Rate the Actions

How would everyone rate the custom actions from top to bottom?

Defiance, Stiller, Surgeon, Allen Precision, etc.

Top would be the best, bottom would be the worst...

That order depending on what series you are compareing, only thing I don't like about the defiance is the bolt is not coated from the factory like the stillers. But if u look at rebel and predator they are super close.

Defiance
Surgeon
Stiller

No experience with the rest.

Put Tikka fit with the top two.

I did not like the surgeon was not a fan

All out of my league anyway. Maybe one day

Where would you put Borden in that list.

Their chocolate milk is top notch. They gotta be #1.

You forgot the best! B.A.T.

First- what's the purpose of the action/rifle?? Hunting, competition, low weight, etc?? Without truly knowing this, it's hard to pick one action for the purpose.

If you want the most accurate rifle, no question the Surgeon 591 model is the #1 choice on the list. Why? Let's talk about that.

Barrel threading into the action- The Surgeon 591 has 33% more threads for the barrel to screw into the action. This makes for a more solid mating of the action to the barrel.

Top picatinny rail- The Surgeon 591 has a built in 20 moa rail on top of the action. This rail is milled into the action and makes the action much more solid and stiff than a common Rem 700 style with the rail screwed to it.

Solid recoil Lug and larger lug- The Surgeon 591 has the recoil lug milled and built into the action. It is not pinned or loose like a Rem 700 style action is.

Surgeon has the technology on the sizing and shape of the bolt to avoid any bolt sliding issues. It is smooth as silk. Talk to any Stiller Tac 30 or Tac 300 rifle shooter and ask them about this. Stiller makes a great action, and they are top notch. But they do have a small issue with the bolt sliding forward.

The Defiance actions are also very good. But the Surgeon 591 is one of, or is, the top action on the market for precision shooting.

They are all good.. I went with a Defiance Deviant for a 6.5 Creedmoor build I am starting and may have it melonite treated

I have a surgeon 591, the only thing I wasn't impressed with is the extractor...... its exactly like the Remy 700, Preston should have put a mini M16 extractor in the bolts..... other than that all the features Chad mentioned above are un-arguable.......

This is a tough one and most likely answered by the one I own . There are a ton of great custom actions and many only better because it is easily obtainable in the current environment we play in.

Borden is one of the few actions that come timed straight out of the box. They are a great action built buy a guy who shoots and gets what it takes to be successful. I don't own one for what it's worth.

I think you can get a great gun built using any of these actions in no particular order:
Kelbly's (Panda)
BAT
Defiance
Surgeon
Pierce
Borden
Big Horn
Barnard
Stiller
Badger

Tikka makes a great action and while I would argue the best production action it isn't built under the same tolerances of any of those actions listed above.

There are differences in them and you have to figure out what you like. I'll give you a couple examples in differences...floating bolt heads, 60 degree throw vs 90 and general cosmetics or ascetics. Another example...I think a Barnard is one of the ugliest actions ever built and would never own one but fact is they will shoot if assembled by a good smith.

Good luck...

Bat
Surgeon
Defiance
Bighorn
Kelbly's (tactical)
Stiller
Badger
Pierce
Borden
Barnard

This is my opinion. I am actually currently building a 6 creedmoor on a surgeon 591 as we speak. This is my personal opinion. I own surgeon 591 stiller tac 30 and tac A/W defiance deviant and bighorn SR2

Borden!

Another thing to think about. If you look at the benchrest style of actions with very tight tolerances, any dirt or debris will lock up the action and bolt. Sure, BAT and Panda make a great action with tight tolerances, but it is not a hunting or tactical style action because of the tight tolerances. We have seen this in matches and a few shooters have learned that these actions are not for field use.

True...except both BAT and Panda (Kelbly's) make actions with more broad tolerances for field use.

Check out Silencer Techs new action, based off a model 7 action. Precision Rifle Action
http://www.silencertech.com/rifle-actions