concept. Others?

Nik

 

[Crang]

Might not be exactly what you are looking for but I love my TRGs too. I am in the process of turning my Tikka CTR into a switch barrel with barrels from PVA. Keeping the OEM Tikka stock as a hunting stock for a short 6.5 and 308 barrel and a heavy 223 barrel as a trainer setup like my TRG put in my own hybrid of a TRG rear stock and KRG forend. KRG makes a switch barrel system for the TRG as well which I will eventually get to and plenty of aftermarket stocks for it if you are looking for a do everything gun.

Along the short bolt lift line my Weatherby Mark V is 48 degrees and built like a tank. Seriously looking at rebarrelling that to 300 PRC for a crossover long range hunter/long range steel smacker. You can get a used one pretty cheap, Manners inlets for them, and there is a company that makes DBM for them. Not the typical route for sure but definitely a possibilty.

That said my SCAR-17 is my do everything rifle other than long range- who needs bolt lift!?

 

[Forward543]

A ruger precision runs a 70deg bolt throw. You can find them used rather easily and pretty cost effectively, and getting prefit barrels is not tough. The older gens need a bit of bolt polishing, but they are a cost effective, mechanically sound rifle, that run a wide variety of mags.
But for a do all 6.5, you might build on the ar platform. Padoms threads on here detail it well, and having 19 follow up shots readily available is not a bad thing.

 

[Covertnoob5]

The Curtis options are really nice. Very smooth, smoother than my AI in my opinion. The axiom is ready to be used with a switch lug, check out the mpa rifle. I have a vector and did have a couple hiccups at first but it seems to be sorted out now. I’ll be taking it to a match this Sunday. I went medium Palma 6.5 for matches and general plinking then either proof cf sendero lite or steel medium sporter in 6.5 prc for hunting.

If you go with a manners in a light fill like an EH1-a you could save a good amount of weight there.

I’d go
Curtis vector ~ 2lbs
Manners eh1-a ~ 3.5 lbs
Proof sendero cf barrel ~ 3 lbs
AMG? ~ 2lbs Not sure what your preference is on optic.

That should get you around 10.5 lbs with optic so maybe 11-12 lbs with bipod, rings, etc. if you only want 1 barrel.

 

[bjay]

If you want to duplicate trg feeling/concept the new KRG sotic rifle got same bolt style and degree as trg22/42 and its available on 6.5 creedmoor

 

[flyer]

When ATF finally approves the marking variance, the John Hancock Rifle will be a nice way to go but a little heavy.

 

[Nik S]

Hah, just get another TRG.
It's not a bad thought though. They do come in Rem .260 with 20" barrel. 9.8 lbs.

Scope probably an SWFA HD fixed 10x. That's 20oz.

How does the Curtis compare to the TRG action?

John Hancock is pretty neat too. I don't see weight listed on their site.

 

[Bradu]

The easy option is a TRG 22. They come up for sale around $2200 all of the time.

You could duplicate the feeling with a Tikka CTR in a KRG Bravo if you wanted to go less. But I think the TRG trigger is better.

I don't think I've ever felt a trigger as nice as my trg. I like the AI triggers even though they are heavier than I normally run.

 

[Covertnoob5]

I don't think I've ever felt a trigger as nice as my trg. I like the AI triggers even though they are heavier than I normally run.

Try a Cadex trigger. Have one on my vector and love it. Never used a trg though so can’t comment.

 

[Bradu]

Try a Cadex trigger. Have one on my vector and love it. Never used a trg though so can’t comment.

I will have to try one of those next time I upgrade a trigger. The trg breaks similar to an AI but I would say it's close to half the weight. I haven't put a scale on it but even the guys I shoot with were impressed compared to his Axmc.

 

[Covertnoob5]

Yea I much prefer the cadex trigger over my AXMC. Fully adjustable 2 stage, super easy. Have my first stage light second stage in the middle. Don’t know the pull weight.