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Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

F

firestorm1284

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 19, 2010
286
0
40
Wisconsin
#1
Hey guys, I'm interested in building a new custom rifle. I'd like to use a custom action, rather than having a factory action trued. The other part of the equation, is that I would like to build an AICS aluminum chassis myself, and use the AICS skins. I want to do this partly to save money, and partly because I think it would be fun. Regardless, I think it would be much easier to build if the action had a flat bottom (I will be making the chassis on a manual mill). Here are my requirements for the action:

-It must be able to use the AICS magazines (no single shots)
-It must be flat bottomed
-And I would like to keep the cost of the action alone under or as near to 1000 as possible.

I am familiar with the Stiller actions, but all of the flat bottomed ones appear to be single shot only. Many of the others in my price range are based on the rem 700, and have round bottoms.

Any suggestions?

Also, does anyone know anybody who has actually built their own AICS chassis? I know gregt has, but I'm looking for someone who either has a thread already that I have missed, or someone who might be willing to share some advice and pictures of the build. Thanks guys!
 
#3
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

Check Kelbly out. I have had a couple of his actions and they are sweet. He makes a action called the Kodiak that you can get as a repeater. It has the flat bottom and believe built in lug. Call them up and they will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. It may be just the ticket your looking for.
 
#5
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

Badger comes to mind. I'm sure there are more as well.

I THOUGHT Surgeon 591 had a flat bottom, I stand corrected. Sorry for any confusion.
 
#6
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

FN-SPR (AKA: Win M70 Classic)if you can accept that's it's not a custom action. Montana Rifle Company makes a custom version if you just have to have a custom action.
 
#8
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

I had the same question about the 591. I didn't see any of those that were flat bottomed, but maybe they make variations?

Also, I was actually looking at the Badger last night. I'm assuming you mean the m2008? If so, where can you buy one of these? I did a bit of searching online on badgers list of dealers, and none seemed to carry it. I also have no idea what the pricing is like.
 
#9
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

I bought mine directly from Badger. There is a gen one that someone is trading in the WTT/WTB section. There used to be an order form you could download off of Badger's site that I cant seem to find right now that had the prices. If I remember correctly the short action is around 980 with the long and magnum actions being slightly more.
 
#10
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buffybuster</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FN-SPR (AKA: Win M70 Classic)if you can accept that's it's not a custom action. Montana Rifle Company makes a custom version if you just have to have a custom action. </div></div>

For a non-custom the FN-SPR is fantastic and Mr. Gordan at SAC seems to push out serious shooters on this inexpensive action all the time. I know I really love mine and it has made me a believer in the pre64 CRF action. I know my unmodified FN A5 holds its own on the firing line with rifles that double its cost.

The Montana actions are fantastic and I am going to build one myself, but their custom CRF action will run you about $2K. Its a work of art and fully machined out of a single piece of stock and well worth it, if you can bear the expense. But for this project it likely exceeds your intended budget. Should you have any serious questions about this action Mr. C. Dixon of Long Rifles Inc used to be a production manager at Montana and can tell you more about it than anyone else around.
 
#11
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

Badger M2008 is generally only available through Badger Ordnance. It is $980 for the short action and they just got another batch made up for sale. Call if you want one, they'll sell out pretty quick. They are a flat bottom action and have two recoil lugs. They also come with a 20 MOA base that is screwed and pinned to the action.
 
#14
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

It seems that the badger is what the guys here like. I have a few concerns about them that maybe you guys could alleviate. I read on another forum that people were having some trouble with them. Mostly that the action was quite stiff, and the force to raise the bolt handle was excessive. Also people said that they were having problems with them not feeding well from the AI magazines.

Can anybody speak from experience about this? Also, what generation are they currently on, and what have they done to them since the first generation? The guy who has one in the WTT section has a Gen 1, and I'd like to get a deal if I can, but not at the expense of getting an action that will give me problems.

Thanks a lot guys!
 
#15
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

I'm not poking at you, but I have seen the "bolt lift" nonsense come up over and over again. And all I have to say is, what kind of 98lb anorexic little girls are finding this to be an issue? If it was such a massive issue, why do two highly regarded factory issue military rifles, the AI and the TRG both use the 60degree? I understand you have less travel to compress the firing spring, but seriously, not only is it a non issue its actually much smoother and faster for some people. To me this is just nitpicking for the sake of nitpicking.

The one badger I have used several times has fed 6.5CM out of an AICS mag dependably. I have never had it misfeed, and since its owner used it as his main match rifle, because its the most accurate and dependable, I don't think he has experienced any issues either.
 
#16
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

I know the Gen 1's had an issue with firing pin spring. I believe it wasn't hitting hard enough which Marty was offering upgrades to the spring. The Gen 2 had this issue resolved. I have a gen 2 that feeds from the AW mags and although I dont have a ton of rounds through it yet like some on here I have not noticed a feeding issue or a stiffness issue with the bolt. The only thing is with the AW mags is that if the mag is empty you have to press down on the mag to close the bolt which isn't that big of an issue to me. I actually like the way the bolt lifts and feeds on the Badger.
 
#17
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

Nly - Thanks for the reply. I personally have NO experience with the m2008 action whatsoever, in fact, I've never even seen one in person. I was only asking since I have read about this "problem". If it's a non-issue, then that solves that. I have to try and make sure I'm getting the best I can for my money, most of my GUNS cost 1000 or less, so buying a 1000 dollar action is a big deal to me.

I'm still curious about the differences between the generation 1 and subsequent generations. Does anyone know what the differences are?
 
#18
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

rdg - you actually posted WHILE I was typing my post, so thanks for responding. I KNEW I remembered another problem about the m2008 actions, and yes, that was it - the firing pin issue. People were having problems with rounds not firing.

If I was to purchase a gen 1 from a hider, would Badger stand behind the product and replace the components it needed to resolve this issue? I also read that these actions have the ability to adjust firing pin protrusion, which was another thing people thought was contributing to the non-firing issue.
 
#19
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

Absolutely Firestorm, like I said, that was in no way a poke at you, because I know people are posting this stuff and you are just reading it and trying to make an educated decision prior to spending a hefty chunk of cash. I have just seen it come up several times and they make it sound like you have to be the Ultimate warrior to run the action, and that's just not the case. I have seen people shy away from it because of that.

You won't regret owning one. Lots of the gripes you see about it I honestly believe come from the "why would anyone want to own something that isn't a Rem700" crowd trying to find a reason to hate it.
 
#20
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

All three of mine are Gen I actions. The "stiff" bolt, as nly205 says, is because of the 3 lug 60 degree lift. I have never had any feeding issues and the fact that they will run AICS or AW mags is a big advantage to me. The Gen I cocking piece was changed at a certain point early in manufacture and Badger replaced all the early ones at no charge. I never had a misfire in any of mine either and one of them is the older cocking piece. That bolt is with Chad Dixon gtting fluted now and, as Badger's machine shop is next door to him, will have the new cocking piece installed while there. Badger stands behind all their products 100% and it would not matter if you were first owner or 30th owner.
 
#21
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

Thanks Shoot4fun, that is exactly what I wanted to hear. I contacted the guy who is selling a Gen 1 on the WTB forum. I am 2nd in line, so hopefully the first guy doesn't want it.

Also thanks nly, I knew what you were getting at, and I appreciate the info and advice!
 
#22
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rdgshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The only thing is with the AW mags is that if the mag is empty you have to press down on the mag to close the bolt which isn't that big of an issue to me. </div></div>

Actualy an intentional design feature to let you know your magazine is empty, instead of running the bolt home on an empty chamber.

For the OP, I have an M2008 and it is the only bolt action I currently own...I aslo dont see the need to ever buy another bolt gun. The ONLY downfall for the M2008 in my eyes is the lack of availability of bolts w/ bolt-face dimensions other than what you will initialy purchase.
 
#23
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

Well it sounds like the Badger is definitely the way to go. Tomorrow morning I'll find out if the guy on the WTT thread sold his to the other guy, or whether I can buy it.
 
#25
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rpk762</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been looking at one of these and on a different thread it was stated that an AICS stock was modified for this receiver. How is the stock modified? </div></div>

They mill the aluminum chassis to accept the flat bottom as opposed to a round action. They also have to create cuts for the recoil lugs (The Badger has 2).

Josh
 
#26
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MinorDamage</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rpk762</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been looking at one of these and on a different thread it was stated that an AICS stock was modified for this receiver. How is the stock modified? </div></div>

They mill the aluminum chassis to accept the flat bottom as opposed to a round action. They also have to create cuts for the recoil lugs (The Badger has 2).

Josh</div></div>

Thank you. I saw that double recoil lug on their site. I was kind of thinking they had to fully mill it but on that other thread there was only one shiny spot on the Chassis. I have a AICS for my 308 and it looked much different but I was not sure if I was seeing stuff.
 
#27
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

I just talked to the company and they do not make a left hand version of that action besides the short action. I am wanting to build up a 338LM but I have not found an action that makes me happy and left hand. I would just buy a AI but they do not come in left hand.
 
#30
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

Thanks for the additional responses guys! I had actually given up on that action, I hadn't heard from the seller in a few days, and it had been SPF so I assumed it was sold. Turns out the buyer flaked out, so now I'm getting it! Badger m2008 it is!
 
#31
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rpk762</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MinorDamage</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rpk762</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been looking at one of these and on a different thread it was stated that an AICS stock was modified for this receiver. How is the stock modified? </div></div>

They mill the aluminum chassis to accept the flat bottom as opposed to a round action. They also have to create cuts for the recoil lugs (The Badger has 2).

Josh</div></div>

Thank you. I saw that double recoil lug on their site. I was kind of thinking they had to fully mill it but on that other thread there was only one shiny spot on the Chassis. I have a AICS for my 308 and it looked much different but I was not sure if I was seeing stuff. </div></div>


Here's a picture of the milling job. I'm assuming the one shiny spot on the chassis you saw was where they mill out the cutout for the bolt handle. Mark from SAC made a plate for the cutout so it doesn't look so cheesy.





 
#32
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

Thanks tt350! I had actually already seen that thread, but I really appreciate it. Now I have a basic idea of what I will need to do to mill it for the Badger action. Still working on my Howa design. Gregt helped me out with that, but mine is a bit different than his. I'm working on taking measurements and cadding it up.

I also ordered a DRO for my mill, so that should make things much easier.
 
#33
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

The Montana actions are made from casting probably done by Ruger and have had serious financiual and customer service problems and recently many people who had done business with them in the past say they are out of business know.

Buyer beware is definitely in order fro MRC actions.

wade
 
#34
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

The Montana actions are made from casting probably done by Ruger and have had serious financiual and customer service problems and recently many people who had done business with them in the past say they are out of business know.

Buyer beware is definitely in order fro MRC actions.

wade
 
#35
Re: Good Flat Bottomed Custom Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you should look into pierce actions, they make a multiflat action that is unbelievably awesome.

http://www.pierceengineeringltd.com/products.php?item=9

call them and ask about a repeater they are very easy to deal with and can usually get stuff out really fast.</div></div>

Those look sharp but they are right handed actions from what I can see.
 
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