Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

RedGoat

3.14=PI.E
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 4, 2011
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Houston, TX
Why am I not hearing much about this action for tactical builds? Everything I hear about it sounds solid, and everyone I have seen post about it says it's one of if not the smoothest action they have ever cycled. I have seen a hand full of post about "Hey this is my new rifle I love the action," but haven't been able to find anything really comparing the Bighorn action to any of the big names: Surgeon, Bat, Stiller, Defiance....etc.

<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">Long Shank</span></span>
- Gives better barrel alignment to the action.
- Carries the weight of heavy barrels better.
-Provides maximum thread strength when length meets or exceeds the diameter.
<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">Two-piece Bolt</span></span>
- Handles are precision TIG welded to prevent handle breakage.
- Floating head seats perfectly on reciever lugs and is not affected by alignment of the bolt body.
- Allows interchangeability of bolt heads for different cartridge sizes in the same action.
- Allows for separate heat treatment of the bolt body and bolt head.
<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">Repeaters</span></span>
- Narrow cut for single stack mags keeps the center of the action rigid.
- Provides very smooth straight line feeding.
- Allows the center section of the stock to have a thicker wall.
- Removable mags allow easy loading and unloading.
- 5 and 10 round capacity for tactical rifles.
<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">Receiver</span></span>
- Will fit standard length Remington stocks.
- Will accept any Remington trigger, allowing greatest choices in stocks and triggers.
- Extra heavy rear tang eliminates rear tang flex.
- Positive bolt stop that does not contact bolt lugs.
- Simple changes for cartridge size and length.
- Lightened firing pins to quicken lock time.
- Special heat treating of material for a lifetime of durable use.

- Has a gas block to help prevent gases from a blown primer or case failure from reaching the shooter. This is especially important when the loading port is near the shooters face.

- Materials used to machine and build the actions are aerospace quality.

- Bolt head is carburized to maintain good core strength and high surface hardness to prevent galling on the lugs. Couldn't be done if it wasn't a two piece bolt.

- The action is rigid in order to support the heavier barrels. To do this meant closing the action on the top; and on repeaters, removing less material on the bottom. (Closing the action on the top meant top loading of magazines was not possible). Not the most convenient feature, but it does serve a very functional purpose.

- Surgeon bottom metal with the Accuracy International magazines is the top choice for the tactical .308/.260 market. These are available in 5 and 10 round capacities.

- Available with 8-40 scope mount threads or the standard 6-48.

- Available in a left-handed version or left-hand/right port and right-hand/left port.

The action comes at a competitive price of $995 with Holland recoil lug. With the option of adding a 20 MOA rail for an additional $75. They also offer bolt options including a Tactical Knob made of 7075 aluminium anodized flat black.

I'm not the person to compare this action with any of the other big names, I have never owned any of them. But I do know this one has caught my eye and am really considering purchasing one for my up coming custom tactical build. Not 100% sure about this but it seems like the perfect action to use for a switch barrel set up.

If anyone else could throw their .02 cents in about Bighorn or how it holds up to the standard set by the big names please enlighten me.
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

I have been to Bighorn's shop, spent time with the owner, and can assure you it is a very well thought out/built action.

The design has gone through several iterations/feature support/etc; it is not just "one action". If you are seriously considering one and its basic attributes appeal to you, I encourage you to give AJ a call and work out the details for your specific needs.
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

I have 2k through my Bighorn, and ran it at the Sniper's Hide Cup this year. I also took back to Rifles Only for some private training with Jacob. Not a hiccups while in the field, very smooth, reliable, innovative design, and backed by a super guy. I highly recommend it.
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

I have a Gap trued up Rem short action that I love. Has been a great action. Smooth never had a problem. I also have shot there Templar action in a 7wsm as well. Went out Friday with George from precision shooting sports (2009) Snipershide build with his actions. Has some bugs to be worked out. Even shot a new 338 norma improved Surgeon action Gun. It was a great time.

I do have the Big Horn. I have not shot it yet. I have been waiting 6 months for barrel for it now. I will say is one fine peace of work. Not even shot it yet, all my future guns will be built off this action. I think it's the best one out there. Now that AJ has a long action now. Will have to build a 338 off that.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...326#Post2485326
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

I just picked my 2nd Bighorn Action last week, as I am having Robert Gradous build me a rifle <span style="font-style: italic">(actually I am doing the gunsmithing course_)</span>

I highly recommend their actions.
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just picked my 2nd Bighorn Action last week, as I am having Robert Gradous build me a rifle <span style="font-style: italic">(actually I am doing the gunsmithing course_)</span>

I highly recommend their actions. </div></div>

You better be giving us an update on that one. That would be a dream build!
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just picked my 2nd Bighorn Action last week, as I am having Robert Gradous build me a rifle <span style="font-style: italic">(actually I am doing the gunsmithing course_)</span>

I highly recommend their actions. </div></div>

Robert Gradous gunsmithing course! Wish I had the money to pay for one of his rifles and then an extra $1k to work with him, sounds like a great opportunity. I'm wanting to get into some courses once I get back to the states and settle down. I'm hoping to see a nice write up of the course from you when you are done.
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

I've spoke with AJ at length, he's a nice guy and though I haven't "pulled the trigger" on it yet I am still wanting to build on one of his actions. He will tell you anything you want to know, call him up.
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

Does anyone know what the wait time for a Bighorn is right now. I try not to make phone calls to the states unless I have to since it's international rates.
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

I just received my rifle with bighorn action. It's actually the first long action completed. I also used his partner Mark Chanlynn to do the barrel and bedding. I figured with Frank highly endorsing the action and Chad Dixon believing that Mark makes the best .30 cal barrel in the world, I couldn't go wrong. I love this rifle and so does everyone else who gets behind it.
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

Does the floating bolt head make head spacing for barrel changes easier? And if so wouldn't the Bighorn action be a good starting place to build a 308/260 switch barrel tactical rig?

Let me know if I'm out in left field on this one. I'm trying to build two rifles in one because I don't have the money to build both. If the idea isn't worth it I'll settle with a custom .260 since I already have a .308 but would be nice to have both competition grade.
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

Solid action. Has done well for me the past couple years, now on the second barrel (.260).

Bighorn actions took 1st and 2nd place this last weekend at Steel Safari.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Goatphius</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the floating bolt head make head spacing for barrel changes easier? And if so wouldn't the Bighorn action be a good starting place to build a 308/260 switch barrel tactical rig?

Let me know if I'm out in left field on this one. I'm trying to build two rifles in one because I don't have the money to build both. If the idea isn't worth it I'll settle with a custom .260 since I already have a .308 but would be nice to have both competition grade.</div></div>

No.

My advice, pick one or build two.
 
Re: Bighorn Arms Action vs .......?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shane C.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No.

My advice, pick one or build two.</div></div>

Thanks