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Badger M2013 Opinions

LA260

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 14, 2017
422
414
I have the opportunity to pick up a new Badger M2013 SA from a friend who had plans to make a 6.5CM for long range shooting but unfortunately has to sell it now. We haven't talked about a price but lets say it's going to be around $1100-1200. How does M2013 compare to actions like Big Horn, Defiance or others? I don't have a lot of experience with custom actions except shooting a Surgeon that's 5-6 years old and felt very nice, and cycling/dry firing a Stiller action.

There isn't much info available online except that M2013 is heavier than other actions. I'm used to the 60 degree (or 70) from my Tikka Lite so that's not an issue. The plan is to send an AICS that I already have to Badger for inletting and barreling it 6.5x47. Will be used as a range gun most of the time and some local competitions here and there.
 
It's a solid action just different. Do you want a 3 lug 60 degree bolt throw, action? Bolt lift is heavier, but shorter. Stock choices are limited on the second hand market, but new from manufacturers are pretty available.
 
I had one for a long while. Its a great action. Everyone complains the bolt lift is heavy, its not bad at all. It can easily be lightened without worrying about reliability. The issues with the action is the square bottom. Finding stocks can be kind of a pain in the butt. There are more chassis options available these days. Marty makes a great product, don't be scured to jump on the 60 degree bolt throw train aka three lug life. If you have any particular questions shoot me message and I'd be happy to help ya the best I can.
Its hard to compare the M2013 to any of the actions you listed above as they are just too different. The action itself is very smooth, bolt throw is obviously shorter, but it is longer backwards by about an inch. The tennon is longer than any of the actions which is something I actually like. Doesn't really make a difference but more thread engagement. If its a good price, snatch it up. You'll basically have an AI but a lot cheaper and with different trigger options.
 
I have several and they are great actions. The bolt lift is a little heavier than my Remington 700's, but it has never bothered me. I have various barrels for mine and they are came to swap out if I want to play with another caliber or shoot a barrel out. They are incredibly smooth can be run fast for timed comp stages rather easily. I can't recommend them enough!
 
If you're going to run an AW mag (double-stack, double-feed), a Badger is THE CHOICE other than AI. The bolt always runs. The bolt lift is a little heavier but you have to think about it to even notice. When your mind is on the target, you'll never notice.

If you're going to change stocks every other month (trying to match your purse?) then the Badger is probably not for you. Pick one stock, bed the Badger to it, then concentrate on wearing out barrels. Shoot well.
 
Thanks everyone for your help. I'm going to buy the M2013 off of my friend when he sells it. Badger said that they will not be able to inlet a Savage AICS for M2013 so I will have to get a new chassis. I always liked the Whiskey 3 so it's a good excuse to get one.
As far as the weight which is the only "negative" about the M2013, it is really not that much heavier compared other actions based on what I saw.
ActionWeight Oz
Badger37.7
Tempest35.2 (2.5)
Mousingfield36 (1.7)
Deviant35.04 (2.7)
Impact34.88 (2.8)

On a rifle that is most likely going to weight 12-14lbs without scope/rings, 2-3oz is not going to matter much.
 
As other have said it's a good action, it is also one of the few carbon steel custom actions made if that matters at all, it also uses remington styled triggers like all the other custom actions and remington styled floor plates and DBMs. The only draw back is the stock selection.

Montrose