The smoothest action.

[RickyRodney]

What are you guys opinions on the smoothest action to use? Seems like you can squeeze performance from anything and this gun will likely just be a range/bean weasel rig. My buddies GAP templers are pretty damn smooth and way nicer feel to run than my DTA. Thinking about a .223AI or 22BR, and just want something fun to shoot so it has to be smooth.

 

[steve123]

DLC'ed Mausingfield

 

[Ledzep]

DLC'ed Mausingfield

Same thoughts here.

It's splitting-hairs territory between a melonited Deviant or BAT (I think they're close to each other anyway), and DLC'd MF. But a DLC'd M5, especially oiled up... whew. It's fucking slick. Only downer is you can't do .223 or PPC class cartridges, so it'd have to be a .22 BR.

Between the two in the poll, I give the nod to BAT.

 

[Gossett6MM]

Badger m2013. Working on getting rid of my defiance actions to swap over to only badgers. The deviants are as slick as they get when they are pefectly clean and lubed up but for matches they get pretty rough after a few stages. If I preferred 2 lug actions I would get nothing but impact precision 737r receivers.

 

[RickyRodney]

Badger m2013? I always read threads of people complaining about bolt lift? Surprised that got a vote for being the smoothest. This action will likely see 0 "prs" style conditions, it will be kept clean.

 

[Ledzep]

The 2013s are a really stout bolt lift compared to the others. I always thought they'd be like an AI, because of the similar looks, but was really surprised when I got hands on one. Hardly comparable.

 

[MACHTECH]

Another vote for the Mausingfield.

 

[Vargmat]

A well used (not abused) sako trg 42 was the smoothest running action I have tried yet.

 

[IanHusaberg]

Sako or Tika for a factory rifle. Haven't been behind enough customs to say.

 

[5RWill]

I like my DLC'd tempest over any deviant i've handled. I want to feel a mausingfield. We have an SR3 that is pretty smooth i'm interested to see how it handled lubed with DLC.

 

[MTFalconer]

Sako's are certainly on the top of my list. For factory is gets my vote. Shot a couple custom actions in the past but if I'm honest none are any smoother than a worked Remington 700. Sure I'll take some shit for that but a well worked Remington is slicker than owl shit on a pump handle at 1/4 the cost. Never shot a mausingfield.

 

[Sheldon N]

I had a GAP Templar with tens of thousands of cycles on it, bolt ran like glass. However I think it's easier/slicker to run the bolt on my DLC coated BIghorn TL-3 action. Apart from the easy cycling, you should really be considering the TL-3 if you're going to run a BR based case because of how it handles them (Controlled round feed, mechanical ejector).

 

[g.ross]

Bat when clean and deviant felt like my old remmy.
My axiom is running like a champ with 1500 rnds wish I had the DLC version . No galling or issues at all very impressed for the price point .

 

[5RWill]

I had a GAP Templar with tens of thousands of cycles on it, bolt ran like glass. However I think it's easier/slicker to run the bolt on my DLC coated BIghorn TL-3 action. Apart from the easy cycling, you should really be considering the TL-3 if you're going to run a BR based case because of how it handles them (Controlled round feed, mechanical ejector).

So TL3 is up there with one of the smoothest for you?

 

[KWilson]

I've got a Kelbly Atlas Tactical action, that's slick as black ice on a road. One of my mates has a Defiant and that also cycles like a knife through hot butter. I reckon my Tikka action is smoother than both of them though, for a factory action its ridiculously smooth.

 

[scudzuki]

Tl3
ai ax308

 

[missed]

Mausingfield.

 

[Seandradamus]

TL3 all day every day and twice on Sunday
do the 22 br , better feeding and better mag choices

 

[mpk1996]

The new Impact actions are the smoothest out there. maybe the BAT tactical, but the Impact if very very good

 

[djarecke]

I've cycled AI, Surgeon, tempest, Deviant and Mausingfeld. My Impact actions are the slickest I've run.

 

[B-P-UU]

I've got a TL3 and it doesn't compare to an Impact or Lone Peak Fusion in terms of bolt lift and slickness... the latter 2 being far better.

 

[Sheldon N]

So TL3 is up there with one of the smoothest for you?

Of the ones I've handled, yes. At a certain point smooth is smooth and your brass sizing and mag start to make more of a difference with how the gun runs.

 

[5RWill]

Of the ones I've handled, yes. At a certain point smooth is smooth and your brass sizing and mag start to make more of a difference with how the gun runs.

I hear ya. Just sold my barreled action and am on the fence between the TL3 and the mausingfield. I’ve only handle our SR3 a little and the one TL3 I shot was lefty so I couldn’t really gauge how I felt about it. On one hand I could get the TL3 earlier and be shooting though I would want it DLCd like my tempest and our SR3. Then on the other I could spend more and the mausingfield is already coated. But components for swapping barrels are more expensive also.

 

[Sheldon N]

I just got my second TL-3 in hand yesterday and sent it off to be DLC coated like the first one. Checked headspace and action timing (how the barrel engraving lines up) between the two and they match perfectly. Got 4 barrels in 3 different calibers now for my TL-3 and can swap back/forth whatever I want. I'm a huge fan.

 

[NateVA]

I hear ya. Just sold my barreled action and am on the fence between the TL3 and the mausingfield. I’ve only handle our SR3 a little and the one TL3 I shot was lefty so I couldn’t really gauge how I felt about it. On one hand I could get the TL3 earlier and be shooting though I would want it DLCd like my tempest and our SR3. Then on the other I could spend more and the mausingfield is already coated. But components for swapping barrels are more expensive also.

I'm about 3-4 weeks from my M5 build arriving hopefully. Maybe it was the novelty or the fact that I don't plan to do much barrel switching. Either way I ended up choosing the Mausingfield.

 

[ddavis]

I have a Mausingfield without the DLC. It is very smooth. I've checked out a couple brand new ones with DLC and they are not smooth at all. Maybe they need a break in, but they are stock Rem700 rough. Honestly with all the custom actions I've checked out, which admittedly isn't a whole lot, the Tikka's are still the smoothest. Even from day one on the first bolt cycle, they require no break in and feel like they are riding on bearings. A $500 Tikka has a smoother bolt travel and lighter bolt lift while only being 70 degrees than my $1600 MF action. I don't know how they do it.

 

[Twinsen]

Of the ones I've used, a Win 70. Haven't used a Mausingfield though. One day.

 

[5RWill]

I have a Mausingfield without the DLC. It is very smooth. I've checked out a couple brand new ones with DLC and they are not smooth at all. Maybe they need a break in, but they are stock Rem700 rough. Honestly with all the custom actions I've checked out, which admittedly isn't a whole lot, the Tikka's are still the smoothest. Even from day one on the first bolt cycle, they require no break in and feel like they are riding on bearings. A $500 Tikka has a smoother bolt travel and lighter bolt lift while only being 70 degrees than my $1600 MF action. I don't know how they do it.

Strange. I have a sako 85, jewelled 700, Dad's SR3, my DLC'd Tempest, and have handled some deviants. I prefer my Tempest to all of them. Though as i understand it some haven't had the same experience i've had with the Tempest. That's kind of a worry to hear a 1600$ action needs a break in. Though i will note i had Chad at CCG polish my raceway and such when he DLC'd my Tempest.

 

[wapiti16b]

The smoothest I've shot was my Sauer 200 60 degree LA . I have a FN SPR and it's pretty smooth also but not as smooth as the Sauer . I should be getting my SAKO back from my Smith soon , re-barrel and Cerakote . It was always smooth but required more effort than the Sauer & SPR , It's a Magnum length action . Of the rifles I've handled at the shops the TIKKA really shines . I have not handled any customs as of yet so I can only comment on Factory Actions !

 

[5RWill]

The smoothest I've shot was my Sauer 200 60 degree LA . I have a FN SPR and it's pretty smooth also but not as smooth as the Sauer . I should be getting my SAKO back from my Smith soon , re-barrel and Cerakote . It was always smooth but required more effort than the Sauer & SPR , It's a Magnum length action . Of the rifles I've handled at the shops the TIKKA really shines . I have not handled any customs as of yet so I can only comment on Factory Actions !

My 85 is ridiculously smooth but the bolt lift is one of if not the hardest I've dealt with. I really can't manipulate it with my fingers. I have to come off the stock grab with my entire hand and go.

 

[terrell35744]

The impact actions are very smooth we have been running them a bunch out here in the New Mexico sand and held up well.

 

[RickyRodney]

well that is interesting. I didn't know anything about the big horn TL3 and that sounds really attractive being a switch barrel and I could really have both calibers. The impact precision action seems to garnered some very positive reviews. I will look into them especially if I want to go 22BR. Seems like the best option if 223AI is the bighorn TL3....hmm decisions.

 

[Sheldon N]

well that is interesting. I didn't know anything about the big horn TL3 and that sounds really attractive being a switch barrel and I could really have both calibers. The impact precision action seems to garnered some very positive reviews. I will look into them especially if I want to go 22BR. Seems like the best option if 223AI is the bighorn TL3....hmm decisions.

Flip/flop that. The TL-3 is the one recommended above if running short BR based cases.

 

[fdkay]

Everyone knows the smoothest action is the Krag-Jorgenson.

 

[padom]

I just got my second TL-3 in hand yesterday and sent it off to be DLC coated like the first one. Checked headspace and action timing (how the barrel engraving lines up) between the two and they match perfectly. Got 4 barrels in 3 different calibers now for my TL-3 and can swap back/forth whatever I want. I'm a huge fan.

Got my second TL3 last week. put my 6.5x47L barrel on it that I took off my first TL3 and its headspace perfectly. I have multiple bolt heads and various barrels that can be put on either action. Bighorn just sent me their new 12 point barrel nut to test so looking forward to testing that out here shortly.

 

[RickyRodney]

So how does it work with the switch barrel TL3? Does it have a savage style barrel nut I assume? Is repeatability an issue, does it hold zero from barrel changes?

 

[RickyRodney]

Flip/flop that. The TL-3 is the one recommended above if running short BR based cases.

I think the TL3 is the only action in the thread repeatedly recommended that can be bought with a .223 bolt face.

 

[JePhyllis]

I prefer AT action if it is well lubricated.

 

[5RWill]

So how does it work with the switch barrel TL3? Does it have a savage style barrel nut I assume? Is repeatability an issue, does it hold zero from barrel changes?

You can use a barrel nut system. But the real benefit of the TL3 is that the tolerances are so tight, that you can have a smith spin up a barrel for one without the action in hand.

There is a member on here that had flats machined into the end of his barrels with his TL3 and it’s basically a field compliant switch barrel rig. No gauges or special wrench. Just bolt heads and a torque wrench.

 

[Sheldon N]

I think the TL3 is the only action in the thread repeatedly recommended that can be bought with a .223 bolt face.

Well then TL3 for both! Lol...

All I'm running in my TL-3's right now is 223 and 6BR based cartridges.

 

[jbell]

A well used AIAW or AIAT, although my AW's are maybe slightly smoother than my AT (I think it is probably the amount of cycles on the AW)...

 

[Jigstick]

the regular BATs are by far the smoothest. Their benchrest models even more so. Add some melonite to them and they are insanely smooth. The BAT Tacticals are a bit sloppy in my opinion...similiar to a Defiance. Smoother than a Stiller...but not as smooth as a regular BAT.

Ive never been impressed with the Templars. Similar to a Stiller if you ask me.

I personally have a variety of BATs and Stillers. And have handled Defiance, Big Horns, Bordens, Templars, and Surgeons.

 

[noisewaterphd]

Deviants are definitely smooth, especially once you break them in a bit. Good bolt lift. I've run Deviants in PRS matches plenty and never had an issue with them getting dirty and sticky, at least no more than any other action. Defiance were probably the most used action in PRS last year. The Templars are made by Defiance, and feel very similar to a Deviant. I mean, it's pretty obvious that they are just a Rebel, and the only Stiller that comes close to feeling like a Defiance is the new Spectre. The Lone Peak's are also very nice, feel a lot like Defiance.

The TL3 is also a very slick action but they can be a bit sticky when furthest out until you learn how to run them (a non-issue). TL3's also have a nice light bolt lift.

Mausingfields are smooth, but too much bolt lift now that they've ditched the 50/50 IMO. Also overpriced, even with "free" DLC, which I wouldn't want anyway.

BAT's are great, just not my thing for the kind of shooting I'm into.

You'll excuse me for being blunt, but the Tempest sucks, and the Badger feels like shit too. I also don't care for any of the 60° or 70° 3 lug BS. I don't care what trickery nonsense they try to pull the bolt lift always sucks, and being stopped short of stroke will never feel natural to me.

Lots, and lots of great customs to choose from these days. You will love whatever you choose.

 

[NateVA]

Deviants are definitely smooth, especially once you break them in a bit. Good bolt lift. I've run Deviants in PRS matches plenty and never had an issue with them getting dirty and sticky, at least no more than any other action. Defiance were probably the most used action in PRS last year. The Templars are made by Defiance, and feel very similar to a Deviant. I mean, it's pretty obvious that they are just a Rebel, and the only Stiller that comes close to feeling like a Defiance is the new Spectre. The Lone Peak's are also very nice, feel a lot like Defiance.

The TL3 is also a very slick action but they can be a bit sticky when furthest out until you learn how to run them (a non-issue). TL3's also have a nice light bolt lift.

Mausingfields are smooth, but too much bolt lift now that they've ditched the 50/50 IMO. Also overpriced, even with "free" DLC, which I wouldn't want anyway.

BAT's are great, just not my thing for the kind of shooting I'm into.

You'll excuse me for being blunt, but the Tempest sucks, and the Badger feels like shit too. I also don't care for any of the 60° or 70° 3 lug BS. I don't care what trickery nonsense they try to pull the bolt lift always sucks, and being stopped short of stroke will never feel natural to me.

Lots, and lots of great customs to choose from these days. You will love whatever you choose.

Why wouldn't you want the DLC on the Mausingfield? I'm clueless on surface coatings and treatments so I'm genuinely curious.

Has anyone done a comprehensive test of bolt lift across various custom actions? It seems like something that would be very helpful.

 

[5RWill]

Deviants are definitely smooth, especially once you break them in a bit. Good bolt lift. I've run Deviants in PRS matches plenty and never had an issue with them getting dirty and sticky, at least no more than any other action. Defiance were probably the most used action in PRS last year. The Templars are made by Defiance, and feel very similar to a Deviant. I mean, it's pretty obvious that they are just a Rebel, and the only Stiller that comes close to feeling like a Defiance is the new Spectre. The Lone Peak's are also very nice, feel a lot like Defiance.

The TL3 is also a very slick action but they can be a bit sticky when furthest out until you learn how to run them (a non-issue). TL3's also have a nice light bolt lift.

Mausingfields are smooth, but too much bolt lift now that they've ditched the 50/50 IMO. Also overpriced, even with "free" DLC, which I wouldn't want anyway.

BAT's are great, just not my thing for the kind of shooting I'm into.

You'll excuse me for being blunt, but the Tempest sucks, and the Badger feels like shit too. I also don't care for any of the 60° or 70° 3 lug BS. I don't care what trickery nonsense they try to pull the bolt lift always sucks, and being stopped short of stroke will never feel natural to me.

Lots, and lots of great customs to choose from these days. You will love whatever you choose.

You had a bad Tempest as well? Or you just dislike the bolt lift? What about AIs? Bolt lift on my Tempest doesn't bother me, it is different than 2-lug 90 degree actions to a degree in the way it has to be run (forward pressure when camming the bolt over versus pulling straight down).

The Curtis Axiom is supposed to have the lightest bolt lift of the 60 degree 3-lug actions. Or so it seems, i haven't put hands on one.

What do you mean running the TL3 can be different? Like bolt play at the end of the extraction stroke? I haven't actually shot a right handed SR3/TL3 though that will be changing soon. Shot a left handed but i'm not left handed so it felt weird.

Thought the 105/-5 M5 is pretty standard to all 90 degree lift actions. Is it that difficult? I always wanted to try the 50/50.

 

[noisewaterphd]

Why wouldn't you want the DLC on the Mausingfield? I'm clueless on surface coatings and treatments so I'm genuinely curious.

Has anyone done a comprehensive test of bolt lift across various custom actions? It seems like something that would be very helpful.

Call it far from scientific, but I liked the feel of the non-coated Mausingfields better. I'm sure they break-in good with DLC, but I just don't want it, I go through barrels too fast to have them coated and I don't like the look of a black action and stainless barrel. I want stainless/stainless.

I'm not aware of any comprehensive bolt lift test, but that would be pretty cool.

 

[noisewaterphd]

You had a bad Tempest as well? Or you just dislike the bolt lift? What about AIs? Bolt lift on my Tempest doesn't bother me, it is different than 2-lug 90 degree actions to a degree in the way it has to be run (forward pressure when camming the bolt over versus pulling straight down).

The Curtis Axiom is supposed to have the lightest bolt lift of the 60 degree 3-lug actions. Or so it seems, i haven't put hands on one.

What do you mean running the TL3 can be different? Like bolt play at the end of the extraction stroke? I haven't actually shot a right handed SR3/TL3 though that will be changing soon. Shot a left handed but i'm not left handed so it felt weird.

Thought the 105/-5 M5 is pretty standard to all 90 degree lift actions. Is it that difficult? I always wanted to try the 50/50.

I guess it might have been bad, I've only ever used 1 tempest so I don't have a reference, but I was not impressed. It probably comes back to me not liking 3 lug ~60° type actions. Just a personal preference I guess, but I see a bunch of negatives and zero upside to the design model. I always feel like I'm constantly fighting a 3 lug, where 90° 2 lugs take zero attention, it's just a natural, subconscious action. And it's not that I haven't tried, I've tried like hell to like a 3 lug.

As far as the TL3, yes, bolt play at the end of extraction, the bolt can get sticky there, but you learn to run it without issue in no-time, and once you have they are a very smooth action. 105/5 might be standard, but it feels quite heavy on an M5, whereas a TL3 feels very light.

 

[NateVA]

Call it far from scientific, but I liked the feel of the non-coated Mausingfields better. I'm sure they break-in good with DLC, but I just don't want it, I go through barrels too fast to have them coated and I don't like the look of a black action and stainless barrel. I want stainless/stainless.

I'm not aware of any comprehensive bolt lift test, but that would be pretty cool.

Got it. The M5 bolt lift is all on the lift right? If I'm not mistaken the bolt almost falls into place on the downstroke. I was going to add an LRI extended M5 bolt handle to my build order anyway just in case I didn't like the factory one but that certainly convinces me.

 

[5RWill]

I guess it might have been bad, I've only ever used 1 tempest so I don't have a reference, but I was not impressed. It probably comes back to me not liking 3 lug ~60° type actions. Just a personal preference I guess, but I see a bunch of negatives and zero upside to the design model. I always feel like I'm constantly fighting a 3 lug, where 90° 2 lugs take zero attention, it's just a natural, subconscious action. And it's not that I haven't tried, I've tried like hell to like a 3 lug.

As far as the TL3, yes, bolt play at the end of extraction, the bolt can get sticky there, but you learn to run it without issue in no-time, and once you have they are a very smooth action. 105/5 might be standard, but it feels quite heavy on an M5, whereas a TL3 feels very light.

I hear ya. My Tempest has been one of the smoothest actions i've ever used. Even to date it remains that way. I do get what you were saying about leaving it bare as it was a tad smoother bare than when it got back form DLC but lubed the difference is almost not perceivable. I honestly love the 60 degree throw, for me it doesn't feel all that much different from my 700 or dad's SR3 re-cocking, little tougher than my remington but that's about it. I feel that i'm quicker with it, i also run it pretty hard when i'm using it. Which truthfully i think comes with the territory it just seems you have to run 3-lugs deliberately to make them feel right. My Sako 85 on the other hand is extremely hard to re-cock after firing a round.

Planning on running my TL3 bare for probably the next year less i find some time and money to get it DLC'd. Eager to get it in.

This is going a bit off topic but we're on smoothness of actions which will inherently lead to coating. Has anyone tried Cerakote Elite?

 

[RickyRodney]

Wow the Big Horn seems pretty attractive. being able to swap barrels like that is also very nice as long as their is no compromise in accuracy.