Custom action build

S

Stellawood

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Minuteman
Aug 20, 2017
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#1
I’m planning on starting my first custom rifle build. I’ve seen a lot about kelby actions, bighorn, defiance, and impact. Does it get to a certain point where I would be paying for the name and features that I don’t really need. I’m planning on building this to start doing competitions. Is there any worry of buying a used action or even a barrel action? I don’t mind spending more money for something better, but I would also like to save money where I can put that money towards training. Any advice would be appreciated! Sorry if this is a thread that is constantly posted.
With all the new prebuilt rifles like the snipershide/MPA/PVA for around $2000 is that the way to go?
 
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#2
As someone who put aside precision rifles for 10+ years all I can say is there are many new and better options....I decided to get back into precision rifle shooting just recently and was in a similar place. I guess it starts with what you are willing to budget...personally I would rather not make sacrifices on the front end but you have to start somewhere....after enough research decided on an Impact Action, Bartlein 5r 26" marksman contour 6.5 creedmoor, 419 Hellfire break, manners PRS2 mini-chassis, Trigger Tech Diamond..... ZCO 4-20 with Spuhr mounts it weight 14.2 lbs....thinking about building a 308 with a 24" barrel along the same lines....but who knows given all the options....I wish I lived in an area where I could have been exposed to all the different options as far as PRS and availability goes but I live in a desert....I put a lot of faith in some of the folks here and so far it has worked out just fine....
 
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#3
I appreciate the input. I’m trying to stay around the $2000-$2500 budget before rings and optic, although the less I can spend the better. The furthest I’ve gone into the build was planning on using a krg bravo chassis or waiting until I find a smoking deal on a mpa if and when they come up. My thought on it is that it’ll be much easier to change the chassis than switch to a different barrel / action. Am I wrong to be going st it this way?
 
#4
Stellawood said:
I appreciate the input. I’m trying to stay around the $2000-$2500 budget before rings and optic, although the less I can spend the better. The furthest I’ve gone into the build was planning on using a krg bravo chassis or waiting until I find a smoking deal on a mpa if and when they come up. My thought on it is that it’ll be much easier to change the chassis than switch to a different barrel / action. Am I wrong to be going st it this way?
Click to expand...
I think you are on target....if it was my choice, I would put money towards the barreled action and trigger set-up first then work around the stock / chassis, etc...
 
#5
I am in the same boat as you. It's really tough for someone new to the game to figure out the point of diminishing returns. The bighorn action with changeable bolt heads is cool. But then how does it affect budget? The MPA has a custom action and all but seems the have been some customer service problems with them. The APO rifle has alot of adjustability but at the same time it's still just a R700 barreled action (yes I know it's been looked over to make sure it's in spec). Just don't know if it's enough to push it over a custom curtis action rifle (or if it's even a big enough deal to notice). Sorry for the word vomit just some of the thoughts that have been rolling around in my head the past few days.
 
#7
If I was building a rifle for $2000-$2500, I'd build it on a Tikka action. Buy a Tikka T3 Lite with your required boltface on sale for $500 and scrap the barrel and stock. That leaves you plenty of cash for a top tier barrel and stock. Or have a top tier barrel made for ~$600 and throw it in a KRG Bravo for $350 and be in the whole rifle $1450. Tikka actions are smooth and square.
 
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#9
Exactly did what Launchbox27 said. Mine ended up close to $2500 but I have MPA Hybrid and Krieger 6.5 Creed barrel. You can get a cheaper chassis and one of John's barrels, cost would go down significantly(around $500). Between a factory rifle and custom Origin, I would take Origin build any day( I also own Ruger RPR and custom Savage).
 
#11
Stellawood said:
How do people like the Origin compared to the nucleus or defiance tenacity?
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Can’t say anything about the Defiance or Origin but I love my nucleus.

When I was in your predicament I narrowed it down to the Origin and Nucleus and finally picked the nucleus because I’ve always wanted a ARC action.

I’m positive I’d have been perfectly happy with the Origin.


Tenacity was out because I Didn’t want a bright action but I did want savage threads and 30 MOA rail.
 
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#14
I’ve got a Bighorn TL3, and unless something changes with ZAI/Bighorn, I’m a customer for life. I can’t imagine the Origin being a letdown, I’ve been thrilled with my TL3. I went with it over other actions because I like controlled round feeding, mechanical ejection, and floating bolt heads I can swap. The recoil lug is integral in the TL3 rather than pinned on the Origin, and I liked that so I can just swap shouldered barrels without having to worry about anything. The machining on them is also superlative, and mine has been great.

The Defiance actions I’ve felt have been very slick and well made, but also tight tolerances. I was impressed with the machining and wouldn’t have an issue with using one at all.

I have no experience with Impact’s, but would like to try one out.

I have no experience with the lower priced chassis’, so I will not render an opinion on them. Mine is in an AI AX AICS, because I’ve wanted an AI since I was a kid and this was the only way I’d ever afford one. Also because my wife got it for me for a late birthday present, which was awesome lol. I’ve experienced no feeding issues whatsoever, and the adjustability and right folding feature have been awesome.

I would absolutely recommend getting a good barrel from a quality barrel maker.

You really don’t need a brake on smaller stuff, but I use one on everything for medical reasons, and it’s awesome when you can watch impacts at 300 from a really shitty position. Loaded up and in a good solid prone, you can just about watch the bullet holes appear at 100 with a good brake.

Matt Stewart in Oklahoma does great work and turns stuff around fast, I got my barrel work done, including cerakote matching the receiver that Mile High cerakoted, in somewhere around 2 weeks.
 
#16
So after deciding on my barrel and action. What is everyone’s go to trigger. I see a lot of people using the trigger tech special/diamond. I have a Timney 510 on my Remington, but i can only compare it to the stock trigger. Any reason why I should go 2 stage over a single stage? Is the diamond worth the extra money to get below the 1lb weight?
 
#18
Two stage vs single I think is a personal preference. If you haven’t shot with a two stage buy a single first. Is the Diamond worth the extra cost over a Special if the end goal is 1lb or higher? Feel wise for me is really hard to tell as they are both outstanding. If you want a smooth face on a curved trigger that option will only be available with the Diamond. You can’t go wrong buying a Triggertech. I haven’t tried every trigger but don’t see the need. They have great sales around the holidays. I can’t speak for everyone but those I know with Triggertechs spend more time shooting and less time fiddling with the trigger.
 
#20
Stellawood said:
So after deciding on my barrel and action. What is everyone’s go to trigger. I see a lot of people using the trigger tech special/diamond. I have a Timney 510 on my Remington, but i can only compare it to the stock trigger. Any reason why I should go 2 stage over a single stage? Is the diamond worth the extra money to get below the 1lb weight?
Click to expand...

I went from a single stage TT to a 2-stage BnA trigger. Making the swap was the single best gear related decision I've made in this sport. Much more trigger control with a 2-stage trigger over a single stage trigger.

The BnA is a great trigger. It's got a lot of adjustability, up to and including the interface between the action and the trigger (sear engagement/height). Between the sear engagement adjustment and replaceable sears of different heights, you can really get that trigger perfectly mated to the action - makes a big difference in how good an action "feels". Of course, the other adjustments allow you to perfectly mate the trigger to you - the biggest interface between the shooter and the rifle.

Big fan of the BnA tacsport 2-stage trigger. TT's are nice, but from my experience, the BnA's are superior in their features.
 
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#21
Is adjusting the timing of the trigger something a beginner can do, or would you leave that to a gunsmith? I swapped the trigger on my Remington myself, but never knew about timing them until recently.
 
#22
I personally like two stage triggers
I can touch the trigger and ensure my finger is perfect before boom time.
I run a Huber and have lots of experience with a CG Xtreme.

That said the crispness of the TT diamond I tried was not overstated.
It’s all that.


The Bix n Andy and hopefully soon to be released TT two stage are ones I’m looking forward to trying.
 
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#23
Steel head said:
I personally like two stage triggers
I can touch the trigger and ensure my finger is perfect before boom time.
I run a Huber and have lots of experience with a CG Xtreme.

That said the crispness of the TT diamond I tried was not overstated.
It’s all that.


The Bix n Andy and hopefully soon to be released TT two stage are ones I’m looking forward to trying.
Click to expand...
Waiting on that TT like Christmas...
 
#26
I built my first custom a few years ago. 28” HV Bartlein. Stiller Tac 30 action. Jewell HVR , AICS 1.5. Was 2700$. It’s the tan AICS.
 

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#27
I went with the Bighorn Origin. Bartlein m24 chambered in .260 using the Bugnut by SPR. Called Bullet Central, told them what action I was using, and they sent a BnA trigger with the propper sear installed. Worked out well.
 
#30
Stellawood said:
So after deciding on my barrel and action. What is everyone’s go to trigger. I see a lot of people using the trigger tech special/diamond. I have a Timney 510 on my Remington, but i can only compare it to the stock trigger. Any reason why I should go 2 stage over a single stage? Is the diamond worth the extra money to get below the 1lb weight?
Click to expand...
I really like my triggertech. Got the special with the flat shoe. Breaks right at one pound. To me personally, it wasn't worth the extra money to go under a pound. Defiantly a customer for life.
 
#31
Joeydias3 said:
I really like my triggertech. Got the special with the flat shoe. Breaks right at one pound. To me personally, it wasn't worth the extra money to go under a pound. Defiantly a customer for life.
Click to expand...
My dad has a special and I’ve got a Diamond. At the same weight my insensitive finger cannot distinguish a difference.
 
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