++Bighorn TL3 Builds++

[Chili47]

Just got my new TL3 in and it has the new coating on the bolt! im excited its slicker than snot!

 

[lead ƒarmer]

Just got my new TL3 in and it has the new coating on the bolt! im excited its slicker than snot!

PICS!!

 

[Chili47]

Just a quick pic from the ride home i like the all black.

 

[jerryrva]

My TL3 is shipped along with the free action wrench. I have a threaded non-shouldered prefit that I am going spin on with their barrel nut. I need help in figuring out the proper steps to headspace and torque it. I've seen the videos using an action wrench and a shouldered barrel but not using it the with a barrel nut.

 

[Steel head]

My TL3 is shipped along with the free action wrench. I have a threaded non-shouldered prefit that I am going spin on with their barrel nut. I need help in figuring out the proper steps to headspace and torque it. I've seen the videos using an action wrench and a shouldered barrel but not using it the with a barrel nut.

I put barrel in barrel vice(because it makes everything steady and easy to work with), start barrel nut with wrench on it and run it all the way back with a small amount of anti seize on nut threads.
Slip on recoil lug if applicable.
Put a small amount of anti seize on threads if more is needed and start action on the barrel thread.
Slip go gauge on bolt face and screw action on till it stops.
Take nut down to action barely hand tight.
Pull bolt and slip in action wrench then I initially hold action with action wrench while wrenching the the nut on this usually gives me a couple thousandths past the go gauge.
Then I ensure the go gauge still clears and then no go gauge/go gauge with a .002-.004 thick piece of tape on base doesn’t

 

[Zermatt Arms]

Here's a great video demonstrating the process.

 

[jerryrva]

Thank you!

 

[Sutherlandsd]

I dont know if that video covers it but on the TL3 slip the headspace gauge rim under the extractor from the bottom when headspacing. This is very important you can damage the extractor or at the very least it may not headspace properly and possibly create an unsafe condition. The TL3 is kind of unique in this so watching installs on other actions may not be of benefit. Very easy to do though. If you have questions ask here in the forum I'm sure lots can help myself included as I have done this too many times to count.

I actually watched the video and it does show this at 4:05 into the video (didn't realize the bighorn guys were the ones who linked the video lol). Still its an important step that can be easily overlooked especially if you have swapped barrels on other actions.

 

[bodhisafa]

If one does not use a barrel nut system (regular shouldered barreled) do you need to use go/no go gauges? What about the action wrench, does one need to buy one just like the one in the video?

 

[One1Bravo]

If one does not use a barrel nut system (regular shouldered barreled) do you need to use go/no go gauges? What about the action wrench, does one need to buy one just like the one in the video?

No need for gauges though some will use them just in case. Yes, you will need an action wrench unless you have flats on your barrel to use a regular wrench.

 

[Hardpan]

Well mine is coming together rather nicely. Muzzle device should be here tomorrow.

TL3, Bartlin barrel in 6.5PRC done my DMR in a Sentinel stock with a S&B PMII in a Spuhr.

What height spuhr mount did you end up going with?

 

[Bigrederic]

What height spuhr mount did you end up going with?

It is a 4001, like 1.1"

 

[Hardpan]

It is a 4001, like 1.1"

Nice. Thanks. I’m on the fence about getting one with built in Moa and high or no moa and low.

 

[sid]

Why is there no 22. Cal. Bolthead available yet? Together with vudoo magazines would be pretty cool and I can't quickly think of a reason why it wouldn't work..

 

[Rangerbob33]

Why is there no 22. Cal. Bolthead available yet? Together with vudoo magazines would be pretty cool and I can't quickly think of a reason why it wouldn't work..

Might be the difference between rimfire and centerfire. I don.t think a bolt head swap would work as the firing pin would be different.

 

[sid]

Might be the difference between rimfire and centerfire. I don.t think a bolt head swap would work as the firing pin would be different.

The bolthead could be longer, the firing pin hits a second firing pin that will fire a 22round


Or just would have to get a different firing pin that you exchange

 

[Chili47]

New TL3 build
Altus barrel 22 creed barlein
Manners T3 that i picked up for $320
Hellfire brake
Triggertech Diamond flat

 

[Chili47]

Why is there no 22. Cal. Bolthead available yet? Together with vudoo magazines would be pretty cool and I can't quickly think of a reason why it wouldn't work..

you would have to completely redesign the action. If you look at any 22lr bolt action the locking lugs are on the rear of the bolt. it would be nearly impossible to make it work in a standard short action.

 

[huntsman22]

Uhh, esplain Vudoos......

 

[palmettoman]

I just read thru almost all of the pages of this thread (again) getting ideas on a paint job for my Envy chassis and wanted to echo some previous comments on Bighorn's excellent customer service.

I recently got an Origin action from them and my FFL promptly lost the trigger pins and scope base screws. I called Bighorn to order some replacements and they shipped them out to me at no charge.

While I know we're not talking about alot of money, the principle of taking care of their customer still holds true and confirms to me that this company is run by pros. My first indication of this was during the order process...my action shipped much sooner than projected.

Kudos to them!!!

BTW, I love the Origin and my next will be a TL3 that I plan to build later this year for a dedicated F/TR 308.

 

[sid]

Some more progress, I ordered a manners prs2 but that will take a while to get, so I also ordered a grayboe stock for the meantime.

 

[Zermatt Arms]

Action wrenches are back in stock and will start shipping on Monday. Thank you for your patience!

Ray

 

[ALTUSSHOOTING]

New TL3 build
Altus barrel 22 creed barlein
Manners T3 that i picked up for $320
Hellfire brake
Triggertech Diamond flatView attachment 7062106View attachment 7062107

Hey Chili47. That's a sweet looking rig. We appreciate you letting us get you a barrel! If you haven't already, we had good luck with the load below on our house gun.
- Settled on 41.5gr of H4350. Anything from 41-42gr but started getting some stiff bolt lift on the higher end so settled on 41.5.
- 80.5gr Bergers
- Alpha brass LRP
- CCI BR2 Primers
- Jump .020"
Muzzle Velocity was right around 3340 out of a 24" new barrel.
The group below was at 700 yards

 

[Chili47]

Hey Chili47. That's a sweet looking rig. We appreciate you letting us get you a barrel! If you haven't already, we had good luck with the load below on our house gun.
- Settled on 41.5gr of H4350. Anything from 41-42gr but started getting some stiff bolt lift on the higher end so settled on 41.5.
- 80.5gr Bergers
- Alpha brass LRP
- CCI BR2 Primers
- Jump .020"
Muzzle Velocity was right around 3340 out of a 24" new barrel.
The group below was at 700 yards
View attachment 7064064

I picked up some of those bullets all have to try that load! Very impressed with your guys machining everything looked perfect.

 

[MOUNTIC]

Another TL3 LA build in the works. Waiting on a proof CF 300 Win prefit and manners EH1A for a hunting rig. Action has the CIP cut and manners will be CIP LA mini chassis. Should be good running the 215 Berger's on elk and hopefully moose this year! Also picked up a few 3 round accurate-mag CIP 3.850 mags as I don't care for the 5 rounders in the woods very much.

 

[Sheldon N]

In case anyone was curious what the difference between the original TL3 bolt coating and the new nitride TL3 bolt coating looked like, here's a side by side. The new coating is very slick indeed.

 

[jda2631]

Another TL3 LA build in the works. Waiting on a proof CF 300 Win prefit and manners EH1A for a hunting rig. Action has the CIP cut and manners will be CIP LA mini chassis. Should be good running the 215 Berger's on elk and hopefully moose this year! Also picked up a few 3 round accurate-mag CIP 3.850 mags as I don't care for the 5 rounders in the woods very much.

You're gonna love it. We had very similar ideas. I have a TL3 LA, EH1 w/ CIP mini chassis, TT Special, Proof 28 Nosler. Running 195 Berger's.

 

[b6graham]

has anyone made a spacer/washer to allow for using an origin barrel on a TL3, similar to how the Hunt's LR .150 recoil lug works but opposite

 

[Estes640]

has anyone made a spacer/washer to allow for using an origin barrel on a TL3, similar to how the Hunt's LR .150 recoil lug works but opposite

I haven’t done it, but it’s common practice on benchrest actions like pandas and kelblys. I personally don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work

 

[b6graham]

I haven’t done it, but it’s common practice on benchrest actions like pandas and kelblys. I personally don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work

got an answer that there should be no issues. i'll have a few weeks to figure it out. thanks man haha

 

[Estes640]

got an answer that there should be no issues. i'll have a few weeks to figure it out. thanks man haha

Most any good machinist who has a surface grinder and lathe should be able to make that for you in a heart beat for not much shop time. Let me know how it turns out

 

[scwhit]

Finished my rifle! I will post a picture tonight or tomorrow.
Spec list:

Bighorn TL3
NF ATACR 4-16 mil-xt
Spuhr Mount
TT Diamond
XLR Element
Altus 6.5CM 22" M24 Contour

 

[b6graham]

Hunts long range sells one

other way around. .100" to go on the longer origin tenon

i sent a friend the prints and measurements. shouldn't be an issue. couple minutes on a machine

 

[Jsmith410]

Finally put together and made the maiden voyage to the range.

TL3 SA
Proof Research CF 6.5 PRC
MPA Chassis
Triggertech Special
Razor Gen II
Hellfire Brake

Shot .59” @100yrds

 

[vigildom7]

I know this is a show and tell thread, but if you all don't mind if I derail it real quick to ask a few questions.
I have an origin action that I've been enjoying and was thinking of upgrading next year to a TL-3. How has everyone been liking it?
Any issues in dusty conditions? Being from New Mexico it's always dry and dusty! I was looking at getting the DLC coated with 20 moa, medium tang (unless y'all suggest otherwise) aics mag cut in short action. With either a Mcmillan or Manners stock. With a triggertech diamond. Have them time the trigger with the action. Well using the proof prefit barrels. Then covert my current origin into a 223 trainer.
Anything I should be aware of ahead of time? Or anything I may have missed?

 

[b6graham]

I know this is a show and tell thread, but if you all don't mind if I derail it real quick to ask a few questions.
I have an origin action that I've been enjoying and was thinking of upgrading next year to a TL-3. How has everyone been liking it?
Any issues in dusty conditions? Being from New Mexico it's always dry and dusty! I was looking at getting the DLC coated with 20 moa, medium tang (unless y'all suggest otherwise) aics mag cut in short action. With either a Mcmillan or Manners stock. With a triggertech diamond. Have them time the trigger with the action. Well using the proof prefit barrels. Then covert my current origin into a 223 trainer.
Anything I should be aware of ahead of time? Or anything I may have missed?

thats what i did.

have origin. ordered tl3. same spec. itll live in a manners and MPA. hoping TT 2 stage comes out before action is ready so they can time it but i doubt it

 

[Sheldon N]

I have an origin action that I've been enjoying and was thinking of upgrading next year to a TL-3. How has everyone been liking it?
Any issues in dusty conditions? Being from New Mexico it's always dry and dusty! I was looking at getting the DLC coated with 20 moa, medium tang (unless y'all suggest otherwise) aics mag cut in short action. With either a Mcmillan or Manners stock. With a triggertech diamond. Have them time the trigger with the action. Well using the proof prefit barrels. Then covert my current origin into a 223 trainer.
Anything I should be aware of ahead of time? Or anything I may have missed?

Sounds like a good plan. TL3 + trigger tech diamond have been a bulletproof combo for me. Didn't need to time the action/triggers on either of them and they run great in dusty conditions.

I shot JC Steel match last weekend and they had a helicopter stage that was shuttling shooters back and forth every two minutes. I had my rifle sitting about 30 yards away from the landing pad for at least a half hour. Got a huge amount of dust blown onto it from the chopper wash but didn't miss a beat.

 

[SCGunner84]

I just sent off my TL3, proof carbon fiber barrel and trigger tech trigger to SAC ?

 

[scwhit]

Hey guys, I just got an AW magazine and when I insert it and try to close the bolt it is hitting the back of the follower and takes quit a bit of pressure to get it to close. Now if rounds are loaded in the magazine it is not a problem anymore because the follower is pushed down. I was wondering if this is on purpose or if something is wrong and there is a solution.

Thanks,

Edit: I read you can just file it down ever so slightly to get the bolt to slide over?
Double Edit: Took a file and nicked the edge and it is good to go.

 

[Estes640]

For all you Bighorn people, straightjacket armory is having a $50 off flash sale on their proof SS barrels using code barrel50.

Just got a TL3/Origin prefit in 6br in proofs custom comp contour for $525. Threaded and at 27”

 

[M338]

Hey guys, I just got an AW magazine and when I insert it and try to close the bolt it is hitting the back of the follower and takes quit a bit of pressure to get it to close. Now if rounds are loaded in the magazine it is not a problem anymore because the follower is pushed down. I was wondering if this is on purpose or if something is wrong and there is a solution.

Thanks,

Edit: I read you can just file it down ever so slightly to get the bolt to slide over?
Double Edit: Took a file and nicked the edge and it is good to go.

Let’s you know your empty.

 

[Boogieman84]

Just Incase anyone needs a pre-fit barrel spun up fast, I’d highly recommend Greg Young at Southern Precision Rifles/Bugholes. His lead time for pre fits is still 4 weeks right now.

This ones a Shouldered 26” 1:7 Twist Bartlein Heavy Palma in 22-250 AI. Still fire forming my Lapua brass, but the forming load shoots excellent. I’ve got almost 200rds down the barrel now. The 10 shot was as fast as I felt comfortable shooting, pulled three. Couldn’t be happier with his work and customer service.

 

[Hardpan]

After a long time getting the parts together, it’s finally done and ready to shoot

 

[TA-TX]

For all you Bighorn people, straightjacket armory is having a $50 off flash sale on their proof SS barrels using code barrel50.

Just got a TL3/Origin prefit in 6br in proofs custom comp contour for $525. Threaded and at 27”

Thanks for the tip! Tagging @308plinker for a future build.

 

[Wrongtarget]

Anyone have ever with brass not fully ejecting? I think I might have bent my ejector or something. I’ll end up with a spent case sitting on top of the next round in the magazine. No particular pattern or order in the magazine but is a pain during a stage lol.

 

[Sheldon N]

Anyone have ever with brass not fully ejecting? I think I might have bent my ejector or something. I’ll end up with a spent case sitting on top of the next round in the magazine. No particular pattern or order in the magazine but is a pain during a stage lol.

Next time you get a chance at the range, try using the slow-mo video function on your phone to get footage of the ejection port documenting the problem. It does wonders helping diagnose issues like this.

 

[Zermatt Arms]

Anyone have ever with brass not fully ejecting? I think I might have bent my ejector or something. I’ll end up with a spent case sitting on top of the next round in the magazine. No particular pattern or order in the magazine but is a pain during a stage lol.

Throw some grease in your extractor slot. It sounds like it's sticking a little bit. If that doesn't work, shoot us an email and we'll work something out.

Thanks - Ray

 

[earthquake]

Anybody run a TL3 in an AX chassis? Does it fit w/o mods? Anyone have pictures? Thanks

 

[Wrongtarget]

Throw some grease in your extractor slot. It sounds like it's sticking a little bit. If that doesn't work, shoot us an email and we'll work something out.

Thanks - Ray

Thanks! I was going to give you a call and order an extractor. I’ll try this first.

 

[bourbonbent]

Anybody run a TL3 in an AX chassis? Does it fit w/o mods? Anyone have pictures? Thanks

Yes I do. No, it requires relief at the tang and bolt handle on the skins.

Relieved with a rotary tool and sanding drums carefully until a piece of paper won’t get stuck at any point from bolt body down, like relieving a barrel channel that’s contacting. Take down the high spots until they’re not there.

I don’t have a milling machine so I used files and the same rotary tool to relieve the skins where the tang is too long.

Clears bolt handle nicely when folded.

I love the combo. This chassis was purchased from Mile High back in March. Recoil lug clearance was checked and is sufficiently deep and makes 100% contact across the TL3’s lug. Great shooting gun.