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Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

N

Notime

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Minuteman
Nov 21, 2009
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California - sadly...
I am going to have a new Creedmoor rifle built for Precision Rifle competitions.

Which short action is the smoothest to operate?
Templar/Defiance
Surgeon
Bighorn
Other recomendations?

Thank you!
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

I have had all on your list but the Bighorn, Defiance is very smooth with the Surgeon a close second. I run a Pierce and it is similar to the feel of the Defiance, very tight tolerances but very smooth and the Pierce seems to feel like it has less resistance on bolt lift. Although not as popular as a "tactical" action, the Bernard is a 3 lug similar to the AI and Sako and is super smooth, hard to find a smoother action. I have not had my hands on a Badger M2008 but I have heard they run well but bolt lift is a little stiff.

Kirk R
 
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Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

My Springfield 30-40 Krag is the smoothest action I've ever cycled on any bolt gun and it was made in 1903
smile.gif


Out of the ones you listed I've only ever tried out a surgeon and it was quite smooth.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Out of the ones you've listed, and the ones I've handled, my vote goes to Defiance. Though I like the Badger as well, and I gotta say my dad's old 1903 is pretty damn smooth as well.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Borden is smoother than Surgeon based on my experience. However, both are quality and considered way beyond a factory Remington.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Of all the actions I have used or tried, my AI is the smoothest, including my TRG 22 which is also very smooth. The 60 degree bolt throw is also a bonus and the two stage trigger is very nice. I have tried lots of actions over the years on work and personal rifles and I am sold on AI rifles for several reasons,one of which is a smooth reliable action. Just my opinion of course.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

What are you defining as smooth? I feel you are talking about two things when you ask a question like this. How smooth the bolt goes back and forth in the action/receiver is one. The other one is how smooth the bolt cams when your opening it.

There are plenty of actions where when you slide the bolt back and forth are really smooth and don't bind etc...

When it comes to camming/lifting and closing the bolt, that is another area.

If you talk about how smooth the bolt cams/lifts I like Pre64 Win. Model 70's the best.

How smooth the bolt slides back and forth? Not in any particular order: AI's/Badger M2008, Bat actions, Defiance etc....any of the quality ones are very nice.

There are a lot of good actions out there and I feel it comes down to personal preference more than anything else. Use what feels good in your hands and what your comfortable with.

Just my two cents!

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
 
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Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Where do the Stiller actions fall in this list? Opinions welcome.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

I agree that the 30-40 Krag is the smoothest you'll find, but for comerical actions I'd vote for the new FN Model 70.

Go to the GSs and work the action. You'll be impressed with the Model 70.

Still short of the Krag though. 1903's are too bad either, a bit stronger then the Krag.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

The one that has had the most rounds fired through it.

I think a trued R700 is pretty dang good. I do however wish Surgeon would incorporate a floating bolt head.
 
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Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Remlin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where do the Stiller actions fall in this list? Opinions welcome.</div></div>

I've got a Stiller and when I run it fast it binds up, it has not gotten any better over time and has been cycled thousands of times.

I think probably the smoothest action you can get is a Short Action Customs Alpha 11 (Defiance) with the Lower Bolt Modification done to it. Also one of the slickest actions I have ever ran was a buddies "tuned and ion bonded" Badger M2008.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VJJPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My guess would be gay/bi action</div></div>

We all figured your guess is based off of experience....never go full gay, everybody knows you don't go full gay.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Defiance from one of the many builders out there using them, BAT and to my suprise a Remington 700 with a well fitted PTG bolt.

Yes I wasn't expecting that but the one I had BOP put together for my wife is hands down the smoothest Remington I've tried.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bolt fluter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not custom and not a short action. But, the Tikka T3 is very smooth. IMHO.
grin.gif


Regards,
Paul </div></div>


Smoother than the ones the op listed. And yes, I've tried them all except the Bighorn.
wink.gif
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

I have had several Remington actions, some were extremely smooth but my Sako TRG, Sako M995, Sako 85, and Tikka T3 take the cake for out of the box feel.

I got to fiddle a bit with a BAT action and it was smooth but once you experience 60 degree bolt throw it is hard to look at anything else seriously...
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

My favorite is a remington action hands down. I have a 1960'd vintage LA that was used and abused before I sent it off to get rebuilt. That rifle cycles beautifully and cams easy as pie as long as I size my brass proper. I had an issue with not sizing the brass right before the belt that caused a bolt lift issue but fixed that. There is not a speck of finish left on the bolt from being cycled so much.
PS Don't forget bolt grease for the lugs and camming surfaces.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bolt fluter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not custom and not a short action. But, the Tikka T3 is very smooth. IMHO.
grin.gif


Regards,
Paul </div></div> I agree, the T3 action is really nice.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Notime</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Which short action is the smoothest to operate?
Templar/Defiance
Surgeon
Bighorn
Other recomendations?

</div></div>

The least "smoothest" of those three is the the Templar/Defiance.

As far as factory actions, the slickest two I've seen are a Tikka and a Cera-Koted 700 SA.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

The Templar/Defiance does seem to have a very smooth feel to it, the lift is effortless.

I have a Pierce from Accurate Ordnance, and it slides like glass back and forth. I can only compare it to what I've owned and shot which is Surgeon, SA 700 and the Pierce, the Pierce was the smoothest, but that does not mean it was the best.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

My AI is smooth, but not as effortless. My Stiller is not quite as smooth but takes less effort. A GAP-trued 700 is pretty smooth too. As ate Tikka and Sako. Basically, everything but Savage and Ruger seem to be pretty slick.

I think picking the action will be what budget, desire for resale, and intended purpose.

What is important to you?
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VJJPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My guess would be gay/bi action</div></div>
LMFAO^^

On a serious note, Tikka/Sako actions. Haven't handled a Bighorn though.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

The AW/AX is very smooth as is a Surgeon or a Defiance, Templar, Genesis, ect. So is a Barnard, but the smoothest of them all is a BAT. However when you get to the quality of any of these actons you are splitting hairs. ou will find that the bolt lift will be a bit easier on a 2 lug (90 degree lift) action than a 3 lug (60 degree lift) only because the angle of the cocking ramp is not a steep on the 2 lug. But with that being said I like a 3 lug better. I think the AW/AX, TRG BAT, and the Barnard are easy enough to lift on a uncocked action, but the Badger seems a bit heavy to me. Then again I have only plaied with (not shot) 1 Badger so it may be as good as the others.

Short story long BAT is the smoothest IMO, but thats not what I shoot.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

My cock in a ky filled vagina
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

That Popeye cracks me up! Colt Sauer is the smoothest action I ever operated. My new X-treme isnt the worst.
IMG_0732.jpg
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Some sort of Moly lube really smooths out any action.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

The Bighorn is smooth as glass. very precise. A.J. makes a fantastic action and is a first class machinist. A lot of the competetive shooters in the mountain west region have been shooting them.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

I have trued up Remmy, Stiller and Bighorn.

My Bighorn are the smoothest actions I've ever used. Can't say enough good things about them. I have two more on order right now. Should be here in January.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Smoothest? BAT for sure. No question about it. I've handled them all side by side.
 
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Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

I haven't ran any customs yet, but I can not imagine them being any better than my 1903 '06 made in 1916.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Thanks to all!

Some for the first hand experience, others for some wicked sense of humor!

The "smoothness" I am interested in is both the bolt lift (to minimally disrupt the shooting postion) and when the bolt is at full retraction and starting to move forward to feed the next round (where some bind).

I have owned several of the others mentioned (Colt/Sauer, Krag, Sako) and they are indeed smooth, but not what I was looking at using for this competition rifle.

Thank you all!!!
Mike
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Notime</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> and when the bolt is at full retraction and starting to move forward to feed the next round (where some bind).

Mike </div></div>

That's the problem with the Templar/Defiance.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Are you asking which actions are the smoothest,fastest actions when in the field and cover in dirt,dust and debris or what is the "smoothest" on a bench? . Because, this will absolutely be two different answers. If shooting off a bench the Kelbly actions are really smooth both cycling and camming, as are Bats,Barnard's,etc..

If shooting in harsher field conditions it is hard to beat a surgeon. They will stay butter smooth and fast with essentially no lube. This is probably the reason why they are the most popular actions on the competition circuit.

Take into account that the action was designed around field shooting conditions and one of the top tac/precision rifle competitor in the country helped design it maybe explains why it does so well in these conditions.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

well having currently in my safe: templar, surgeon, AI, DTA, mauser, r700, badger, and stiller.

out of those i would say the smootest when dirty are AI and badger followed then by surgeon and templar. there is yet to be a action i have encountered that runs in any condition like a AI, the badger was designed off of the AI so it lends to the same feeling when dirty, they start tight but once broken in they are a awesome action.

they are all good which is why they are in my safe BUT i am quickly finding myself in a love affair with anything AI, don't be suprised if some of my others end up for sale and replaced by AW's and AX's
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Short Action Customs with melonited bolt and LBC mod. Nothing comes close to being as smooth!
Its a Defiance action built to SAC specs fyi

I would say the Bighorn with the melonited bolt and SAC LBC mod is right there as well.

Almost impossible to tell them apart as far as smoothness.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

if your gun doesn't have a scratch on it and less then 1500 rounds you should not be able to talk in this post, lol.

i take nothing away from any smiths guns, i questions some peoples expereince level to be able to offer opinions.

flounder this is not focused at you particularly.
 
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Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

I handled a Barnard P at F-Class Nationals that had been fired thousands of times and it was buttery smooth. My PC is as well.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if your gun doesn't have a scratch on it and less then 1500 rounds you should not be able to talk in this post, lol.

i take nothing away from any smiths guns, i questions some peoples expereince level to be able to offer opinions.

flounder this is not focused at you particularly. </div></div>

No offense taken. Ive been behind a lot of different rifles and most if not all actions at some point. And my rifles are definitely not safe queens.
smile.gif
The only thing I worry about scratching or damaging is the muzzle. Everything else is just considered normal tool use and character building markings.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sp95</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
<span style="color: #FF0000">If shooting in harsher field conditions it is hard to beat a surgeon. They will stay butter smooth and fast with essentially no lube. This is probably the reason why they are the most popular actions on the competition circuit.

Take into account that the action was designed around field shooting conditions and one of the top tac/precision rifle competitor in the country helped design it maybe explains why it does so well in these conditions.</span> </div></div>

I have not once had this problem with any of my BAT actions. Ever. My BATS have never once felt gritty or got stuck, and ive got them dirty in the field. I would not let this issue persuade you from buying a BAT.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

ai/sako/tikka in that order.

honestly though the tikka with single stack plastic mags feeds so smooth you regularly have to check to make sure you actually chambered a round. its like the damn thing is on lubed ball bearings. however for a field rifle i would take the ai or trg first, just more robust platforms built to take the abuse.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can not imagine them being any better than my 1903 '06 made in 1916</div></div>

And I doubt you will, that is anything short of the Krag. A close third and the top of the line commerical action would be the Model 70.

There is a reason they were chosen for rapid fire bolt guns in High Power.

I don't know about all these fancy custom actions, but there is a lot to be said for the Springfield actions, besides the action is smoother then a prom queens thighs, the are extremely accurate.

That is what the Army uses for their '06 & 308 Mann deivices (used to test ammo).
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

Kraig I want to pick your brain about my 03 but you are over your pm limit.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

The smoothest action I have ever felt is on my 1903 springfield, however that is not the question. I would vote for surgeon on this one with FN being a very very close second.
 
Re: Which action is the s-m-o-o-t-h-e-s-t...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if your gun doesn't have a scratch on it and less then 1500 rounds you should not be able to talk in this post, lol.
</div></div>

BigJoe, are you saying that it takes 1500 rounds and scratches to make a $1k to $1.5K action "smooth"?
I don't really understand your comment.
 
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