Best bang for buck custom action?

Lofty

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 14, 2008
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Lenexa KS
So with the two threads on the front page regarding 700 blueprinted VS custom action, I have decided on a custom action for my new project.

I tend to flip guns when I get bored of them so higher resale value is the only real decision for this. I have nicely trued 700's that shoot lights out and are every bit as accurate as any custom action gun Ive owned. It just seems that at resale youve thrown away the labor on a 700......you just cant recover the labor costs on blueprinting the action and it seems a custom action sells quicker anyways.


So now Im left deciding on what action.

I dont like spending money twice by buying cheap but I also dont like throwing money away. Ive had Surgeon and I like their product but I have a specific scope base I am going to be using so their monolithic rail wont work for me.

So whats the best value on a custom action now? Also an action that is in stock is gonna be a big difference as well......Im really eager to get this build started and dont want to wait months to get it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

Defiance would be my choice. Depending on whose building, you may want to go with one of the branded actions from GAP or Black OPs - I suspect either is better for re-sale and you're getting a very well thought out and slightly customized version of the standard Defiance actions - not to mention both George and crew and Mike build amazing rifles.
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

Bob Howard from Predator Custom Shop would be doing the work.

I looked at Defiance, Ive also looked at Stiller. Im guessing that as you climb the ladder the differences get smaller and smaller between good actions.
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

You are right there. I tend to shy away from buying a remington that has had any work done to it. Who knows who did the work and wether or not it's a hack job. And, why pay more for a remingtont than I would for a new one??

But, if you were to buy a surgeon or something, I would pay you alot more for your "stock" sureon than I would for your worked on remington ..... with out question.

Which one is better ??? 6 of one half dozen of the other. Can't say for sure.
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

<span style="font-size: 14pt">Take a look at the Rangemaster Precision Arms Quadlite and Quadlock actions</span>

Quadlock shown - available in single shot and repeater as well as Quadlite single shot and repeater actions
actions_and_triggers.jpg


Drake Associates Rangemaster Actions Page
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

The Defiance and Stiller actions seem to be pretty decent with good resale and great name recognition. Lots of people here are using them. I chose the Badger Ordnance M2008 for my last build because I wanted a short bolt throw, a super stiff and robust action, and weight wasn't an issue, oviously. Resale should be very good.
Mr. Drake there are no specs or pricing on these actions that I could see. How is anyone going to make a valid comparison with just pictures? How are these actions the best bang for the buck? I can see offering helpful suggestions to people inquiring but blatant marketing is kind of abrasive. However, the products you offer do look to be quite high quality and I'd like to try some eventually. With all due respect
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

If I didn’t buy from Defiance I'd buy a Surgeon 591, 1086 or XL depending on the build.

With the scope rail dictating your purchase that may narrow your choices considerably. What rail is it and what receiver type does it fit?
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Drake Associates</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-size: 14pt">Take a look at the Rangemaster Precision Arms Quadlite and Quadlock actions</span>

Quadlock shown - available in single shot and repeater as well as Quadlite single shot and repeater actions
actions_and_triggers.jpg


Drake Associates Rangemaster Actions Page </div></div>

One of the Guys I shoot with built a rifle with one of these for his F-class open rig shooting 6.5 x 284 damn nice action.
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

Bighorn, it's around $1050 with 20 MOA rail and I have heard they are awesome.

I actually thought about selling my Surgeon build and trying to build a Bighorn/CDI DBM/Manners MCST build. From my price checks you could have a completely custom action gun for around $3200-$3300
smile.gif
. That's kick ass considering I spent about $1200 more then that on my Surgeon.

Don't get me wrong I love my gun it's so awesome but I feel I don't shoot it enough to justify it's price, so just running options through my head lately.
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TeamSendIt!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">it hasn't been mentioned before but i have used the pierce action and it is fantastic. They normally can get you one built very quickly. </div></div>
Sendit- those Pierce actions are super nice. How are they price wise?
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

Pierce actions are very reasonable. John and I are and some of a few others on here are all really good friends. They are super smooth and not to tight. I have been using them for the last 3 years and thru shooting comps with them John has taylored them to be pretty much flawless. He offers cone bolts, chrome moly construction, diffrent firing pins and springs, machined in pic rail or seperate pic rail and even multi-flat and now titanium actions. Plus he stands behind his product and rifles 100%. John just did my new rifle for 2012 a heavy rear tang long action 750 bolt. Once the cerakote had worn off a little the thing is ultra smooth and the bolt can be run really fast. Not trying to be the poster boy but they are one to be considered.

Rich
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SSG3K</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pierce actions are very reasonable. John and I are and some of a few others on here are all really good friends. They are super smooth and not to tight. I have been using them for the last 3 years and thru shooting comps with them John has taylored them to be pretty much flawless. He offers cone bolts, chrome moly construction, diffrent firing pins and springs, machined in pic rail or seperate pic rail and even multi-flat and now titanium actions. Plus he stands behind his product and rifles 100%. John just did my new rifle for 2012 a heavy rear tang long action 750 bolt. Once the cerakote had worn off a little the thing is ultra smooth and the bolt can be run really fast. Not trying to be the poster boy but they are one to be considered.

Rich </div></div>
Good stuff, no harm in promoting quality gear. Does he offer all options to anyone?
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

Call him and ask but whatever you want its most likely already configured. He is going to start cutting his actions for aw mags also.
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnshortdraw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Defiance and Stiller actions seem to be pretty decent with good resale and great name recognition. Lots of people here are using them. I chose the Badger Ordnance M2008 for my last build because I wanted a short bolt throw, a super stiff and robust action, and weight wasn't an issue, oviously. Resale should be very good.
Mr. Drake there are no specs or pricing on these actions that I could see. How is anyone going to make a valid comparison with just pictures? How are these actions the best bang for the buck? I can see offering helpful suggestions to people inquiring but blatant marketing is kind of abrasive. However, the products you offer do look to be quite high quality and I'd like to try some eventually. With all due respect </div></div>

Im looking at the Badger as well......looks like a tank. Looks like Im gonna need to reconsider my scope rail choice if I go that direction.

Im gonna be using an AICS AX.....does it need to be inletted for the Badger 2008?
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SSG3K</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pierce actions are very reasonable. <snip> Once the cerakote had worn off a little the thing is ultra smooth and the bolt can be run really fast.

Rich </div></div>

I've got experience with Pierce too. Pierce's affordable and had quick turn-around on delivery. Bolt runs on astroglide, lift's easy and has lots of cam for low-body taper cartridge extraction. The PTG bolt runs very smoothly in wire-EDMed raceways. Don't know much about resale though. I don't re-sell guns, just re-build.

My home-built Pierce:
5d2get.jpg
 
Re: Best bang for buck custom action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SSG3K</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Badger is a no go with AX chassis. But a Pierce is GTG!

85f8f.jpg


Rich </div></div>

Its funny you say that......I just got off the phone with Badger. They told me the same thing....damn.

I know its not a reason to select one action or the other but cosmetically the blocky shape of the Badger fit well with the AX chassis.

I'll take a look at the Pierce...thanks.