My First Bolt Action Build

ignitionSoldier

ignitionSoldier

Private
Minuteman
Apr 6, 2020
23
24
#1
I just got done building my first bolt gun and I wanted to say thanks to the members of SH that advised me to take the plunge and build my own gun. It was super rewarding and I hope to build another in the future!

Specs
  • Criterion 26" MTU Barrel 6.5 CM 1-8
  • Big Horn Origin Action
  • XLR Element 3.0 Chassis
  • Vortex Viper PST Gen 2
  • TriggerTech Special Flat Face

Resized.jpg
 
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#2
ignitionSoldier said:
I just got done building my first bolt gun and I wanted to say thanks to the members of SH that advised me to take the plunge and build my own gun. It was super rewarding and I hope to build another in the future!

Specs
  • Criterion 26" MTU Barrel
  • Big Horn Origin Action
  • XLR Element 3.0 Chassis
  • Vortex Viper PST Gen 2
  • TriggerTech Special Flat Face

View attachment 7352699
Click to expand...
Looks Great!
 
#8
Very nice! I’m getting ready to start one also. Did you buy your action and barrel separately and have a smith do the work or did you buy the barreled action?
 
#11
Medic0422 said:
Very nice! I’m getting ready to start one also. Did you buy your action and barrel separately and have a smith do the work or did you buy the barreled action?
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I bought the action and the barrel separately along with the tools needed. I had to buy some head space guages, an action wrench, a barrel nut wrench and an inch pound torque wrench. I just happened to have a vice and a foot pound torque wrench which I also needed. Once you have those tools it's really easy to build your own gun.
 
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#13
ignitionSoldier said:
It's working out really nice so far. I took it to the range and it shot some really nice groups. It is really lightweight, it feels comfortable and the workmanship is fantastic. I am going to look into getting some more high end models from XLR at some point this year.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I’ve learned quite a bit since I posted that question. I’ve decided to pretty much go the same route. I have a few of the tools but will need a few more. That’s where I’m trying to decide if the barreled action might be better. After tools it’ll cost about the same. Then again I’ll be able to always change barrels too.
 
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#15
Medic0422 said:
Thanks for the info. I’ve learned quite a bit since I posted that question. I’ve decided to pretty much go the same route. I have a few of the tools but will need a few more. That’s where I’m trying to decide if the barreled action might be better. After tools it’ll cost about the same. Then again I’ll be able to always change barrels too.
Click to expand...

I know it feels like you’re going to be hemorrhaging money, but like you said once you have the tools you’ll have them.

It’s a one time investment.
 
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#16
Matt_KJ said:
How do you like the Origin?
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So the only precision bolt guns I have owned before were Savages and Remington 700, and this action blows those completely out of the water. The bolt moves very smoothly like butter with no wiggling or anything like that. The controlled round feeding works very well. You can really eject a round violently or just barely eject it if you like so easily. I like the fact that the bolt head can be swapped out for whatever I want later which is very nice. The workmanship on the action itself was top notch. Zermatt really takes their products seriously and it shows. The Origin is the low end action, but I honestly feel like it is way nicer than anything I have ever used before.
 
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#17
ignitionSoldier said:
So the only precision bolt guns I have owned before were Savages and Remington 700, and this action blows those completely out of the water. The bolt moves very smoothly like butter with no wiggling or anything like that. The controlled round feeding works very well. You can really eject a round violently or just barely eject it if you like so easily. I like the fact that the bolt head can be swapped out for whatever I want later which is very nice. The workmanship on the action itself was top notch. Zermatt really takes their products seriously and it shows. The Origin is the low end action, but I honestly feel like it is way nicer than anything I have ever used before.
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Awesome! I’m in the same boat as I’m currently shooting a Remington 700 and I’m looking at doing a build off from an Origin or a TL3...

The Origin is so tempting!
 
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#18
Matt_KJ said:
Awesome! I’m in the same boat as I’m currently shooting a Remington 700 and I’m looking at doing a build off from an Origin or a TL3...

The Origin is so tempting!
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Matt I was contemplating the tl3 also. After talking to a few guys though I just don’t know if I’d be able to really know or feel the difference. I’m coming Off rem and howa actions. Figured I’d save a few bucks and get a nice barrel or a bit more for glass. So many good reviews on both actions it’s hard to make a decision.
 
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#19
Medic0422 said:
Matt I was contemplating the tl3 also. After talking to a few guys though I just don’t know if I’d be able to really know or feel the difference. I’m coming Off rem and howa actions. Figured I’d save a few bucks and get a nice barrel or a bit more for glass. So many good reviews on both actions it’s hard to make a decision.
[/QUO

I know, I know! I’m with you. However, I do not want to regret 5 months down the road...

I’m see we’ve all had them
Click to expand...
 
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#20

I get it man. I think you definitely wouldn’t lose from either one. I’ve got some good info from these guys and seems like people really like them both. Let me know which you chose. I was also looking at the Curtis axiom which price wise was right in between the two. Decided on the Origin simply by the reviews.
 
#21
ignitionSoldier said:
It's working out really nice so far. I took it to the range and it shot some really nice groups. It is really lightweight, it feels comfortable and the workmanship is fantastic. I am going to look into getting some more high end models from XLR at some point this year.
Click to expand...
I have A action being put together now. Looking at different stock/chassis to put it in. Considering keg bravo, mpa ultralight and the one you used. To many decisions.
 
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