Trying to decide on a factory action

[Hazarmaveth]

I'm about to be in the market for a rifle. I'll do a long-range build on the action in a year or two, but I want to use it for hunting whitetail here in Pennsylvania (where shots over 300 yards are very unlikely) until then. I'd like to spend about $750 or less on the rifle.

I plan on making a stock for it, so I don't care what it comes in. When I rebarrel it I'm going to be doing the work myself, and I'll true the action then. Until the rebarrel I don't need incredible accuracy, so basically the only thing I care about long-term is the action. The rest of it just has to exist. I'd like it to be a 30-06.

The long-range build will be a 30-06 Ackley Improved. I want to use it for targets out to and beyond 1000 yards (not competition) and for things like elk and black bear. I plan on using heavy bullets like the 208 A-max.

-I know the standard answer would be a Remington 700 because of the availability of parts and smiths, but I'd rather do something a bit more unique. I'm a big fan of Savage, but I'd rather not go that route for this one.

-I really like the feel of the Sako A7, and that's what I'm leaning towards at the moment. It has three locking lugs, a nice trigger, a DBM, and I'd say the smoothest action of the bunch.

-The Tikka T3 is another option that I really like, all the pluses of the Sako except with two lugs and a smaller ejection port, which also means a stiffer action.

-I don't know much about the CZ 550, except that CZ usually makes good stuff.

-The Winchester M70 is often recommended, as well as the Howa 1500. I've held both, they seem nice, but they don't have the feel of the Finnish stuff. Is there anything that makes either a better choice?

I'm pretty much on the fence on this one, would you guys be so kind as to help me make up my mind?

 

[rgvt4]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

-I really like the feel of the Sako A7, and that's what I'm leaning towards at the moment. It has three locking lugs, a nice trigger, a DBM, and I'd say the smoothest action of the bunch.

-The Tikka T3 is another option that I really like, all the pluses of the Sako except with two lugs and a smaller ejection port, which also means a stiffer action.

Can't go wrong with these two.

 

[Hazarmaveth]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rgvt4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can't go wrong with these two. </div></div>
That's what I figured. Those are the two I'm really on the fence between, unless I find a good reason to go with something else.

The only thing thing that makes me nervous about the Tikka is that I've heard the magazine is a bit limiting to cartridge overall length. The Sako A7 having a similar mag to the Tikka, I would think that it could have the same issue.

 

[Jeepocabra]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

If your building off it the t3 has more support. In my opinion the a7 has very little advantage to the t3 for 2x the cost. If you want a sako get a 85.

 

[Jeepocabra]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

An I could be wrong but the tikka mags are all the same length just with a molded in filler for length. So you probably could mod the mags. CDI also makes a DBM for the tikka rifles to run AI mags.

 

[Hazarmaveth]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jeepocabra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In my opinion the a7 has very little advantage to the t3 for 2x the cost. </div></div>

But the A7 isn't twice the cost, it's not quite $200 more. It's tough to find a T3 for less than $550, and I've seen a couple A7's for $700.

The pluses I see to the A7 are better mags (they have metal in them) and a three-lug bolt, which I do really like. The T3 is slightly cheaper and somewhat stiffer, does that make it a better choice?

I know Tikka has more support, but I don't see that as a permanent condition and it doesn't much matter to me. By the time I'll think about making the switch to AI mags, I'll bet somebody will be offering bottom metal for it.

 

[CharlieNC]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

The Savage with the barrel nut is perfect for the do-it-yourself builder, and with the floating lug assembly gives great accuracy. Several websites with all the info and classifieds to buy whatever you want as well.

 

[Uncut_Teeth]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CharlieNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Savage with the barrel nut is perfect for the do-it-yourself builder, and with the floating lug assembly gives great accuracy. Several websites with all the info and classifieds to buy whatever you want as well. </div></div>

This is what I thought of too. Since he's making a new stock for it anyways the plasticrap one that comes with it won't do any harm.

 

[*greenhorn*]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

i need to find a good place to get a 30 06 in a 930 barrel for my savage 10 action

 

[Heronion]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

My personal opinion, based on your DIY attitude towards the stock and other things is to get the cheapest Savage you can find (under $300 is possible). Maybe a Stevens. True the action and such. Then you will - with about $80 in tools plus your headspace gauges - be able to install any barrel of you choice on your action. I have a Stevens short action and have a .308 barrel on it now. But I'm getting my first suppressor and would like to shoot 300BLK with it. So I ordered a $250 barrel, $75 in headspace gauges, and (I already have the nut and action wrenches) in 15 minutes or so I can completely change the cartridge. It's a pretty awesome system.

If you went that route I would be willing to loan you the use of the action and barrel nut wrenches for no cost to you.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

Winchester model 70 "Stealth" or maybe "Coyote" I think are the ones that come in a cheapie stock.

Sweet actions with controlled round feed, integral recoil lug, 3 position safety on the bolt etc etc... and since FN bought out USRAC in 2005(ish), they're made nicer than ever.

 

[Hazarmaveth]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bpnelson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My personal opinion, based on your DIY attitude towards the stock and other things is to get the cheapest Savage you can find (under $300 is possible). Maybe a Stevens. True the action and such. Then you will - with about $80 in tools plus your headspace gauges - be able to install any barrel of you choice on your action. I have a Stevens short action and have a .308 barrel on it now. But I'm getting my first suppressor and would like to shoot 300BLK with it. So I ordered a $250 barrel, $75 in headspace gauges, and (I already have the nut and action wrenches) in 15 minutes or so I can completely change the cartridge. It's a pretty awesome system.

If you went that route I would be willing to loan you the use of the action and barrel nut wrenches for no cost to you. </div></div>

Oh I know, I'm a big fan of Savage, and especially Stevens, but I don't want to go that route on this particular build. The main reason for that is it's a bit <span style="font-style: italic">too</span> easy. I'm on the waiting list for a gunsmith school, and this rifle will be a major project there. If I were to use a Savage action I couldn't use the barrel nut, and I'd rather have the practice truing the bolt face and locking lugs on a non-floating bolt head.

I might even build a Stevens in a varmint caliber by the time I finish this one. But for this rifle I want something unique, and a smooth action with a good feel. As much as I like Savages, I don't think they're any of that.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

For gunsmith school, you should DEFINITELY choose a Win70, the classic "rifleman's rifle".

No brainer, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[The_FNG]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

For something different go with the Howa, sure you folks in the US seem to have trouble with the metric system haha, but it has a lot of positives...Flat based action, integral recoil lug, one piece bolt,good aftermarket support (in Australia anyway), if the action feels a little sloppy to you then you could always fix it, that the point of going to gunsmith school

I'm doing a vanguard build atm (same thing) 1. because i'm poor and cant afford a fancy action. 2. All the things i listed above.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[Heronion]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

I'd go with the Tikka. If you're hung up about the lugs on the Sako, then do that. But the Tikka is certainly smoother and nicer than any other lower-price action, plus the integral rail is a huge sell. Shop around and find one real cheap. The pawn shop in my town has one for $450 in like-new condition. You should be able to get under $500.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Trying to decide on a factory action

For flexibility, I'd go Savage. Metal DBM mags, barrel nut to switch barrels at home and any stock they make for Tikka they make for Savage. They both shoot exceptional, I know b/c I have both.