TL;DR Is it possible to swap out the bolt head (or the whole bolt, if necessary) on Bergara Premier actions? Specifically, I would be looking to change from long action magnum to standard long action. I have seen conflicting answers on this so I wanted to ask here.
For some background info, I was planning for my next rifle build recently and decided that it would be chambered in 280AI and dropped into a Grayboe Ridgeback stock. I later came across the Bergara Ridgeback Rifle and was thrilled. It is reasonably priced (very reasonable IMO), uses the exact stock that I want and has a decent trigger. Unfortunately, it is not offered in 280AI which would normally not be a big deal. I would normally just pick whichever caliber is most easily available and have the barrel swapped. BUT, it turns out the Bergara Ridgeback is not offered in ANY calibers using a standard bolt-face long action, which is required for the 280AI. I know a lot of you will say to just go custom, but if I am able to simply swap out bolt heads (or the whole bolt) on the Bergara, true the action and have it rebarreled, the value factor is tough to beat. Additionally, I would like to be shooting this rifle here in a month or two when it warms up, and lead times on this stock and most of the custom actions I've looked at are loooong. I mention all of this as I am open to any suggestions/comments on the subject.
Thanks
- Mason
For some background info, I was planning for my next rifle build recently and decided that it would be chambered in 280AI and dropped into a Grayboe Ridgeback stock. I later came across the Bergara Ridgeback Rifle and was thrilled. It is reasonably priced (very reasonable IMO), uses the exact stock that I want and has a decent trigger. Unfortunately, it is not offered in 280AI which would normally not be a big deal. I would normally just pick whichever caliber is most easily available and have the barrel swapped. BUT, it turns out the Bergara Ridgeback is not offered in ANY calibers using a standard bolt-face long action, which is required for the 280AI. I know a lot of you will say to just go custom, but if I am able to simply swap out bolt heads (or the whole bolt) on the Bergara, true the action and have it rebarreled, the value factor is tough to beat. Additionally, I would like to be shooting this rifle here in a month or two when it warms up, and lead times on this stock and most of the custom actions I've looked at are loooong. I mention all of this as I am open to any suggestions/comments on the subject.
Thanks
- Mason