I'm looking for a donor rifle for my first Remington 700 build, probably on a LA in .284 Winchester. Used stainless action guns come at around a $150-200 premium. Is there an advantage to stainless and worth the additional bucks? Thanks.
- Thread starter HighRez
- Start date
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
The 700 stainless actions are generally finished better than the cheaper steel Remington lines like the SPS, but there no nicer than the good steel models. Personally I prefer stainless purely for rust resistance
The 700 stainless actions are generally finished better than the cheaper steel Remington lines like the SPS, but there no nicer than the good steel models. Personally I prefer stainless purely for rust resistance
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
+1
For a build why not spend the extra and have something a bit more durable?
If you already have a CM action then it's probably not worth it, but if buying new I would go SS.
+1
For a build why not spend the extra and have something a bit more durable?
If you already have a CM action then it's probably not worth it, but if buying new I would go SS.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
Thanks for the comments guys. You've confirmed what I thought, but being relatively new to this, it's good to hear some experienced opinions before money is spent and mistakes are made!
Thanks for the comments guys. You've confirmed what I thought, but being relatively new to this, it's good to hear some experienced opinions before money is spent and mistakes are made!
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
I've done both and hind sight I wish I would have put the extra money I spent on the stainless towards bullets or other parts. You will probably have the rifle coated at somepoint so rust shouldn't be anymore of an issue.
I've done both and hind sight I wish I would have put the extra money I spent on the stainless towards bullets or other parts. You will probably have the rifle coated at somepoint so rust shouldn't be anymore of an issue.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
Highrez, if you live in south GA near the coast then you really want stainless, though I'm guessing you don't since you asked.. (Folks on salt water realize that it is stainLESS not stainFREE)
Someday you may get into a position where your rifle sits in the safe, cabinet, closet for a couple of yrs. (My safe lived in a storage locker for 3 yrs) When you pick one up after a few yrs you'll appreciate that white metal.
Highrez, if you live in south GA near the coast then you really want stainless, though I'm guessing you don't since you asked.. (Folks on salt water realize that it is stainLESS not stainFREE)
Someday you may get into a position where your rifle sits in the safe, cabinet, closet for a couple of yrs. (My safe lived in a storage locker for 3 yrs) When you pick one up after a few yrs you'll appreciate that white metal.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
++++ 1, from Delaware. Blued guns are "rust waiting to happen". I check my stored blue guns every month, and worry. Stainless is forever! Watched one of those "when people are gone" shows. In a thousand years, the only "sign" of human population left, is all the stainless steel sinks and stuff. That sold me.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Highrez, if you live in south GA near the coast then you really want stainless, though I'm guessing you don't since you asked.. (Folks on salt water realize that it is stainLESS not stainFREE)
Someday you may get into a position where your rifle sits in the safe, cabinet, closet for a couple of yrs. (My safe lived in a storage locker for 3 yrs) When you pick one up after a few yrs you'll appreciate that white metal. </div></div>
++++ 1, from Delaware. Blued guns are "rust waiting to happen". I check my stored blue guns every month, and worry. Stainless is forever! Watched one of those "when people are gone" shows. In a thousand years, the only "sign" of human population left, is all the stainless steel sinks and stuff. That sold me.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Highrez, if you live in south GA near the coast then you really want stainless, though I'm guessing you don't since you asked.. (Folks on salt water realize that it is stainLESS not stainFREE)
Someday you may get into a position where your rifle sits in the safe, cabinet, closet for a couple of yrs. (My safe lived in a storage locker for 3 yrs) When you pick one up after a few yrs you'll appreciate that white metal. </div></div>
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
For what it might be worth, I purchased a R700 SS SPS 308 for $600 + tax from Sportsman Warehouse. Its being rebarreled to 6.5CM, since I never fired it hopefully I can recoup some by selling the barrel and stock.
One down side to a used gun is your never quite know what might have been done previously. Another sometimes these guys selling used, want almost as much for a new gun. I elected to use stainless over blued for the same reason that Josh mentions. Todays stainless guns are much improved over earlier years.
For what it might be worth, I purchased a R700 SS SPS 308 for $600 + tax from Sportsman Warehouse. Its being rebarreled to 6.5CM, since I never fired it hopefully I can recoup some by selling the barrel and stock.
One down side to a used gun is your never quite know what might have been done previously. Another sometimes these guys selling used, want almost as much for a new gun. I elected to use stainless over blued for the same reason that Josh mentions. Todays stainless guns are much improved over earlier years.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
Some talk like Stainless won't rust. That's wrong, because it will. It is more resistant, but it isn't rust proof. Having stainless isn't a license for neglect.
Anyway, if you're going to build the rifle and then duracoat it, it won't matter much one way or the other. The price difference between CM and stainless could be the difference between going with a really good set of rings and mount or having to take the cheap way out.
Of course, if you have money to burn, there's no reason not to go with stainless.
Some talk like Stainless won't rust. That's wrong, because it will. It is more resistant, but it isn't rust proof. Having stainless isn't a license for neglect.
Anyway, if you're going to build the rifle and then duracoat it, it won't matter much one way or the other. The price difference between CM and stainless could be the difference between going with a really good set of rings and mount or having to take the cheap way out.
Of course, if you have money to burn, there's no reason not to go with stainless.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: N8Lusk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> You will probably have the rifle coated at somepoint so rust shouldn't be anymore of an issue. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyway, if you're going to build the rifle and then duracoat it, it won't matter much one way or the other. </div></div>
Maybe it's just me, but I'm more concerned about the inside of the action where it's more difficult to clean and see. It isn't always wise or even worthwhile to coat the inside.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: N8Lusk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> You will probably have the rifle coated at somepoint so rust shouldn't be anymore of an issue. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyway, if you're going to build the rifle and then duracoat it, it won't matter much one way or the other. </div></div>
Maybe it's just me, but I'm more concerned about the inside of the action where it's more difficult to clean and see. It isn't always wise or even worthwhile to coat the inside.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
the SS actions are defenitely worth it to me too.
the SS actions are defenitely worth it to me too.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some talk like Stainless won't rust. That's wrong, because it will. It is more resistant, but it isn't rust proof. Having stainless isn't a license for neglect.
</div></div>
+1 Stainless may require less care but it still requires reasonable attention.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some talk like Stainless won't rust. That's wrong, because it will. It is more resistant, but it isn't rust proof. Having stainless isn't a license for neglect.
</div></div>
+1 Stainless may require less care but it still requires reasonable attention.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
You know the line about Rednecks and shiny stuff, thats me, love my S/S.
You know the line about Rednecks and shiny stuff, thats me, love my S/S.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some talk like Stainless won't rust. That's wrong, because it will. It is more resistant, but it isn't rust proof. Having stainless isn't a license for neglect.
Anyway, if you're going to build the rifle and then duracoat it, it won't matter much one way or the other. The price difference between CM and stainless could be the difference between going with a really good set of rings and mount or having to take the cheap way out.
Of course, if you have money to burn, there's no reason not to go with stainless. </div></div>
Right on point.
I think the $150-200 premium is better spent on sending it all out for melonite. That way you get GREAT corrosion resistance, fantastic scratch/ding resistance, and better barrel life - for free, in essence.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some talk like Stainless won't rust. That's wrong, because it will. It is more resistant, but it isn't rust proof. Having stainless isn't a license for neglect.
Anyway, if you're going to build the rifle and then duracoat it, it won't matter much one way or the other. The price difference between CM and stainless could be the difference between going with a really good set of rings and mount or having to take the cheap way out.
Of course, if you have money to burn, there's no reason not to go with stainless. </div></div>
Right on point.
I think the $150-200 premium is better spent on sending it all out for melonite. That way you get GREAT corrosion resistance, fantastic scratch/ding resistance, and better barrel life - for free, in essence.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
Just imagine that he's talking to you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zNjQecyjE8
Just imagine that he's talking to you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zNjQecyjE8
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
If your coating it I dont see much of a point in spending the extra premium for a stainless action, but if your running it uncoated I'd go stainless. And chromoloy is gonna be lighter too. The main thing is to just go where your heart desiers, its your build and don't settle.
If your coating it I dont see much of a point in spending the extra premium for a stainless action, but if your running it uncoated I'd go stainless. And chromoloy is gonna be lighter too. The main thing is to just go where your heart desiers, its your build and don't settle.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
What type of stainless steel are the actions made from?
316, or 304, or ?
I've had 316 stainless items in a saltwater environment(boats) for years with little care...304 would rust out in a heartbeat.
What are the structural properties of the stainless steel used?
Better? Worse? If it has lesser structural properties, couldn't that have an effect on accuracy?
What type of stainless steel are the actions made from?
316, or 304, or ?
I've had 316 stainless items in a saltwater environment(boats) for years with little care...304 would rust out in a heartbeat.
What are the structural properties of the stainless steel used?
Better? Worse? If it has lesser structural properties, couldn't that have an effect on accuracy?
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
I believe Remington uses 416A stainless steel for their actions and barrels. No details though.
I believe Remington uses 416A stainless steel for their actions and barrels. No details though.
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I think the $150-200 premium is better spent on sending it all out for melonite. That way you get GREAT corrosion resistance, fantastic scratch/ding resistance, and better barrel life - for free, in essence. </div></div>
Not arguing, but I don't think Melonite is that clear an answer. It's blessings are also its curse. Due to it's properties the barrel can't be set back or recrowned. Once the treatment is done, the user is stuck with what they chose.
Also, it seems there is only one company in the US recommended for Melonite treatment. In Canada this treatment is still rare for firearm application and many shooters are warned that it isn't an exact science. Barrels cannot be treated like machine parts and without the proper attention barrels are ruined.
I'm not challenging your statement, as your conclusions are proven, just from what I've read (not experienced, I recognize this) it isn't as simple a process as your post would imply.
As for my previous post: Inside vs. Outside.
I was rethinking and now I wonder if it is that big a deal. The inside of the action is preferably kept dry and not often handled. Therefore the outside of the action is all that truly needs protection from moisture..? Is this everyone's reasoning when they say, 'If you're going to coat it don't bother with SS?” Is the outside the only true area of worry?
My understanding is that Duracoat, Armacoat, KG, and the various Teflons are only applied to the outside of the barrel, action, bolt shroud, and handle. They are not applied to the inside of the action or, typically, the bolt body. When they are they wear off quickly.
Ceracoat, Birdsong, and Melonite being the exceptions. They offer full inside and out protection.
(Only owned blued guns briefly, so this is curious subject)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I think the $150-200 premium is better spent on sending it all out for melonite. That way you get GREAT corrosion resistance, fantastic scratch/ding resistance, and better barrel life - for free, in essence. </div></div>
Not arguing, but I don't think Melonite is that clear an answer. It's blessings are also its curse. Due to it's properties the barrel can't be set back or recrowned. Once the treatment is done, the user is stuck with what they chose.
Also, it seems there is only one company in the US recommended for Melonite treatment. In Canada this treatment is still rare for firearm application and many shooters are warned that it isn't an exact science. Barrels cannot be treated like machine parts and without the proper attention barrels are ruined.
I'm not challenging your statement, as your conclusions are proven, just from what I've read (not experienced, I recognize this) it isn't as simple a process as your post would imply.
As for my previous post: Inside vs. Outside.
I was rethinking and now I wonder if it is that big a deal. The inside of the action is preferably kept dry and not often handled. Therefore the outside of the action is all that truly needs protection from moisture..? Is this everyone's reasoning when they say, 'If you're going to coat it don't bother with SS?” Is the outside the only true area of worry?
My understanding is that Duracoat, Armacoat, KG, and the various Teflons are only applied to the outside of the barrel, action, bolt shroud, and handle. They are not applied to the inside of the action or, typically, the bolt body. When they are they wear off quickly.
Ceracoat, Birdsong, and Melonite being the exceptions. They offer full inside and out protection.
(Only owned blued guns briefly, so this is curious subject)
Re: Is a Stainless Action worth the cost?
I do see having melonite applied to the barrel as a problem, for the reasons stated by lonewolf.
I did Duracoat the inside of my action. I didn't put it on thick. One coat and then baked it for good measure. It hasn't worn out and have had no negative effects on accuracy.
Still, assuming that the CM action had some sort of coating (phosphate or bluing), I don't think that corrosion would be a problem on the inside of the action. The only places I've had problems with corrosion on non stainless guns has been on the exterior where they are handled.
I do see having melonite applied to the barrel as a problem, for the reasons stated by lonewolf.
I did Duracoat the inside of my action. I didn't put it on thick. One coat and then baked it for good measure. It hasn't worn out and have had no negative effects on accuracy.
Still, assuming that the CM action had some sort of coating (phosphate or bluing), I don't think that corrosion would be a problem on the inside of the action. The only places I've had problems with corrosion on non stainless guns has been on the exterior where they are handled.
