New Action Questions

[jrhtx]

I am looking at a Defiance Deviant Tactical action. I want to take advantage of pre fit barrels and doing something like a 6mmBR , drop it in a chassis and go! I am not looking to change barrels every day so a barrel vice and action wrench isn’t an issue. This isn’t for competition (yet), just something to shoot to 1000.

Any reason not to go with the Deviant? I know everyone has their preference and not trying to start fights. The 2 set-screw Terminus quick change is nice but not sure I really need that. Just looking to get a top tier action with good customer service if needed.

 

[just browsing]

Deviant is a great action, highly recommended. Has been and continues to be one of the gold standards for custom actions, especially for PRS and similar disciplines.

That said, you will not find many “prefit” options for Deviants because there are multiple Action configurations. Headspace is not guaranteed to be the same across all of the variants, not because the tolerances aren’t tight enough, but because there are no “standard” Deviant actions. They can be ordered with different tenon lengths, bolt noses, etc., so no one makes true, off the shelf prefit barrels for them.

Fortunately you do have some options. The Ruckus is essentially a prefit compatible Deviant. There are only standard action options and so prefits are readily available. I personally prefer the Deviant to the Ruckus in terms of feel but a majority of people would likely tell you there is no difference. The newer gen Tenacitys are also prefit compatible - just make sure they have the integral recoil lug. The Tenacity is a great action in its own right but generally regarded as a step or two behind the Deviant/Ruckus.

Also, more as a general note and not related to Defiance actions specifically… “prefit” barrels are really overblown at this point as pretty much any worthwhile custom action can be made to work with prefit barrels by a competent gunsmith. OTS Prefits got so popular because manufacturers could make and stock barrels in standard contours/cartridges and thus cut down on costs and lead times. While there are still those options available, most companies offer “custom prefits” at this point, most of which are accompanied by custom prices and wait times. Point being, the actual benefits of prefit barrels are fewer and far between than most would realize, and hardly something that I would hitch your wagon to when considering custom actions.

Ultimately the decision is yours and with a ton of great actions available, it’s really hard to go wrong.

 

[Matt_3479]

Like mentioned above the deviant being a fantastic action isn’t prefit compatible. The ruckus is. I have not handled one but am under the understanding that it’s the same thing just universal across every ruckus making it prefit compatible versus the deviant have multiple options available.

The prefit thing is nice. But if you aren’t changing all the time ans you have a smiths you work with often or plan too, then buy a deviant, send it to him, he can make a note on the specs and he can spin you up a barrel whenever you need. He just needs to see it once. Lots of nice actions out there, can’t go wrong with most of them!

 

[Steel head]

I’d also look at a nucleus because controlled round feed can be advantageous for the stumpy Lil 6BR cases

 

[spife7980]

I’d also look at a nucleus because controlled round feed can be advantageous for the stumpy Lil 6BR cases

whispering sweet nothings into your ear: origin origin origin


But yes, controlled round feed for civilized ejection and Id go so far as to say for everything.

 

[b6graham]

whispering sweet nothings into your ear: origin origin origin


But yes, controlled round feed for civilized ejection and Id go so far as to say for everything.

Gonna second this

Hard to beat the CS of Zermatt (or Terminus if you go Zeus route)

 

[aard3]

really happy with Zermatt / Bighorn actions, especially if you want to do pre-fits. Barrels are easy to find, actions are great, hard to go wrong

 

[Forrest]

I have 3 Deviant actions. 2 medium actions and 1 long action. I ordered an extra magnum bolt for one of the short actions. They are silky smooth. I use Remage Criterion barrels. I've been very happy with them over the last 3 years.

 

[RFutch]

Gonna second this

Hard to beat the CS of Zermatt (or Terminus if you go Zeus route)

I absolutley love my 2 Origin's but I also just got a Gen 2 Nucleus. It's REALLY NICE. I haven't shot with it yet so I can't really make a fair comparison yet but I think it gonna be splitting hairs between the two. The Origin is a little cheaper though so there may be more value there.

 

[High Desert duck]

Impact 737r. Prefits super reliable feed and extraction.

 

[b6graham]

I absolutley love my 2 Origin's but I also just got a Gen 2 Nucleus. It's REALLY NICE. I haven't shot with it yet so I can't really make a fair comparison yet but I think it gonna be splitting hairs between the two. The Origin is a little cheaper though so there may be more value there.

i'd rather my mausingfield than the nucleus and i'd pick origin over nucleus too (cause i run a RimX and prefer matching feel)

but lots of people certainly like the nucleus. pretty comparable actions

proof prefits for the origin is nice and probably in general more origin(even TL3) prefits are out there

 

[1moaoff]

I ha e mtiple of each of the Arc actions... I dont notice it when actually shooting but just playing with them I prefer the Mausingfield...

 

[jrhtx]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to rethink this.

 

[Matt_3479]

Oh well if we are recommending actions that’s different. The op seemed to want defiance so I gave the opinion but if he’s interested in others then,

So far they are all super nice. All feel decently similar, and you won’t be disappointed in any of them. 60 degree my opinion is terminus 200%. 90 degree the nicest I’ve felt/shot is an extremely well used surgeon, but from new to 1000 rounds roughly the defiance is incredible, tl3 is buttery smooth but harder bolt close, kelbly is absolute amazing bang for buck with one of the nicest bolt cycle there is.

 

[jrhtx]

Matt, I did want opinions on the Deviant but is seems like it won't do what I want to do. Looking at the Ruckus now, but I had an offer of a good deal on a Deviant. But if not going the Deviant because of a better price, it opens up more doors to look at everything.
I am at a point in life (old!) I don't "need" another rifle, it was kind of a project thing. Something I could work on in my shop. Unwind with a beer, GSD at your feet, turn up the music, and tinker.

I appreciate everyone's input and time to post their comments.

 

[Matt_3479]

Matt, I did want opinions on the Deviant but is seems like it won't do what I want to do. Looking at the Ruckus now, but I had an offer of a good deal on a Deviant. But if not going the Deviant because of a better price, it opens up more doors to look at everything.
I am at a point in life (old!) I don't "need" another rifle, it was kind of a project thing. Something I could work on in my shop. Unwind with a beer, GSD at your feet, turn up the music, and tinker.

I appreciate everyone's input and time to post their comments.

The one thing you have to realize, it doesn’t matter what opinions any of us have. If you had your mind set on a defiance then you’ll never fully enjoy another action as you’ll always wonder if you should of gone with a defiance lol. It happens. If your open to other options then that doesn’t apply. But one of my best shooting rifles I’ve never been 100% happy with as I settle for a different action. It’s amazing, the gun shoots better then I can but every time I grab it I always wish it was a defiance.

Like mentioned if you have a smiths you plan to use, he can just get the measurements on your deviant and he can do prefits whenever you want them. Not a big deal, otherwise get the ruckus.