What's your favorite action?

[Zachary]

I own quite a few rifles - at last count I think it was 14.  All are bolt action.  I have 1 Tikka, 2 A-Bolts (the original version), 4 M70s, and 7 M700s (all 14 are stainless).

I guess you would think that my favorite action is the M700, but I don't think that's necessarily true.  In fact, I think that each action has a feature that I like, and that one action does not have all of them.

For example, I like the M700 action because it is very strong and rigid.  Most custom rifles are built on this action.  

I like the M70 because it has the claw extractor which, at least in theory, will somewhat assure the you will be able to feed the next round (although I have never had any feeding problems with any of my other actions).  I have mixed feelings about a 3-position safety.

I like how the A-Bolt's (at least the older ones) have a shorter lift - say 60 degrees compared to the normal 90 degrees.  Not that big of a deal, but a feature that I like nonetheless.  

I absolutely LOVE the triggers on the Tikkas.  VERY FEW, if any, other factory triggers can compare.  Plus, the action is VERY smooooooth.

There are several other actions out there as well - Sako, Savage, Ruger, etc.

What is YOUR favorite action and why?

Zachary

[bigdaddytacp]

I own quite a few rifles - at last count I think it was 14.  All are bolt action.  I have 1 Tikka, 2 A-Bolts (the original version), 4 M70s, and 7 M700s (all 14 are stainless).

I guess you would think that my favorite action is the M700, but I don't think that's necessarily true.  In fact, I think that each action has a feature that I like, and that one action does not have all of them.

For example, I like the M700 action because it is very strong and rigid.  Most custom rifles are built on this action.  

I like the M70 because it has the claw extractor which, at least in theory, will somewhat assure the you will be able to feed the next round (although I have never had any feeding problems with any of my other actions).  I have mixed feelings about a 3-position safety.

I like how the A-Bolt's (at least the older ones) have a shorter lift - say 60 degrees compared to the normal 90 degrees.  Not that big of a deal, but a feature that I like nonetheless.  

I absolutely LOVE the triggers on the Tikkas.  VERY FEW, if any, other factory triggers can compare.  Plus, the action is VERY smooooooth.

There are several other actions out there as well - Sako, Savage, Ruger, etc.

What is YOUR favorite action and why?

Zachary

.....I'm like you I have several different actions and like points of each...the Remingtons seem to be easier to get extra fine accuracy and are strong...my real P64 Mod 70's and that big claw extractor and smooth feeding just shout dependable and strong and solid.....the older series Sako actions are some of my favorites...461/9 and 5 series as they are solid steel...feed well and have a large enough extractor to work well and the guide rib and bolt swell make them smooth to run the bolt and the size matched to the cartridge makes sense and makes for some nice trim small cartridge chambered guns....I prefer the made for Browning and similar versions with the round tops to allow more choice in rings...but the factory sako mount and rings are nice and solid but sometimes limiting on the scope choice? I still prefer the look of good blued steel and minor checkered panels and mild accent engraving on some guns but smooth well polished-finished plain blue steel is a statement in itself ..to me.......and if you wrap a good action in a fine figured peice of walnut with classic lines and well done checkering all the better.....even though I have stainless and fiberglass working guns that shoot fantastic.......the ones I just like to sit and look at and pet are blue steel and decent wood.......most old factory versions.....we all share the joy of a good firearm and thankfully we have different definitions of GOOD .......helps keep the price in line on some decent guns......lol.....good luck and good shooting!!!

[bearhuntr]

Mauser 98. It's strong, tough, laden with historic value, and damn reliable in the clutch!
best,
bhtr

[jhm]

bolt action of cource and then I guess you want it by brand out of the 40+ most are of the rem 700 brand then I believe ruger old 77 then a few of the newer 77mk2 some of the interarms mark x and a couple winchester 70s 1 pre 64 and the rest of the newer ones.  Over the years I guess I have owned just about everything from the top of the line to the bottom of it as far as price range went but have always come back to the middle of the road for the ones I usually end up keeping the old brownings i have owned and sold sometimes i wished I had kept but I always found them a little heavy for me but they were wonderful weapons.   JIM

[Lawdog]

Got to be a bolt action.  My favorite is the Weatherby Mark V Deluxe, nine of them and #10 is on the way.  That short bolt lift, 54 degrees, and a super smooth action along with being one of, if not the strongest, actions made combined with it's accuracy guarantee make it number 1 in my book.  Next is The Ruger M77, seven of them.  Solid, strong, accurate and reliable.  Installing a new Timney trigger is not a problem.  Yeah bolt actions rule.  Lawdog

[Shorty]

:wink: Don't laugh!  If there is a slicker, faster bolt action out there than a US Springfield Model '98 (Krag) I couldn't afford it anyway!  

[Advocate]

Winchester M-70, controlled feed and its offshoots (Montana Rifleman, Dakota 76.) Love the shape of the bolt handle, the safety. My only complaint is that the ejection port is too small. Hard to load fast. Should be more like HOwa 1500.

I have a pre-64 .270 that I'm going to have buried with me. It's as though it's part of me. It's kind of worn a "groove" in my consciousness and really fits me. Clumsy way to put it, but I think you real riflemen know what I mean.

[Doesniper]

Factory action it has to be the Rem mod 7 or my little Sako single shot.  They just feel like a member of the family
Custom is a Hall "S" benchrest action.  Stainless silk.

[Yukon Jack]

I know this is a bolt-action forum, but, well geez, guys....  my favorite is the Ruger No.1.  If I just hafta choose a bolt gun, I'd say a Ruger M77 with the tang saftey.  Guess I'd better duck now, for I figure ol' GB is about to shoot me.

[Zachary]

WB,

You mentioned that you had the earlier Sakos that bear no resemblance to today's Sakos.  What is the difference between the Sakos of yesterday and today?  Which ones are better?

Zachary

[OOBuckshot]

About six feet tall.
Long legs
Red hair
Green eyes
First husband worked his self to death and left her well off

[1911crazy]

Between the two best bolt actions the 98/95 mauser  and the 303 british enfield I have to say the Britt is the smoothest even better than the high priced new 700 remington I have(junk).               BigBill

I have no more faith in american made guns we are paying too much for what we get. Like we pay more for less quality. If I was to buy a new gun it would be a savage or a used older gun when quality inspection was good. This is why I went to collecting military guns.  I still like my marlins my 444 is awesome.

[JBabcock]

Mausers and the good 98 clones. The FN 98 would probably be my choice for a top of the line custom if I was to spend 2500.00 for a rifle.

[savageT]

Best bolt-action I ever saw was my Dad's Winchester-Hotchkiss BP 45-70 saddlering carbine.  Smoothest bolt action I ever experienced.  See photo of one below
http://www.merzantique.com/sell/zoom/3-357.html