R700 Action or Premium Clone?

[Erik_J]

Looking to get into an action that feeds/extracts well under most field conditions, positional shooting, etc. I have Savages that are plenty accurate, but I have found they are not reliable with feeding.

My question: Is a trued std R700 action (~$500) close enough to a higher end action (Defiance, Stiller, Bighorn,etc. ~$1,100) in the feeding/extracting/bolt cycling dept to justify buying the R700 and saving $$$ over the other actions. Or is the only way to get solid, reliable feeding/extracting/bolt cycling is the pay the additional ~$600 for the other actions?

Secondary question: are R700 actions notably better that Savage actions in feeding/extracting/bolt cycling to justify switching even at the cheaper price point?

[LynnJr]

The true custom actions main advantage is the closer tolerances followed by there unique to your form of shootings features.
The Remington 700 can have a bolt fitted with a tolerance fit so the features are what you gain by going with a full blown custom.
The Stiller Predator and Tac line offer a 700 footprint with better than factory tolerances at an affordable price point.
If your after the tight tolerances they offer that in there other models.
Features would be trigger hangers solid bottom actions custom loading and extraction ports and diameters not common with factory actions.

[Varg Vikernes]

The customs have some nice upgrades like built in scope rails, and built in bolt stops. Up to you really.

[ar15barrels]

Looking to get into an action that feeds/extracts well under most field conditions, positional shooting, etc. I have Savages that are plenty accurate, but I have found they are not reliable with feeding.

My question: Is a trued std R700 action (~$500) close enough to a higher end action (Defiance, Stiller, Bighorn,etc. ~$1,100) in the feeding/extracting/bolt cycling dept to justify buying the R700 and saving $$$ over the other actions. Or is the only way to get solid, reliable feeding/extracting/bolt cycling is the pay the additional ~$600 for the other actions?

Secondary question: are R700 actions notably better that Savage actions in feeding/extracting/bolt cycling to justify switching even at the cheaper price point?

In hard use or rough conditions, the 700 extracts more reliably than the savage.
Some people really like the mini16 type extractors used on many of the custom actions.
I prefer the stock Remington extractor as it retains the "3 rings of steel" that is the big safety/strength advantage that the 700 has over most other bolt rifle designs.
Going to AICS center-feed magazine will get you more reliable feeding in almost any action.

The main advantage of the custom actions is the features that you can't get on a factory 700; integral scope base, integral recoil lug and a side bolt stop.
The integral scope base makes the receiver MUCH stiffer which is an advantage if you want to hang a really heavy barrel on the receiver.

[longrange1]

go custom you will be happier in the end...i shot savages for 8yrs or so and got tired of all the feed,extract and eject issues...i went with a surgeon...im on my 6th barrel with this action and have had 1 failure to eject...bad extractor..bad because i tried to put it in wrong..realized it..then put it in anyway instead of grabbing a new extractor.

[dpr]

You'll never regret a custom action. The Kelbly Atlas is really nice for the money. Borden if you want the best.

[RandyD]

I bought a Stiller Predator, and built a rifle using the exact parts that I wanted in the rifle. Its my favorite rifle. I also believe a Stiller action will hold a higher FMV than an accurized Remington 700 action.

[LynnJr]

Here are a couple pictures showing a standard Remington 700 long action versus a BAT for stiffness comparison.
The customs also offer larger tenon thread diameters so you get more metal over the chamber and easier extraction on warm loads.

[Erik_J]

Thanks to all that responded. Just the info I needed. I need to sell off a few firearms to fund a build, but I'll see whats available in the custom arena (in left bolt) when I have the cash.

Thanks again.

[Trakker]

I'd go stiller and get a Criterion Barrel on it and shoot that first.
The Remington bolt kind of sucks if you have big optics on it. You will keep bashing your thumb on the scope. So when you factor it a PTG bolt - you might as well go Stiller.

[Kingair001]

My question: Is a trued std R700 action (~$500) close enough to a higher end action (Defiance, Stiller, Bighorn,etc. ~$1,100) in the feeding/extracting/bolt cycling dept to justify buying the R700 and saving $$$ over the other actions.

Think they are closer to $ 1,350.00 . . . .

And take into account if you decide to go the custom route . . . that you're rifle will be ready next year . . . March ?

All depending on the barrel, stock, etc . . .

BTW : I know a really good gunsmith if you need one ;-)

[ar15barrels]

The Remington bolt kind of sucks if you have big optics on it. You will keep bashing your thumb on the scope.

Extended bolt knobs fix that.

[Trakker]

Randall. Would you remove the old one and silver solder a new one on?


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[ar15barrels]

Randall. Would you remove the old one and silver solder a new one on?

No.
I cut off the original bolt knob, then tig weld a stud to the handle and thread an extended knob on to the stud.
No need to change the handle.

[Mute]

I would only go the R700 route if I already had a 700 rifle to start cannibalizing or I'm trying to save every cent possible. Otherwise I'd go with one of the custom actions.