Finally getting ready to start my first custom rig. I'm thinking along the lines of a 6.5x284. I'm just trying to decide what action to start with. I've got, in the neighborhood of, $1000.00 to dedicate to the action. So, what do you guys think would be the best platform to start with, in that price range? This is going to be primarily a deer rifle, so no need for a target action. Thanks for your time.

Chuck

find a pre-64 or a classic Winchester action.

Thanks for the quick response. I have a classic short action .22-250, but figured it would be too short for this application. Would it be nearly as cost effective to start with a Predator or Nesika or other custom action?

Chuck

I'd use a Win model 70 classic instead of a pre-64 if I was going to use a winchester action.

I liked the Rem 700 for the 284 case, they just tended to feed better.

Since it's a 6.5x284, you're looking at a long range type round so I would look at an action made for precision type shooting.

If I was right handed I would start with a Stiller Predator long action.

I am not a gunsmith, but I will give my opinion anyway.

You say its going to be a deer rifle. Well, if I had a thousand bucks just to spend on the action for a deer rifle, and I was thinking of a wildcat caliber, I would probably switch to the 6.5 X 55 instead, and then I would look around for a good g.33/40 mauser action and have it slicked up by somebody like Tom Burgess or Stu Saterlee, or a host of other good metalsmiths who hang out around here. I would definitely have a new 3 pos. safety installed, as well as a new bolt handle welded on, a Blackburn trigger, and to save a few bucks I would go with a 1909 Argentine bottom metal instead of the more expensive Blackburn.

quote:

Originally posted by 22WRF:
I am not a gunsmith, but I will give my opinion anyway.

You say its going to be a deer rifle. Well, if I had a thousand bucks just to spend on the action for a deer rifle, and I was thinking of a wildcat caliber, I would probably switch to the 6.5 X 55 instead, and then I would look around for a good g.33/40 mauser action and have it slicked up by somebody like Tom Burgess or Stu Saterlee, or a host of other good metalsmiths who hang out around here. I would definitely have a new 3 pos. safety installed, as well as a new bolt handle welded on, a Blackburn trigger, and to save a few bucks I would go with a 1909 Argentine bottom metal instead of the more expensive Blackburn.

Do you really think you can have all that for a thousand bucks?

I agree with craigster - that'll cost more like $2000., just for the action & its improvements.

I think you need to tell us more about your vision for this rifle. Is it going to an all weather, hard hunting, carry it up a mountain rifle or a gentleman's fancy wood, deep glossy blued, heirloom type of rifle?

Montana rifle co.

quote:

Originally posted by craigster:

quote:

Originally posted by 22WRF:
I am not a gunsmith, but I will give my opinion anyway.

You say its going to be a deer rifle. Well, if I had a thousand bucks just to spend on the action for a deer rifle, and I was thinking of a wildcat caliber, I would probably switch to the 6.5 X 55 instead, and then I would look around for a good g.33/40 mauser action and have it slicked up by somebody like Tom Burgess or Stu Saterlee, or a host of other good metalsmiths who hang out around here. I would definitely have a new 3 pos. safety installed, as well as a new bolt handle welded on, a Blackburn trigger, and to save a few bucks I would go with a 1909 Argentine bottom metal instead of the more expensive Blackburn.

Do you really think you can have all that for a thousand bucks?

Yea, I will have to admit that now that I think about it, its probably going to be more than a thousand bucks for what I said. So instead, I would go with a real good VZ-24 action and the same other stuff. Might be a few bucks more than a grand.

Check this guy out.

http://www.msnusers.com/JWHamrickfiles/customrifles.msnw

If you use a mauser action be damn sure you get a smith that actually knows how to make the round feed. Many will say they can, but few actually can.

That's why in this instance I would use a Rem.

I'd use a short action winchester M70 or montana rifle co action. A short action M70 is plenty long for the 6.5x284 if you take the spacer out of the back of the magazine box. The montana rifle co short action comes with a 3.1" magazine box.

Thanks for all of the replies. I already have a VZ-24 and a short action m-70 classic short action I could work with, was hoping to save the m-70 for a future 358win project. In either case, I was wondering if I would be just as far ahead to buy a custom action, like a Stiller Predator. Would I be better off sinking several hundred dollars into a mauser or factory action or dropping $700 - $1000 on a custom? The cost isn't really the issue, I just want what everyone wants. The best combination of accuracy and reliability that I can get, within reason.

Thanks again for your suggestions.
Chuck

For that rig I would go with a Borden Alpine. They will time everything and get it feeding with a Wyatts box. Should be out the door for $1200 with trigger, box, recoil lug pinned and action. Have Greg Tannel or Mike Bryant hang a barrel on it. Both can cut the throat to your specs. Stick it in a McMillian stock. Save that Winchester for your 358 and put that one in some sexy wood. Save the VZ24 for something classic and real special.

quote:

Originally posted by accrash:
...I already have a VZ-24 and a short action m-70 classic short action ...I just want ..The best combination of accuracy and reliability that I can get, within reason. ...

If you ever intend to come shoot against me to see who buys the BBQ Supper, go with what you have.

If you DO NOT intend to shoot against me, then just make life simple for yourself and go with the easy to tune, BenchRest accurate Remington action. Your Billfold will appreciate it and you can go whup-up on all the M70 and "Mouser" folks.

Best of luck to you.

get a MRC action, and spend your money on the barrel..

if you can possibly find one, get a rem 788 in 308, and have it rechambered for 260 rem, with a fast twist barrel and a long throat...

Or buy a rem 7 in 260, and go shoot!

You can get a Stiller Predator receiver, custom bottom metal, and a Shilen trigger for your $1000.
Butch

quote:

Originally posted by butchlambert:
You can get a Stiller Predator receiver, custom bottom metal, and a Shilen trigger for your $1000.
Butch

He's looking for a DEER Rifle.

22wrf, so what is your point? He wanted to spend up to $1000 for a good receiver. I suggested a custom receiver with bottom metal and custom trigger for his money. Am I missing something here?
Butch

I don't understand why a person who is looking for a hunting weapon would put that much money into a " Custom " rifle !?.

Some of those wild cat cartridges offer very little extra in performance IMO any way .

Purchase a decent off the self model and have a custom stock made for it . Todays manufactures are building much better off the rack weapons than ever before again IMO.

I could see the point better if it were a Big Bore or a BR weapon . Oh well each to their own.

Shoot Straight Know Your Target . ...

Dr.K, it's simple, I have a slew of factory rifles that are all fine in there own rite, but I have decided that I want a rifle made with the best quality parts I can afford. I don't need it, I don't need over 90% of the firearms I currently own. I was simply asking for action recommendations, not whether or not it makes sense to anyone but me. I understand your point, though.

Don't mean to sound defensive, just trying to explain.

Everyone else, thanks again for your advice. It's greatly appreciated.

Chuck

I don't agree with using benchrest actions for hunting rifles. The same tight tolerances that make them superb benchrest rifles work against them as hunting rifles.

An accurized Rem 700 action will give you all the field accuracy you'll ever need and feed that pesky .284 round like it was greased. Just my 3 centavos.

Bordens and Stiller's Predator are CNC machined receivers with the Predator at least having EDM raceways. It is a benchrest quality receiver without the tighter bolt body clearance. The Predator is a hunting receiver.An accurized Remmy will cost almost as much if it is done right and will have a used Remmy receiver resell. The custom receiver will have a lot more resale value. Nothing wrong with a accurized Remmy as I have 4 of them. This was before the advent of the Predator.
Butch

quote:

Originally posted by butchlambert:
22wrf, so what is your point? He wanted to spend up to $1000 for a good receiver. I suggested a custom receiver with bottom metal and custom trigger for his money. Am I missing something here?
Butch

my point is that you want a good controlled feed action for a hunting rifle such as a mauser or winchester or springfield or kimber,or montana, or a host of other custom actions. You may disagree with that point, but that was my point.

Im wit Butch all the way on this one those two actions are pretty much top notch custom quality repeating HUNTING actions that you can get. Also Lawton actions as well.

I believe these match what the original poster wanted to get. An accurized remington can as we all kow be just as accurate BUT as butch mentioned the resale value suffers whereas you dont lose that with the custom. And because these are remington clones all of the great aftermarket parts can be used with them as well.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

May i also suggest that for that price ($1,000)you can pick up the new savage 12 F/TR in 6.5x284 and be ready to shoot. One hang up is that its a single-shot action. And reports claim that they are VERY ACCURATE!!! Just thought i'd throw that out there.

accrash
new member : I fully understand your wanting a custom rifle . As I'm in the process of having one done now .

Another poster drove my point home, why BR action and barrel for a Hunting weapon ?.

I can understand excellent components in Match shooting in an instant , just not in a hunting rifle .

Off hand in real hunting situations , I'll be the first to admit I'm lucky if I hold MOA let alone SMOA .

I practice shooting religiously year round in all positions as well as from the bench .

Hunting or defensive I want reliable weapons that function under adverse conditions .My life may depend on it !!.

The couple of BR units I own don't even want to open if theres to much dust on them . A slight exaggeration but you see my point .

Good luck with what ever you decide to go with .

I'm never offended by others comments , as I can come across as arrogant and condescending although I don't mean to .

Shoot Straight Know Your target . ...

Dr.K and 22WRF,
You are not listening to what Accrash is saying. He has hunting rifles, he wants a custom. Dr. K, I believe that you said you had a custom rifle, why can't he? Why do all rifles need controlled feed? I think he understands that a stock Savage 30-06 will kill most things. I think we need to give him the answers he is hunting for and not what you think he should be doing.
Also, do you consider all custom receivers BR receivers?
I'm going to bow out of this as I have probably stirred enough dookie already.
Butch

Taken from Stiller's website:
"The Predator line of actions are designed for hunting type of use."

This is specifically the action I was considering. The dealer price, from the website, is $695. I was just wondering if I could modify a Rem. 700 action for the same cost or less, and end up with a n action, as good as, or worse than the predator. So, what do you guys think my "all - in" cost of a Rem. 700 action would be? Would it be better, worse, or equal to something like the predator?

Thanks again,
Chuck

Chuck,

You could modify a Rem. 700 for same,more or less than getting a Predator. Depends if you have one already youre willing to piece out etc. They also can be very accurate BUT ive seen some that werent worth the cost spent. Again "all-in" cost depends on wether you gotta buy components or you already have them. I think you answered your own question buddy it COULD be either one of those BETTER,SAME or WORSE. So I would personally jsut buy a stiller predator nad not have to worry about what you'll end up with

Not to mention the resale value if it should ever happen

Aloha,
Dom!

In this case I believe that you actually get what you pay for - a custom action that is indeed superior to a Remington in material and fabrication . http://www.bordenrifles.com/actions.shtml

Glenn

I have a 6mm/284 on an FN Browning mauser action. It works well with that case, and is extremely accurate. Douglas Premium grade barrel.

Chuck,

Forgot about the borden spoken of earlier but since stonewall brought it up again.

I believe that that action is superior in every way over a stock Rem. and would go that route.

Best of luck in whatever you choose.

Thanks guys. I have also looked at Borden actions, just not sure if the price difference between the Borden and the Predator is justifiable. The Borden starts out at $1550 and the predator starts at $695 (wholesale). I don't have any personal experience with either action, does anyone else here? Does anyone know if the Borden is worth twice the price of the Predator? I've pretty much resigned myself to a custom action (thanks, Butch!). Now it's just a matter of which action to choose.

Thanks,
Chuck

I told him good luck what more would you like me to tell him ?.

Anyone may purchase what ever they desire and can afford . What I may say to someone has little if any bearing on what they're going to do . So my opinion is irrelevant to anyones decision making .

Shoot Straight Know Your Target . ...

I agree with Butch,if you want a true custom hunting rifle go with the Stiller, Borden, or a Nesika. You will never regret the investment. Remember one very important issue is that this is YOUR rifle. Do you need the potential gain in accuracy to kill a deer? Not likely, but that for that matter when it comes down to hunting any off the shelf factory rifle will do the job. To each his own- I have no use for a factory rifle, but before I built rifles I used them with great success.

quote:

Originally posted by Stonewall:



In this case I believe that you actually get what you pay for - a custom action that is indeed superior to a Remington in material and fabrication . http://www.bordenrifles.com/actions.shtml

Glenn

Yeah, but they're ugly as hell. If you want an ugly good shooter buy a Savage.