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++Bighorn TL3 Builds++

Newly finished 18” 6.5 carbon creed coyote/night rig. Was surprised to see accuracy and single digit SD’s from the new varmit ammo.
 

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Criterion does make them. I've use 4-5 so far. I have a Bartlein shouldered on right now, but will go back to the Criterion after that is shot out. I seem to have great results with Criterion.

Right on. I was on the fence about trying one but it might be worth a look. Preference where to pick one up or are you taking blanks to a smith?
 
Amaizing in this 8 twist. .4-.6 moa inital 5 shot groups from 100-300 yds. And poi is only .2 mil low of my 140 loads 100 yd zero...

That’s awesome to hear. I’m going to pick up a couple of boxes to check out. Thanks for the info.
 
Mine was a blank that I had my Smith shoulder and put flats for a wrench. For those mil/Leo proof has the shouldered on the expertvoice site now at a very attractive price.
 
Criterion does make them. I've use 4-5 so far. I have a Bartlein shouldered on right now, but will go back to the Criterion after that is shot out. I seem to have great results with Criterion.

Did you get your shouldered Criterion barrels as a full prefit from Criterion? Or are you referring to their savage small shank barrels with a barrel nut?
 
I’m also interested in this answer. I haven’t had a Criterion barrel, but I’d like to try one if they had a shouldered prefit.
 
I may have misread the post in my sleep deprived state. My Criterions have the barrel nut. (disclaimer-twins arrived early. No sleep for this guy)

Congrats new daddy!! I got my first coming in 5 weeks. What style barrel nut are you using? I saw one from proof that looked pretty nice.
 
Guys, I have a couple questions. I have ordered a TL3 SA and a PR 6.5 PRC barrel. I ordered the AICS option on the TL3 and plan on using accurate mag bottom metal. Do any of you have experience with this combo by chance? I’m not very familiar with the different BM/Mag options, especially for a 6.5 PRC. Thanks in advance.
 
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No experience with their bottom metal, but I believe that the mags you'd want to run would be the 7 round Accurate 300WSM mags. That's what I use for my 7 SAUM in a short action TL3.
I called accurate-mag and they said the 300 wsm would work. Thanks Sheldon. Now to find a manners EH to fit.
 
Anyone have pics of a Stainless TL3 barreled action in an MPA Competition chassis either in Sniper Green or Tungsten color? Trying to decide which one I like. Thanks guys.
 
Guys, I have a couple questions. I have ordered a TL3 SA and a PR 6.5 PRC barrel. I ordered the AICS option on the TL3 and plan on using accurate mag bottom metal. Do any of you have experience with this combo by chance? I’m not very familiar with the different BM/Mag options, especially for a 6.5 PRC. Thanks in advance.

You may want to consider a redsnake dbm if you're gonna run a PRC. Their DBM is a M5 footprint that takes AI pattern magazines but their thing is that the magwell is set back 0.1" so that you don't have the chance of a feeding issue caused by the nose of a round hitting the bottom of the feedlip. I'm waiting on one more part to come in for my TL3 build and should have everything together next week. What length prc barrel did you go with? I'm going 22" on mine.
 
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You may want to consider a redsnake dbm if you're gonna run a PRC. Their DBM is a M5 footprint that takes AI pattern magazines but their thing is that the magwell is set back 0.1" so that you don't have the chance of a feeding issue caused by the nose of a round hitting the bottom of the feedlip. I'm waiting on one more part to come in for my TL3 build and should have everything together next week. What length prc barrel did you go with? I'm going 22" on mine.
I’ll give them a look. I appreciate the heads up. I went with a 24” over the 26” in case I wanted to run a suppressor later. It will still be a couple more months on mine. I did order a TriggerTech for it today.
 
Just built my second tl3. Got this action from core with aw mag cut. The bolt close and lift seems significantly heavier or stiffer in this new action then my older one. I measured it with a Lyman gauge and it was about a pound heavier. Could this be something that breaks in over time? Also the cocking piece seems to make contact with the rear tang in the new one when closing the bolt. The older action doesn’t do that. It’s almost like they made it bigger on the new one. The flutes on the bolt are different so at least some updates have happened since the older one was bought last year. Any thoughts?
 
Just built my second tl3. Got this action from core with aw mag cut. The bolt close and lift seems significantly heavier or stiffer in this new action then my older one. I measured it with a Lyman gauge and it was about a pound heavier. Could this be something that breaks in over time? Also the cocking piece seems to make contact with the rear tang in the new one when closing the bolt. The older action doesn’t do that. It’s almost like they made it bigger on the new one. The flutes on the bolt are different so at least some updates have happened since the older one was bought last year. Any thoughts?

Sounds like a trigger timing issue based on where the cocking piece encounters the trigger sear. Depends on which trigger you have installed and how it interacts with the action. Bighorn will time it for you if you want (not sure on lead time) or some guys with a bit of care and filing on the cocking piece have done the DIY approach.
 
Sounds like a trigger timing issue based on where the cocking piece encounters the trigger sear. Depends on which trigger you have installed and how it interacts with the action. Bighorn will time it for you if you want (not sure on lead time) or some guys with a bit of care and filing on the cocking piece have done the DIY approach.


Are you speaking to the right bolt close and lift or the cocking piece making contact with the rear tang as I run the bolt forward? I tired another firing pin and the bolt stiffness felt the same. I have a bix n Andy tac sport pro trigger that I adjusted the seat on the same way I did on the other rifle.
 
28 Nosler Pac Nor 26" Throated for 195s Trigger Tech, Atlas Bushnell Xrsii, MPA was the first full custom I've had made
 

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Are you speaking to the right bolt close and lift or the cocking piece making contact with the rear tang as I run the bolt forward? I tired another firing pin and the bolt stiffness felt the same. I have a bix n Andy tac sport pro trigger that I adjusted the seat on the same way I did on the other rifle.

I'm just looking at relative position of the tail end of the firing pin as it sticks out the back of the bolt. Here's some measurements taken with the tail end of a set of calipers so you can compare to yours. Both actions have trigger tech diamonds in them.

TL3 #1 = starting position 0.035 protrusion, fired/decocked -0.138 depth, closed bolt (cocked) 0.045 protrusion
TL3 #2 = starting position 0.041 protrusion, fired/decocked -0.142 depth, closed bolt (cocked) 0.051 protrusion

Both actions have about 10 thousandths of cock on close. The second action has a bit more firing pin fall than the first, though the first hasn't given me any trouble.

I'm curious @reubenski what your actions measure after your modifications.
 
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TL3 in 6.5 Creedmoor
MDT ACC
Krieger M40 25”
PVA Shockwave

Shoots beautifully...
 

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Just screwed a new Keystone Accuracy Kreiger shouldered prefit on one of my TL3's the other day. Finally got a 60F day here in the NE so got it out and put 35rds through it. God I love this setup!!


Keystone Accuracy 27" Kreiger HV 6.5x47L
APA Gen2 Fat Bastard 3/4x24
Bighorn TL3 w/Helical Diamond Knob
MDT ACC Chassis
TT Diamond
Atlas PRS w/Area419 ARCA Mount
Vortex Razor HD Gen2 4.5x27 EBR-2C
Seekins PMR 34mm rings
ARC Mag w/Area419 +2 Magazine Extensions


I had 35rd loaded up from my last Keystone barrel sitting here so I just shot them to get some rounds down the barrel. No load development, shot at 100yds with Labradar. As always, Kreiger is hammering just like the last 2. AVG velocity for 35rds was 2804 SD 4.5

I love this MDT ACC chassis. Fit is amazing, especially the adjustable grip. The long forend is awesome and the balance is amazing. Best chassis on the planet right now!! @MDT_Josh hit it out of the park with this chassis. Checks all the boxes.









 
Just screwed a new Keystone Accuracy Kreiger shouldered prefit on one of my TL3's the other day. Finally got a 60F day here in the NE so got it out and put 35rds through it. God I love this setup!!


Keystone Accuracy 27" Kreiger HV 6.5x47L
APA Gen2 Fat Bastard 3/4x24
Bighorn TL3 w/Helical Diamond Knob
MDT ACC Chassis
TT Diamond
Atlas PRS w/Area419 ARCA Mount
Vortex Razor HD Gen2 4.5x27 EBR-2C
Seekins PMR 34mm rings
ARC Mag w/Area419 +2 Magazine Extensions


I had 35rd loaded up from my last Keystone barrel sitting here so I just shot them to get some rounds down the barrel. No load development, shot at 100yds with Labradar. As always, Kreiger is hammering just like the last 2. AVG velocity for 35rds was 2804 SD 4.5

I love this MDT ACC chassis. Fit is amazing, especially the adjustable grip. The long forend is awesome and the balance is amazing. Best chassis on the planet right now!! @MDT_Josh hit it out of the park with this chassis. Checks all the boxes.










Thanks for the kind words @padom ! Can't wait to see what you get up to with it this year :)
 
Bighorn TL3 and SR3 product update

Continual improvements of our product lines are important to us and we strive to provide the best possible product to our consumers. With that, we’ve made a decision to make a small change to our TL3 and SR3 product line going forward. We have decided to change the finish of our bolt bodies from a CrN finish to a Nitride finish.

Over time, we have played with different finishes and coatings on bolt bodies, bolt heads and receiver bodies. We’ve also played with different combinations of those finishes and coatings within each other. Within our two lines of actions, we mixed a couple parts together and found that the best feel was achieved with a Nitride finished bolt body on all of our receivers.

The change will present an aesthetic difference on our TL3 and SR3 actions. Receivers will still be offered in the white (blasted stainless) as well as DLC coated. The combinations produce an appealing look in both receiver options and the function has, in our opinion, improved with enough margin to make the change.

This is going to be a fluid logistical situation so bear with us. We need to move current inventory of bolt bodies before we get to the new finish. The change will start immediately with LONG ACTION RIGHT HAND actions. Any LA RH that is on order with us and not delivered at this point will be delivered with the new bolt body in it. Next will be SHORT ACTION RIGHT HAND actions. Some of the orders on hand right now will get the CrN finished bolts. When inventory of those bolts is gone, we will begin using Nitride finished bolts. Following the LA RH and SA RH bolts will be the SA LH and finally LA LH bolts.

Any product that is in the wild with CrN finish CANNOT be Nitrided. Repeat: CrN FINISHED BOLTS CANNOT BE REFINISHED WITH NITRIDE!!!

Please allow us some time to implement the change completely. If there are questions or concerns regarding current orders, please reply to your order confirmation to address them. We are committed to providing everyone with the best possible product we can and strive to achieve 100% satisfaction.

Thank you for your continued support of our products!

The ZAI/Bighorn Team
 
Looking forward to it. Just placed another SR3 LA order through my dealer.
 
Just screwed a new Keystone Accuracy Kreiger shouldered prefit on one of my TL3's the other day. Finally got a 60F day here in the NE so got it out and put 35rds through it. God I love this setup!!


Keystone Accuracy 27" Kreiger HV 6.5x47L
APA Gen2 Fat Bastard 3/4x24
Bighorn TL3 w/Helical Diamond Knob
MDT ACC Chassis
TT Diamond
Atlas PRS w/Area419 ARCA Mount
Vortex Razor HD Gen2 4.5x27 EBR-2C
Seekins PMR 34mm rings
ARC Mag w/Area419 +2 Magazine Extensions


I had 35rd loaded up from my last Keystone barrel sitting here so I just shot them to get some rounds down the barrel. No load development, shot at 100yds with Labradar. As always, Kreiger is hammering just like the last 2. AVG velocity for 35rds was 2804 SD 4.5

I love this MDT ACC chassis. Fit is amazing, especially the adjustable grip. The long forend is awesome and the balance is amazing. Best chassis on the planet right now!! @MDT_Josh hit it out of the park with this chassis. Checks all the boxes.












Nice Rifle!

4 groove or did you grab the two Krieger 5Rs John had on hand?

TM6
 
Newly finished 6.5 CM TL3 build. Beyond pleased with it!

Big Horn Arms TL3 LH DLC
Proof Research 26" Sendero
Triggertech Special - PVD Flat Shoe
Magpul Pro 700 Folding Chassis
Spuhr SP-4001 Optic Mount
Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56
Dead Air Muzzle Brake / Sandman L
Magpul Bipod
 

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Newly finished TL3 build. Beyond pleased with it!

Big Horn Arms TL3 LH DLC
Proof Research 26" Sendero
Triggertech Special - PVD Flat Shoe
Magpul Pro 700 Folding Chassis
Spuhr SP-4001 Optic Mount
Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56
Dead Air Muzzle Brake / Sandman L
Magpul Bipod
Nice build! What caliber you running? I have a TL3 and 26 inch proof sendero lite. Going to have it chambered in 6.5 Saum. Unsure of what stock or chassis I’m going to end up going with though.
 
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Nice build! What caliber you running? I have a TL3 and 26 inch proof sendero lite. Going to have it chambered in 6.5 Saum. Unsure of what stock or chassis I’m going to end up going with though.

Damn, all that info I put and forgot to mention it's a 6.5 CM. 6.5 Saum will be a sweet setup as well.
 
Bighorn TL3 and SR3 product update

Continual improvements of our product lines are important to us and we strive to provide the best possible product to our consumers. With that, we’ve made a decision to make a small change to our TL3 and SR3 product line going forward. We have decided to change the finish of our bolt bodies from a CrN finish to a Nitride finish.

Over time, we have played with different finishes and coatings on bolt bodies, bolt heads and receiver bodies. We’ve also played with different combinations of those finishes and coatings within each other. Within our two lines of actions, we mixed a couple parts together and found that the best feel was achieved with a Nitride finished bolt body on all of our receivers.

The change will present an aesthetic difference on our TL3 and SR3 actions. Receivers will still be offered in the white (blasted stainless) as well as DLC coated. The combinations produce an appealing look in both receiver options and the function has, in our opinion, improved with enough margin to make the change.

This is going to be a fluid logistical situation so bear with us. We need to move current inventory of bolt bodies before we get to the new finish. The change will start immediately with LONG ACTION RIGHT HAND actions. Any LA RH that is on order with us and not delivered at this point will be delivered with the new bolt body in it. Next will be SHORT ACTION RIGHT HAND actions. Some of the orders on hand right now will get the CrN finished bolts. When inventory of those bolts is gone, we will begin using Nitride finished bolts. Following the LA RH and SA RH bolts will be the SA LH and finally LA LH bolts.

Any product that is in the wild with CrN finish CANNOT be Nitrided. Repeat: CrN FINISHED BOLTS CANNOT BE REFINISHED WITH NITRIDE!!!

Please allow us some time to implement the change completely. If there are questions or concerns regarding current orders, please reply to your order confirmation to address them. We are committed to providing everyone with the best possible product we can and strive to achieve 100% satisfaction.

Thank you for your continued support of our products!

The ZAI/Bighorn Team


I have on order not yet received a TL3 LA, single shot, left eject right bolt. Will mine qualify for the new coating? And if I ordered DLC coating would that mean the entire action and bolt body are black or the fluted part is silver? Just curious. Thanks
 
No experience with their bottom metal, but I believe that the mags you'd want to run would be the 7 round Accurate 300WSM mags. That's what I use for my 7 SAUM in a short action TL3.

Your running a 7 saum short action? What bullet and velocity are you getting? I’m debating on a 277 build and thinking I have to go long action tl3 but would much prefer short if possible!
 
Your running a 7 saum short action? What bullet and velocity are you getting? I’m debating on a 277 build and thinking I have to go long action tl3 but would much prefer short if possible!

Yes, I'm running a 7SAUM. Last load was Berger 195 EOL Hybrids at 2880fps, more recently have switched to 180 ELD-M at 2970fps. Both mag fed 2.95 COAL in short action. Longer barrel at 30" 8 twist. Running RL26 powder which gives good speed.

If you're going 277 build I'd say get the twist for the Berger 170gr Hybrid so you can have decent ballistics. Lots more options though in 7mm, for a lower cost too. The Hornady 180's aren't expensive at all.
 
Newly finished 6.5 CM TL3 build. Beyond pleased with it!

Big Horn Arms TL3 LH DLC
Proof Research 26" Sendero
Triggertech Special - PVD Flat Shoe
Magpul Pro 700 Folding Chassis
Spuhr SP-4001 Optic Mount
Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56
Dead Air Muzzle Brake / Sandman L
Magpul Bipod

Nice rig bro! How are you liking that chassis? I’m undecided on what I’ll go with but have been looking at this as an option. Been finding some new for around $800.
 
Nice rig bro! How are you liking that chassis? I’m undecided on what I’ll go with but have been looking at this as an option. Been finding some new for around $800.
Thanks man. I'm liking the chassis quite a bit. As a lefty I appreciate everything being ambi and literally everything is adjustable so it is pretty comfortable once you get it set up.
 
Thanks man. I'm liking the chassis quite a bit. As a lefty I appreciate everything being ambi and literally everything is adjustable so it is pretty comfortable once you get it set up.

This chassis is looking more and more like a viable option to me. I like the LOP starting at 13.25 inches and that the buttstock pad cants 5 degrees left or right. I’ve read some threads about it and will keep researching but if I can find one at a decent price I may snag it.
 
Thanks man. I'm liking the chassis quite a bit. As a lefty I appreciate everything being ambi and literally everything is adjustable so it is pretty comfortable once you get it set up.

How well does the TL3 sit in it? Any clearance issues?
 
I have a question about the SR3. I figured this would be a good place to start. Will a SR3 work with a M5 bottom metal? I have a TL3 on order but was thinking about adding a SR3 for more of a hunting rig but wanted the stick to be interchangeable. It’s a manners with M5. Thanks
 
I have a question about the SR3. I figured this would be a good place to start. Will a SR3 work with a M5 bottom metal? I have a TL3 on order but was thinking about adding a SR3 for more of a hunting rig but wanted the stick to be interchangeable. It’s a manners with M5. Thanks

Yes it will work with the M5 bottom metal.
 
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How does that Proof carbon prefit shoot??? Im Thinking about about one in PRC but want a 20” and its not listed on site.
I actually just picked that up on the exchange and started load development. It's actually quite nice I will try to put up a pic of a 10 shot group from it. It put 10 under an inch at 200. It's not the fastest barrel I have in 6 cm but it's the most consistent by far and that's really the name of the game.. oddly enough it didn't like the 115s it likes the 108 eldm and 41.8gr of h4350. So far no mirage issues and it doesn't throw any flyers on long strings. I'm a fan lol
 
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Hey guys. I am waiting for my TL3 LA to arrive and while waiting I bought the TriggerTech Diamond to install. Can anyone guide me to a video showing exactly how to install the trigger into the TL3.
Thanks.