As some of you know i had a couple of custom rifles stolen from me a couple of weeks ago. Well it looks like insurance is going to pay pretty well for them so now its time to start a couple of build.

First is going to be replacing my .300 win mag. I am thinking about ponying up and buying a defiance deviant action but was wondering what the consensus was from people who have owned the upper end custom actions. Worth it not compared to a trued up rem 700?

Looks like it seems to actually be more cost effective as all the true ing up and custome features are already there, saving on machine time for the builder. Just from all the looking around I've done. I don't have any nor have I ever. Just my .02

Ive had stillers, surgeons and trued rem 700s. Couldnt tell a difference accuracy wise. Certain features out weigh other actions. I like side bolt releases and the ability to run double stack AW mags. The stiller spectre had a very smooth/slick bolt throw. Integral scope rails are a plus as is intergal recoil lugs. The integral lug makes for a nice switch bbl setup. Im now shooting a DTA rifle in 6.5creed and 300wm. I am kinda partial to a 3 lug bolt as I like how tight they lock up. Dont overlook badger m2008 or 2013 actions as well.

Have a bud that has owned Stiller, Surgeon and now Defiant. He tells me he likes the Defiant the best of all he has tried and he shoots quite a bit.

I like my 60 degree bolt throw, good trigger, $500 Tikka action and have no desire for a $1000+ custom. Really like the hinged extractor and side bolt release of the Tikka.

Dont true Rem 700 you'll never get your money back out of it if you ever had to.

What is a Timney action? You mean tikka?

Had Stiller/Borden, and trued 700, all were accurate, even a Ruger #1 shot in the 1s and 2s.

Next custom buy will be of these: Defiance or Pierce.

Here is a start for a guide...

http://www.accurateshooter.com/gear-reviews/custom-actions/

That said if building a Sporter, ask yourself if a Tikka T3 would satisfy, many shoot well under MOA.

Yes! Dangit

My custom rifle built with a trued 700 puts them in the same hole at 100 yds and 5 shots under a dime at 300yds. Those custom actions are definitely nice, and I hope to have one in the future, but the trued 700 action is doing great for me.

This is the way I see it. For the money, the Tikka offers more of what I really want without having to build. If you want to build on your T3, it's basically a re-barrel and new stock. Everything else is pretty much there already.

YMMV.

I own a stiller, remingtons, and savages. By far my favorite action is the TC ICON. My stiller is great, no doubt, and gets the most use by far. I am truly amazed that the TC icon never really took off. Think about it. 3 recoil lugs, 3 lug 60 degree bolt, heavy duty side bolt stop/release,integral picatinny rail, CNC machined, three position safety, and a bolt that is easily disassembled. You won't find those features on many, if any custom actions.

I picked up my 243 brand new for 500 bucks, and that thing has really grown on me the last couple of years. If the Icon were available in left handed actions, and assuming I could find a smith to rebarrel, I wouldn't have any reason to buy another action. Alas, the trigger is not the greatest, but better than any factory remington.

Too bad the Icon 243 has a 10 twist barrel. I am stuck shooting the berger 95 hybrid classics at 2930 fps.

RIP icon.

Your question is incomplete. It's relative. Yeah, they're better. Better machining and so forth to put it VERY generally. It depends on your requirements and what is necessary. It also depends on what model you're choosing. You can't just look at one brand against another. You have to compare the similar actions from each mfg. because these days many mfgs will have different models for different purposes. Benchrest actions will be tighter than those meant for tactical use and that kind of thing. If you need that hair splitting difference for 1000 yard competition, yes, they're better and can give you that last little bit of an edge. If you need a super accurate hunting rifle or an informal 1000 yard rifle, you're probably not going to get your monies worth. I'm with FJG in that truing up a 700 isn't worth the hassle. If it's really necessary to work it over, get a custom action, otherwise have a first rate gunsmith rebarrel it with a quality barrel and go to work.

This will be the action I choose for my next custom.

http://www.americanrifle.com/Mausingfield-Bolt-Action.html

I have a stiller now and like it okay. But when I build another one it will be on a bighorn action, or possible a bat tactical.

Walter

Get the Defiance. I have one and it's and awesome action.

If I was to get a different action it would be a BAT, my benchrest action and I'm very happy with them.

Custom actions are a big piece to the accuracy puzzle. A hunting rifle for someone that shoots less than 300 yards will never see the advantage though in my opinion. So it's all depends on the intention of the rifle. I also am in the crowd that a trued Remington action is not worth the smith fees to do it and I've owned one. It was close to custom action money when done and wouldn't shoot with them.