The Heart of Precision: Inside Rifle Actions and Why Fit Matters | Redleg Gunsmithing Minnesota Part 2

Comparing Precision in Factory and Custom Rifle Actions: Pros, Cons, and Redleg Refinements

Borden Accuracy: The Pursuit of Perfect Symmetry

Overview: Jim Borden’s actions are synonymous with true precision. Benchrest shooters rely on them because every line, lug, and bore is cut to near-molecular consistency. The Ridgeline and Alpine are among the most concentric custom actions ever made.

Pros:

• EDM-cut raceways and lug seats ensure perfect bolt travel.

• Ultra-tight tolerances result in concentric alignment with the bore.

• Superb machining consistency almost no variance between units.

Cons:

• Extremely tight tolerances can be unforgiving in field conditions (dust, grit, or frost).

• Limited aftermarket bolt handle or port customization.

• Slightly higher maintenance in dirty or high-volume use.

Redleg Refinement: At Redleg, we tune Bordens for the real world. We lap, polish, and tension-fit these actions for Minnesota’s cold and grit, maintaining their benchrest precision while giving them field-ready reliability. It’s precision with endurance.

Defiance Machine: The Reliable Performer

Overview: Defiance Machine is known for combining precision machining with versatility. The Renegade, AnTiX, and Deviant models dominate the precision-hunting market for their perfect blend of strength and smoothness.

Pros:

• Integral recoil lug adds stiffness and repeatability.

• EDM raceways and trued receivers right out of the box.

• Outstanding finish quality and material consistency.

• Pre-hardened receivers resist stress creep.

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than some titanium or skeletonized competitors.

• Not all models feature integral rails, depending on configuration.

• Factory tolerances still allow a few ten-thousandths of variance under heavy bolt thrust.

Redleg Refinement: We true Defiance actions to harmonize lug bearing and barrel interface, then match-fit bolts to barrels. The result is a rifle that cycles like butter and maintains perfect zero even after hundreds of rounds in changing weather.

American Rifle Company (ARC): The Thinker’s Action

Overview: ARC builds actions like the Nucleus and Coup de Grâce around mechanical innovation controlled-round feed, mechanical advantage on bolt lift, and modular bolt heads.

Pros:

• Controlled-round feed enhances reliability under stress.

• Bolt leverage system reduces lift effort by ~40%.

• Modular design allows easy bolt head swaps.

• Excellent extractor design (massive engagement surface).

Cons:

• Slightly more complex mechanically; requires proper maintenance.

• Some shooters find ARC’s bolt lift geometry non-traditional in feel.

• Early models had tolerance stacking that required fine-tuning.

Redleg Refinement: We blueprint every ARC we build. By aligning the bolt lugs, adjusting lock-up timing, and we turn mechanical innovation into match-grade repeatability. ARC gives you innovation Redleg gives it discipline.

Terminus: The Workhorse of Modern Modularity

Overview: Terminus’ Zeus, Kraytos, and Apollo actions have revolutionized the modular precision rifle world. They use pre-hardened stainless and quick-change systems for shooters who want one rifle to wear multiple barrels.

Pros:

• Switch-barrel modularity allows caliber changes in minutes.

• Massive integral recoil lug and tenon design increases stiffness.

• Pre-hardened stainless = zero distortion during machining.

• Smooth cycling, even with magnum cartridges.

Cons:

• Slightly bulkier than traditional single-caliber actions.

• Requires meticulous barrel torque for consistent return-to-zero.

• Premium cost reflects its engineering complexity.

Redleg Refinement: We precision-time Terminus systems to ensure perfect thread tension and stress-neutral installation. Our custom bedding process stabilizes modular actions for repeatable POI even after multiple barrel swaps giving you flexibility without compromise.

Impact Precision: Built by Shooters, Refined by Craftsmen

Overview: The Impact 737R and 787R are competition darlings built by active PRS shooters with the mechanical intuition of experience. Their design is a tribute to feel, speed, and reliability.

Pros:

• Superb feeding geometry and minimal bolt lift force.

• Drop-in compatibility with 700-pattern components.

• Tight tolerances but smooth, forgiving operation.

• Excellent factory QC and customer service.

Cons:

• Competition focus means not all features suit hunting or harsh environments.

• Slightly looser fit than pure benchrest actions to improve cycling speed.

• Finish can show wear faster under grit and heat.

Redleg Refinement: We micro-lap Impacts to stabilize wear patterns and polish raceways for fluid motion. Combined with Redleg bedding and barrel interface work, we turn competition precision into field-ready endurance.

Lone Peak Arms: Strength Through Lightness

Overview: Lone Peak’s Fuzion, Razor Ti, and Razor Stainless actions are built for hunters who count ounces but refuse to compromise precision. Their titanium models are marvels of modern machining.

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight ideal for mountain rifles.

• Excellent machining and integral recoil lugs.

• Titanium construction offers corrosion immunity.

• Compatible with Remington 700 footprints.

Cons:

• Titanium is harder to machine; minor galling possible under high stress.

• Requires precise bedding to avoid receiver flex in lightweight builds.

• Less heat sink capacity than stainless or chrome-moly receivers.

Redleg Refinement: We correct galling risk by precision polishing and micro-coating contact surfaces. Combined with our harmonic bedding, a Redleg-tuned Lone Peak shoots like a 12-pound rifle without the weight.

BAT Machine: The Stiffest Precision in the World

Overview: BAT Machine actions like the TR, DS, and Vampire are the backbone of benchrest shooting. Machined to extreme tolerances, they redefine what “rigid” means.

Pros:

• Maximum stiffness for minimal receiver flex.

• EDM-cut everything lugs, raceways, bolt bore.

• Repeatable lock-up for consistent cold-bore and warm-bore shots.

• Excellent surface finish and metallurgy.

Cons:

• Weight: BATs are heavy for hunting applications.

• Ultra-tight tolerances can bind in dust or temperature fluctuation.

• Cost: Precision like this doesn’t come cheap.

Redleg Refinement: We adapt BAT actions for real-world use sealing, bedding, and tuning them for reliability. When you want benchrest precision that’s field-viable, we make it happen. Rigid, refined, and real.

Accuracy International (AI): Battle-Proven Engineering

Overview: AI’s AXMC, AT-X, and AE Mk III actions define rugged precision. Originally designed for snipers, their actions are integrated with chassis systems for unmatched structural harmony.

Pros:

• Incredibly strong, unified receiver-chassis system.

• Proven reliability in extreme environments.

• Fast bolt lift and smooth extraction under heat or debris.

• Excellent factory trigger integration and safety systems.

Cons:

• Heavier than most competition actions.

• Limited customization without full AI system.

• Proprietary parts and patterns.

Redleg Refinement: We fine-tune AI actions by torque-matching them to barrels and bedding interfaces. The result is a rifle that keeps AI’s military-grade reliability while gaining precision worthy of a bench gun.

Remington 700: The Everyman’s Classic

Overview: The Remington 700 remains America’s most-built action. It’s the foundation of countless customs a good design that shines when corrected.

Pros:

• Simple, strong, and proven.

• Huge aftermarket support.

• Easily upgraded through blueprinting and truing.

Cons:

• Factory tolerances are wide and inconsistent.

• Uneven lug engagement and off-axis threads common.

• Requires substantial gunsmithing to reach custom precision.

Redleg Refinement: We blueprint 700s to perfection squaring, threading, and aligning until it cycles and locks like a $3,000 action. A Redleg-tuned 700 proves that precision is built, not bought.

Aero Precision: Affordable Precision with Modern Machining

Overview: Aero Precision, long known for their AR-platform excellence, has entered the bolt-action market with their Solus line a Remington 700–footprint action aimed at blending affordability with modern modularity.

Pros:

• Impressive machining quality for its price point.

• 60° bolt throw for faster cycling.

• Integral recoil lug and rail for rigidity.

• Strong aftermarket compatibility due to 700 footprint.

Cons:

• Slightly rougher bolt travel compared to premium actions.

• Some users report inconsistency in bolt-to-receiver finish matching.

• Factory triggers and bolts benefit from fine-tuning or polishing.

Redleg Refinement: We treat Aero Solus actions as an affordable foundation for true custom builds. By blueprinting, polishing, and tension-aligning the bolt body, we transform this “entry custom” into a legitimate sub-MOA performer perfect for shooters entering the precision world.

Weatherby Mark V: The Original Magnum Action

Overview: The Weatherby Mark V is a legendary design, originally created to handle magnum pressures far beyond the norms of its era. With its nine-lug bolt and short bolt lift, it remains one of the strongest commercial actions ever made.

Pros:

• Incredibly strong design triple-row, nine-lug bolt handles extreme pressures.

• 54° bolt lift offers quick cycling and improved scope clearance.

• Weatherby’s attention to fit and finish is consistently high.

• Excellent safety systems and gas venting.

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than modern 2- or 3-lug designs.

• Proprietary footprint limits aftermarket compatibility.

• Can require specialized gunsmithing tools for chambering and headspacing.

Redleg Refinement: At Redleg, we service and true Mark V actions for shooters who want legacy strength with modern precision. We lap the locking lugs to equalize pressure across all nine contact points something few shops take the time to do. The result is a magnum that shoots like a match rifle.

Zermatt Arms (Bighorn Origin, TL3, SR3): The Modular Masterpiece

Overview: Zermatt Arms (formerly Bighorn) has become a custom builder’s favorite for modular, switch-barrel precision. Their TL3, SR3, and Origin actions use a floating bolt head and controlled-round feed rare in modern precision platforms.

Pros:

• Floating bolt head allows perfect lug alignment and easy caliber swaps.

• Integrated recoil lug and interchangeable bolt heads for versatility.

• Excellent machining and surface finish.

• Smooth cycling and easy maintenance.

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than ultralight competitors.

• Requires precise torque and alignment during barrel swaps.

• Bolt head tolerances require care to maintain zero.

Redleg Refinement: We precision-fit Zermatt barrels to ensure perfect headspace alignment across bolt heads. By tension-tuning the locking lugs and blueprinting the receiver face, we turn modular flexibility into repeatable precision whether for PRS or hunting rifles.

Tikka T3 / T3x: Scandinavian Smoothness

Overview: The Finnish-made Tikka T3 and T3x actions have earned cult status for their silky cycling and reliable feeding. Tikka’s minimalist design and exceptional machining make it one of the best factory actions in its class.

Pros:

• Outstanding bolt smoothness among the best in the industry.

• Lightweight yet strong one-piece receiver.

• Excellent factory trigger and barrel alignment.

• Reliable feeding with minimal maintenance.

Cons:

• Proprietary footprint limits stock and trigger options.

• Short action length can limit long, high-BC bullet seating.

• Factory barrel attachment makes rebarreling more involved.

Redleg Refinement: We blueprint Tikka actions for shooters who love the feel but want more precision. After truing and re-threading, we rebarrel and bed them to Redleg standards maintaining the Tikka “glide” while tightening their shot-to-shot consistency.

Surgeon Rifles: The Tactical Tank

Overview: Surgeon Rifles built their reputation on rugged, heavy-duty actions like the 591, 1086, and 1581XL. These are overbuilt precision tanks, designed for military and long-range competition use.

Pros:

• Monolithic receiver with integral recoil lug and rail for ultimate rigidity.

• Massive bolt and lug surfaces distribute load evenly.

• Superb concentricity and chamber alignment.

• Built for abuse holds zero even after impact or rough handling.

Cons:

• Heavy not ideal for mountain or field rifles.

• Tighter action may feel “industrial” compared to smooth competition designs.

• Costly and overbuilt for most hunting applications.

Redleg Refinement: We rework Surgeons to balance brute strength with finesse lapping and polishing bearing surfaces, adjusting lug contact, and optimizing fit. The result is a tactical-grade action that feels as refined as it is rugged.

Redleg’s Bottom Line:

Every one of these actions has its place. Some were built for competition, others for mountains, some for battlefields, and others for benchrest tables. But only one constant remains:

The action doesn’t make the rifle accurate the gunsmith does.

At Redleg Gunsmithing Minnesota, we don’t chase names; we chase perfection. Whether your rifle starts as a Terminus, Impact, AI, or Borden, it leaves our bench aligned, harmonized, and capable of surgical precision.

Your Next Step Toward True Precision

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start shooting with total confidence, now is the time to take action.

👉 Schedule a precision consultation with Redleg Guns. Whether you’re looking to build a custom rifle, true an existing action, or simply understand what real accuracy feels like, we’ll help you get there step by step, the right way.

Explore our Custom Rifle Builds to see what true craftsmanship looks like, or learn more about our Precision Gunsmithing Services from chambering and bolt truing to full accurizing. Ready to take your skills even further?

Download Redleg’s Precision Reloading Sheets

Serious precision starts long before you pull the trigger it begins at your bench. That’s why we created the Redleg Precision Reloading Sheets, professional-grade data tools used in our own custom builds and reloading courses. Track your case prep, powder charges, seating depths, and velocity data with the same system our gunsmiths use to tune rifles to perfection. Download your free copy today and start reloading like a pro.

👉 Download Redleg Reloading Sheets

At Redleg, we don’t just build rifles we build confidence one trigger pull at a time.

📞 Call (507) 677-6007📧 info@redlegguns.com🌐 www.redlegguns.com