Revolutionary Products as Opposed to Evolutionary

[FatBoy]

We have seen a lot of new actions and barrel systems come out over the last 5 or so years. The way I see it at this point is, each year or two we have a new product that has evolved to the next level. The barrel nuts, the changeable bolt heads, chassis, etc. All better examples of old technology. So what is out now that is revolutionary?

I think the Tubb2000 was a good example of what I am talking about. It was the first rifle I know of the has the action as the central connection point instead of the stock. The RPR took that idea and sold thousands to the masses, albeit without the roller cocking piece and refinement, the foundation is essentially the same. A Sig example is the rotation bolt head in a bolt action rifle. Did this exist before Sig moved it from semi to bolt action? More recently, the Fix by Q seems to check off the revolutionary box. Not in the action design per say as Blazer, etc have had short throw rifles for years, but in the design of the "trigger". I can't think of another example tha has the real working bits inside the bolt. If this is executed properly, this could be a game changer.

So, what else if out there that is a dramatic departure from 120 year old technology?

 

[lennyo3034]

I think you listed the best examples. The only thing I can think of is the quick change barrel systems like the AI.

 

[Mr.Tacticool]

RPR most likely took much more inspiration from AR15 than the T2K like bolt guns ,AR 10/15 'furniture' continues to take ground in boltguns.,barrel nuts and changable boltheads are great from production stand point but in itself provide no gain in accuracy.

 

[diverdon]

I'll have to give Ted his Props and say my Mausingfield is both evolutionary in how he combines the Mauser extractor with the Springfield ejector, and revolutionary with the toridal lugs and inovative bolt knob.

 

[spife7980]

I say it's still just a glorified steel pipe and the revolution is in the production (high output maintaining precise machining) and optics (consumer thermal and scope mechanics precision)

 

[Delicatessen]

Yeah the metallurgy is quite fascinating as well. Quite large advances in relatively short term.

 

[steve123]

We have seen a lot of new actions and barrel systems come out over the last 5 or so years. The way I see it at this point is, each year or two we have a new product that has evolved to the next level. The barrel nuts, the changeable bolt heads, chassis, etc. All better examples of old technology. So what is out now that is revolutionary?

I think the Tubb2000 was a good example of what I am talking about. It was the first rifle I know of the has the action as the central connection point instead of the stock. The RPR took that idea and sold thousands to the masses, albeit without the roller cocking piece and refinement, the foundation is essentially the same. A Sig example is the rotation bolt head in a bolt action rifle. Did this exist before Sig moved it from semi to bolt action? More recently, the Fix by Q seems to check off the revolutionary box. Not in the action design per say as Blazer, etc have had short throw rifles for years, but in the design of the "trigger". I can't think of another example tha has the real working bits inside the bolt. If this is executed properly, this could be a game changer.

So, what else if out there that is a dramatic departure from 120 year old technology?

I got to thinking that the next step should be an assisted manual action. My old SAKO Finnwolf lever rifle has assisted opening via spring tension which speeds up the action cycle, it's pretty cool.

Another nifty action which I love is the Anschutz 1827 Fortner 22 rimfire biathlon action. It's somewhat assisted, start pulling back the lever with your pointing finger and when enough force is achieved it snaps back to the rear very fast, ejecting the case. Then to close the action you just push forward with your thumb on the rear of the bolt. If this action had assisted closing via spring tension, and was upsized for short cases like the 6mm BR or improved to keep the cycle distance short, it would become a highly desirable modern action! Also incorporate a fast lock time, and while you geniuses are at it make the action "a chassis itself" to hang AR furniture off of. Might as well make it a switch barrel too.

 

[_Raining]

Magneetospeed and then labradar? Magneeto allowed people an affordable, way way way more accurate, chronograph when compared to a non-Oehler light sensor one with the ease of not having to set it up in front of the firing line and the labradar is the same thing but doesn't touch the barrel. Going from optical sensors to induction and radar is pretty neato.

 

[Mr.Tacticool]

Yeah the metallurgy is quite fascinating as well. Quite large advances in relatively short term.

Unfortunately not applied to guns much by the manufacturers ,99% the custom actions use very basic steels that can be bought over the counter at your local 'hardware' store

 

[Delicatessen]

Unfortunately not applied to guns much by the manufacturers ,99% the custom actions use very basic steels that can be bought over the counter at your local 'hardware' store

True for some parts but mainly thinking about the advances in aluminum and wrapped sleeve barrels etc and the surface/treatment of those more common materials. Much of these did not come from firearms industries just filtered in from area such as aerospace

 

[atomic41]

The Fix appears to be one and I really want to believe it but I'm too cynical to throw down $$ on the preorder before it is a proven rifle. If it lives up to the hype, I'll buy one.

 

[MarinePMI]

RPR most likely took much more inspiration from AR15 than the T2K like bolt guns ,AR 10/15 'furniture' continues to take ground in boltguns.,barrel nuts and changable boltheads are great from production stand point but in itself provide no gain in accuracy.

Not to mention that Lee Enfields had the ability to change bolt heads (to ensure proper headspacing), so changeable bolt heads is not a new thing. In fact, quite old.

The Fortner action has also been around a long time, Anschutz just figured out how to make it (reasonably) profitable to make.

 

[PBWalsh]

Another nifty action which I love is the Anschutz 1827 Fortner 22 rimfire biathlon action. It's somewhat assisted, start pulling back the lever with your pointing finger and when enough force is achieved it snaps back to the rear very fast, ejecting the case. Then to close the action you just push forward with your thumb on the rear of the bolt. If this action had assisted closing via spring tension, and was upsized for short cases like the 6mm BR or improved to keep the cycle distance short, it would become a highly desirable modern action! Also incorporate a fast lock time, and while you geniuses are at it make the action "a chassis itself" to hang AR furniture off of. Might as well make it a switch barrel too.

Google the "Fix" from Q, its a 45* bolt action that has AR stuff like you speak of. Not proven, but I have hopes for it, would make a dandy backpack/vehicle rifle.

 

[Mr.Tacticool]

Not to mention that Lee Enfields had the ability to change bolt heads (to ensure proper headspacing), so changeable bolt heads is not a new thing. In fact, quite old.

The Fortner action has also been around a long time, Anschutz just figured out how to make it (reasonably) profitable to make.

Some multicalibre long actions could do with some tool quality steel in their construction - tubb rifle comes to mind (55° bearing surface?. cca 60sq/mm of bearing surface (30% less than for example Sako TRG 42). Bolthead in rack grade 4340 at 40HRC on a magnum action.) ,this things cost couple of dolars more on a rifle ....

The QC boltheads that are all the rage now ,i can understand Savage ( together with the barrel lock nut it simplifes the manufacturer work) but the concept itself is not a best choice for a precision rifle as its harder to get all things centric and have a good lug contact

Fortner action is still built in small batches at Fortner for Anschutz as it was since its inception.Similar ball locking system is used in centerfireHeym rifles. Anschutz nowdays is a ghost factory working well under capacity.