Badger M2013 and AI

[Cold_Bore_88]

So....I recently got behind a Badger M2013 in a KMW Sentinel chassis. I must say, I was impressed. The action was pretty smooth (despite the online hate) and bolt lift wasn’t bad at all. It was about on par with an AI.

Why did these actions never really catch on? The design is great and seem to be as close to an AI as you can get. The upside is you can get a variety of stocks and chassis for them too.

I would love an AXMC but can’t get over that stock. I don’t mean to hate on them (AI makes a great product) but the chassis leaves a little bit to be desired. Call me picky but the pistol grip seam and hard plastics don’t scream quality to me (even though I know they are). Price doesn’t scare me. Learned to not go cheap long ago.

Would like to build a 7mm Mag for my next rifle and I am trying to think out of the box.

What’s the verdict on Badger actions?

 

[strike33]

ive had two, an M2008 in 308 and M2013 in 300WM, both built by SAC. Actually built the 300 because Terry had a Sentinel available. Had to sell the 300 due to legal fees from another build. still have the M2008, I did upgrade it with the new shroud and it is incredibly smooth and i find the bolt lift light.
I think the M2013 is great for the Magnums, they are heavy and I think that turns a lot of people off.

 

[mjh30]

Not sure why they didnt catch on, a friend had a m2008 for many years and he couldnt believe the difference in the bolt lift on my m2013, so that was a fault on the m2008. People say they are heavy, well if you compare a Defiance tactical its only about 4 ounces heavier. I like mine, its smooth, runs very slick and locks up tight, I'm a fan of the designs ergonomics , the 60 degree throw coupled with the swept bolt handle.

 

[jetmd]

They are a great action.

My friends 12 year old runs my 300WM and never once has complained about heavy bolt lift.
But maybe he is a lot stronger than the online Badger M2013 haters?

I would not hesitate to recommend building on this action.

Having shot several M2008/2013's they all have run flawless.

My Badger sits in a KRG.

 

[Nortex]

I heard @morganlamprecht claim badger actions and ai's are the same...........

 

[morganlamprecht]

I heard @morganlamprecht claim badger actions and ai's are the same...........

lol buy one and try to give it to me...

 

[jzwolen]

I could be wrong, but I think the main knock was the custom footprint. For a full custom build, I'm sure its an amazing action, but some people just want to buy an action/barrel and screw it into their stock/chassis of choice. This was the reason why I steered clear of it when first getting into PRS.

The GAP Tempest was supposed to be the next obvious evolution, but that had it's own issues.

 

[mjh30]

jzwolen, it may be a custom footprint, but you can get a Mcmillan, Manners, Krg, mpa just to name a few stocks or chassis's for it. I had a regular krg w3 rem 700 backbone milled out for one of mine. As for the GAP Tempest, the trigger hanger issue was the main problem a friend had with his

 

[J-Fonz]

The only reason I sold mine was to get an AI. It was a hammer.

 

[300ATT]

I built a .308 on a M2008 ... my attempt at getting an AI in a mcmillan A-5 stock. It hammers, it feeds, it just works.

Some say that they are bulky/heavy. This is true compared to a m700 but they are not bulkier/heavier than an AI action. I cannot tell the difference in bolt lift between the M2008 and the AI. Might be best to use this action for a magnum due to their size and weight as someone suggested. My experience is that they are as good accuracy wise as BigHorn, Mausingfield, Borden, AI ... I have owned them all. In terms of feeding in dirty field conditions I would rank them: AI, Mausingfield/M2008 (tied), BigHorn then Borden ...

 

[Ledzep]

Not sure the circumstances on either action exactly, but I have handled plenty of M2008's and M2013's for customer builds and at PRS matches, etc...

The first AI rifle I handled I was expecting a similar bolt lift and was floored at how much better it was than the Badger actions I'd handled. YMMV.

 

[300ATT]

Now I have to pull them out and do a side by side comparison test ...

 

[Dthomas3523]

If I’m going to buy something that doesn’t have a 700 footprint, it’s an AI.

Any custom action that is not 700 pattern has never taken off and likely never will. It’s too much of a chore to find accessories and such. Especially when you have so many custom action options out there.