Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

[tnemev]

I would like to do my first build for a hunting rig. I currently have R700 long action that I picked up for $300 for the donor. I'm now toying with the idea of using a custom action. The rifle will be chambered in 280AI.

What custom actions would be considered a good reliable choice for a hunting rig or should I just stick with the R700? I've "read" that the tight tolerances on a custom action can possible cause issues in the field.

 

[jpspeeddemon]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

Bighorn arms makes a hunting action that is very similar to their highly regarded tactical action.

Also, the GAP Templar action on their Non-Typical hunting rifle is great.

A trued up 700 will do the job as well.

The Stiller predator would be another good option for a hunting rig.

 

[Oregonmuley]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

I have a Borden Alpine on my .243 hunting rifle built by Kampfeld Customs, really like it and for a lighter-weight hunting rifle it sure has been a nice slick action.
Or nothing wrong with a Remmy at all if you already have that.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

It comes down to your level of acceptable performance. I am all for supporting the manufacturers and gunsmiths and from a practical matter if you are just trying to drop game within reasonable distances your 700 will do the job nicely. It would be appropriate and helpful to better understand your level of ability and your level of expectation.

 

[tnemev]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jpspeeddemon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bighorn arms makes a hunting action that is very similar to their highly regarded tactical action.

A</div></div>

Any idea on what those run? I did not see any prices on their site (maybe I overlooked it). I left a message for them today on my inquiry as well.

 

[tnemev]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It comes down to your level of acceptable performance. I am all for supporting the manufacturers and gunsmiths and from a practical matter if you are just trying to drop game within reasonable distances your 700 will do the job nicely. It would be appropriate and helpful to better understand your level of ability and your level of expectation. </div></div>

Honestly, distances will be <500 yards and I know a trued R700 with a good barrel and gunsmith will do fine for that. Heck, most factory guns would be fine, but how much fun would that be?

There are a few features on a custom action that are appealing to me, but not a requirement for a good hunting rig. I was mainly concerned with reliability in the field of a custom action(i.e looser tolerances vs tighter tolerances). I did not know if certain brands of custom actions would be more tolerant to the dirty hunting conditions.

 

[RTK]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

Since you found that action for the price you did, it would be a little cheaper to have it trued and machined vs buying a custom action. It will also shoot just as well for hunting if done properly by a good gun smith as a custom action.
Money wise, it is about $300 or less to have your existing action worked over, and about a $1000 give or take for a custom action.

 

[jpspeeddemon]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

most custom actions are around the $1000-1200 range.
Best pm someone who owns a Bighorn action or wait to hear from the maker.

 

[fw707]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ng500</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jpspeeddemon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bighorn arms makes a hunting action that is very similar to their highly regarded tactical action.

A</div></div>

Any idea on what those run? I did not see any prices on their site (maybe I overlooked it). I left a message for them today on my inquiry as well. </div></div>

AJ or Diane will call you back.
They are great folks and they make a great action.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

I'd just use the 700. A trued 700 will shoot if its put together by a competent smith.

I did the same thing a few years ago and love my 700 LA .280 AI.

 

[baypoint]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

For a hunting rig I would build off a classic Win M70 standard length for 280ai. The claw and factory trigger are the most reliable around. 3 position safety. Will end up with a classic super reliable bullet proof rig.

 

[Overflow10]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

I just went through sometime similar. Was going Rem 700 LA but found a used Predator (with rail) for only about $100 more so went with the Predator. Since you got the Rem 700 action so inexpensively I would just get it trued and stick with that...

My 2 cents

SG

 

[saleen63]

Re: Custom Action for Hunting Rifle?

I would stick with the remington action. Us a reputable gunsmith (GAP, RWS gun smithing, Long Rifle Inc., or any other good gunsmith) and put a good barrel on it. Then post some pics of the great groups and make all of us jealous. Good luck.