First World Problems

[bwg13]

So, I thought I was all set on which action I wanted for a lightweight hunting rifle, but the more time I spend on the forum reading and researching, the more confused I get! There are too many really good options right now. I know there are multiple threads already asking for "the best action", I'm just looking for some guidance and suggestions in which direction I should go just opinions and hopefully first-hand experience with some of these.

Here are my top picks, no particular order:

1 - Lone Peak Razor - have read really great things about these actions and how smooth they are
2 - Bighorn Origin - I realize these are fairly new but I'm hoping to get some input/feedback on these
3 - Mesa Precision Arms Crux - haven't heard too much about these actions, but I like what I see as far as features (plus, I think the bolt fluting looks pretty sweet)
4 - Curtis Axiom - another action that has had great reviews and has some great features

Am I missing any others that I should look at? I know some of these actions are offered in titanium, but I'm not sure I need to go that far in my quest towards weight minimization... I already have a Carbon Six barrel on order so that should help plenty. My plan is to have a rifle built up that I can use for medium to big game, including elk and bear, but one that my wife and son can also use. I'm leaning towards chambering the rifle in 7mm-08, or possibly 7 SAUM, if that helps.

 

[JMGlasgow]

ARC Nucleus?

 

[bwg13]

What am I missing with the Nucleus? I've read about it and checked them out on ARCs website, but what is so innovative that has so many people talking about these actions? 3 lug vs 2 lug design? CRF? Are the ARC actions that much smoother than other custom actions? Nucleus is also in the running, just want to get more info on them...

 

[Edds]

I have a short Defiance Rebel action. It weighs 23 ounces.

 

[duramaxed]

I like how that Crux looks too. Add the Mac Bros EVO. There was just a recent post about one.

 

[m6z]

You could always go with a titanium action if you're serious about lightweight.

 

[300ATT]

I went through this exercise last year building a dual purpose PRS/hunting rifle. The goal was to have it under 10 pounds with optics ... It came out to about 11.2 (heavy for a hunting rig light for a match rifle).

In terms of a range of where you can save weight :
1.) Stock 2.0 - 5.0 lbs
2.) Barrel 1.0 - 3.0 lbs
3.) Scope 1.0 lbs or less
4.) Action 1.0 lbs or less

It all adds up. Maybe this will help:

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...y-milehigh-its-a-shooter.6871206/post-6897374

 

[bwg13]

Never heard of he Mac Bros Evo... will have to check it out.

As far as going titanium, I’d love to have the bling factor, but not sure I need the extra weight saving. Not planning any sheep hunts or anything with the rifle, just something that my wife and son can carry comfortably but still be something I’ll wanna shoot too.

I already have a McMillan Game Warden I’ll be setting the action in, as well as a Carbon Six barrel on order, so I’m hoping to get close the 7lbs.

 

[Spartan67]

Tell us more? With Bear you will need more than a 7mm, ( .338 +) and good bear guns often weigh 10lbs +! I dont know if your Wife/Son have experience shooting the heavy heavy kicker you seem to want.

 

[bwg13]

I live in New Mexico, so our black bears don’t often get that big. Rifle will be mostly used to hunt elk, mule deer, antelope, Barbary sheep, maybe coyotes every once in a while, and black bears the least likely ( just wanted to give an example in OP).

Another action I’m looking at is a Kelbly Atlas Tactical. Found one locally for $925. Only con I see is it’s heavoer that most of the others I’m looking at.

 

[kthomas]

What features do you desire in an action?

You are going to get every custom action recommended at this rate. How much help will that really be? It's going to get like trying to order food from the local Chinese joint.

 

[bwg13]

So the 2 actions I've narrowed it down to are the Axiom and the Origin. Problem is, they have pretty different feature sets. This will be my first full custom build so I'm not sure what features are "better" or what I'll be missing with one versus the other.

Some things I like about the Axiom are : 60 degree bolt throw, full DLC coated bolt , 3 lug design is supposed to be extremely smooth, and most importantly right now, availability.

The Origin has some things I like as well including: mechanical ejector, controlled feed, and interchangeable bolt heads for future builds/uses.

My biggest problem is I don't have anybody or any shop that has either of these to get my hands on to see which I prefer. I'm kinda relying on what I read and see from various online resources.

 

[b6graham]

https://huntslongrange.com/product/big-horn-arms-origin-action/?v=7516fd43adaa

 

[pkt1199]

Surprised Impact Precision wasn't mentioned in the thread or didn't show up in your search already. To be fair, I JUST got one so no real world experience yet but you can read plenty here on them.

Similar to the Bighorn actions barrels can be cut for them without sending the action to the smith due to the precise/consistent machining.

 

[jkvinyard]

I think this is the link Pkt1199 was meaning to put
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/impact-precision-actions.6873075/
Give them a look before you decide. Very very smooth, proven reliability in any condition. If ya have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.

 

[Dthomas3523]

I’d say if weight is your absolute main concern, Impact Titanium (supposedly releasing soon), or the Lone Peak titanium are likely your best options.

If you’re looking for a particular feel, no one on here is going to be a good alternative to trying most or all of them out in person.

(Edit: just realized this was somewhat a necro thread)