I've done a few customs, and figure I have one more left in me at my advanced age. Though I have several rifles, I have none that I truly like for smoothness of the action (bolt). I'm a lefty, and would like to build another deer/pronghorn rifle, probably 257 or 6.5, not too heavy or too long. I would like very much to receive suggestions on choice of action. The rifle will be for Montana, I'm a lefty, and like nice walnut a blued steel. I've no objection to single shots except that I've had difficulties with No. 1'S and don't want to spedn the bucks for a Dakota or Hagn.

We Winchester/FN M70. Consider 7x57. Or, take a really deep breath and go Granite Mountain.

The nicest, smoothest, action, IMHO, that was ever imported here were the Sako actions. FInd one in LH and go for it.

Here is a LH G series Model 70 that Mark Penrod worked over the action on. I have handled a bunch of rifles and this one locks up like a bank vault and is as smooth as any I've cycled. I don't know what they do to them, but D'Arcy Echols, Gene Simillion, and Mark Penrod can make these actions feel completely different from what you see from the factory. Even a couple of pre 64 guys have commented on this receiver after cycling it.

I am a lefty as well.

The smoothest action I have is McMillan G30 action. I was amazed when I received couple of rifles they had built for me.

BTW, they will sell you just the action as well.

Here is a 300 win that I did on a LH Sako

Nice!

Thanks to all for comments. Of all my rifles the smoothest are LH M70 Classics and a LH Sako Finnbear. Perhaps I'll have a chat with some of the gunsmiths recommended.

I I might take a loot Dan Dowling. Hunting guns built to bench rest specs.

I have a 257 AI he did with a Schneider barrel in a McMillan smear camo stock ant it shoot like it has eyes.

Sounds like just he ticket for what you want to hunt.

If you want smooth, the Tikka is hard to beat. There are plenty of calibers to choose from. I do like the left hand Win Model 70s and the Montana 1999 both after work polishing them up.