I have been wanting to do a switch barrel build for some time. I have a few rifles that I can use but the actions require another bolt if I were to have a magnum caliber, which I want to have. I have a trued Remington 700 s/a and a Stiller Tac 30 both require a new magnum bolt face. Would I be better off getting a Bighorn TL3 action and have a standard bolt face and then order the magnum bolt face? Or is there another option?
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What is the best action for a switch barrel build?
- Thread starter Willie Miller V
- Start date
I have a TL2 threaded 20tpi (Savage thread pattern) with a standard and a magnum bolt head, I will probably buy a 223 bolt head soon for a whopping $125, what's not to love about the Bighorn?
I purchase TL3 with all 3 bolt heads. The rifle is for my 12 year old son so we're starting with 223 then he Has the option to move to another caliber.
Dont know if it's the best action for doing a switch barrel, but in ny opinion it is definitely an excellent option.
Dont know if it's the best action for doing a switch barrel, but in ny opinion it is definitely an excellent option.
I think the bighorn is a great option. i would recommend you invest in their (bighorns) rear entry action wrench so you dont have to remove the mechanical ejector each time you switch a barrel, like you would if you used a standard remington rear entry wrench.
I didn't really even think about this but a Savage has a interchangeable bolt head. I have a custom Savage 110 that has been trued and I replaced the recoil lug and ha Krieger barrel fluted and threaded in a Remington Sendero contour. It's a 6.5x284 Norma in a Manners Elite Tactical T-6A with PTG bottom metal with the bolt release on the bottom. Rifle Basix trigger at 2 pounds and it's a excellent shooting rifle so far and I haven't even broken the barrel in. All I need is a magnum bolt head and a barrel in the caliber of my choice. It's a long action so my options are pretty much endless. I know it's a Savage and not a custom action but it is a tack driver!
I am considering the same thing for me it is down to the TL3 or a mausingfield just for ease. You do still have to consider the action length and magazine compatibility too. Theoretically others could work too like savage, maybe tikka with the newer barrel nut setups but it is more per barrel and slightly more difficult to find components but not impossible
DTA or AI w/ Quickloc are the purely best actions for it, IMO, but you're (obviously) really limited in regard to chassis selection with either of those. Other than that, I am planning on my next build being a Bighorn TL3 switchbarrel. As others have mentioned, the integral recoil lug (there are plenty of choices out there with this feature) will make life a little easier, and the easily (and affordably) switchable bolt heads will make transitioning from one format to another a lot easier.
One thing to consider is that barrel nut setups may not be ideal for switchbarrel configurations for the simple fact that headspacing from one installation to the next may be inconsistent; I hadn't considered that until someone on here made that point awhile back. Don't get me wrong, barrel nut setups certainly have their place... but I just don't think that switchbarrel rigs are the best application of that architecture.
One thing to consider is that barrel nut setups may not be ideal for switchbarrel configurations for the simple fact that headspacing from one installation to the next may be inconsistent; I hadn't considered that until someone on here made that point awhile back. Don't get me wrong, barrel nut setups certainly have their place... but I just don't think that switchbarrel rigs are the best application of that architecture.
Depends on your budget, but for $1,200 or so for the action only, the Bighorn TL3 is perfect.
Not sure about others, but one advantage I like about the TL3 is not having to send in the action to a gunsmith when ordering another barrel.
I got the Bighorn wrench from PVA and the standard plus small bolt heads for a 6mm and 223 barrel. Swaps are quick and easy.
Not sure about others, but one advantage I like about the TL3 is not having to send in the action to a gunsmith when ordering another barrel.
I got the Bighorn wrench from PVA and the standard plus small bolt heads for a 6mm and 223 barrel. Swaps are quick and easy.
The switch lug is an option, but you would have to get a magnum bolt.
https://westtexordnance.com/switchlug/
https://westtexordnance.com/switchlug/
I recently bought a tl3 and love it! I know using a LA for a smaller cartridge may be taboo to some, but im building a 28 nosler now and a 6.5 cm to swap it over for my son later. Great action.
The 28 Nos and 6.5CM is the road I'm on. Talk about from one extreme to another but I love the 6.5 calibers and have been wanting a 28 Nos for a while. I guess I will get it figured out one way or another.
I would get an integral recoil lug as others said, pinned lugs aren't too bad to work with though. I have a Defiance Deviant with 3 bolts. I was originally going with bighorn but changed my mind at the last minute. One other thing to consider is what stock or chassis you will be using, I have one in an AICS 2.0 and it's a pain in the ass taking the skins off so the barreled action will drip out. I should just trim the skins so I don't have to mess with it but I haven't.
If you are considering using a barrel nut system for cost savings, you can use a permanent thread locker on the barrel nut when you do the initial headspacing. Then you will have the repeatability of a shouldered barrel. The only worry would be if the adhesive didn't hold.
I have 2 Shillen DGR barrels. The action is made by Stiller for Shilen and is basically a Stiller Predator threaded for a Savage pre-fit and barrel nut system. Takes about 5 to 10 minutes to put on one of the barrels. Shilen doesn't support multiple bolt heads however, so that is one downside. They do cost about $300 less than the Bighorns.
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