All these donor actions!

[Brave Echo Niner]

Hi guys,
I am going to be choosing what action to use for a donor!
I am quite inexperienced in using the different actions but will be using it as a general purpose stalking rifle with a heavy bias on woodland stalking! The options I have are: Tikka 595, Tikka T3, sako 591, I would probably put a border-Sasson barrel in 308 on it!
I would be grateful for any advice!
Thanks
Brave Echo Niner

 

[6.5rem700]

Personally I would have either a tikka 595 or 590
very good actions with good build quality

 

[pierred]

Or throw a sako 75 into the mix Tikka T3 is not a bad route either , the Sako being my favourite depends what's available really.

 

[Acm]

i don't know much about building rifles, and i have a 75 which is a lovely action, much better than the 595 it replaced. but surely you must think about a mauser 98 action.

 

[Whitebeard]

Got to be Tikka 590/595, do you intend to buy a complete rifle and rebarrel it yourself or is your chosen smith offering the above choices?

Ian.

 

[twg1]

One thing to consider is the availability of stock options and delivery times, 595/ 590 will probably be order only, t3 you / sako 75/85 you will probably find one on the shelf . Rem 700 they are everywhere !

Keith

 

[finnbear270]

595

 

[sauer]

M591?

Yup old sako action is fantastic

Paul

 

[Claret_Dabbler]

If I was going to build a 308, I'd use a 308 sized action. That rules out the T3.

I'd go Sako 75 or Tikka 595, though I wonder at the point in building a 308 for stalking given the availability of perfectly good factory rifles. If you need a specific non standard rifle, fine, but otherwise...?

 

[Reiver Boy]

+1 for 595

 

[Brave Echo Niner]

I am going to be using it for shooting targets as well as stalking and prefer to have a very good level of accuracy for the same price!

 

[ejg]

For me it would be T3 or Rem 700. There is no disadvantage in the long action of a T3 only the advantage of a possible later change to a long action cartridge. There are so many owners of older sakos and tikkas that have to settle for second best aftermarket parts because they chose an action that is not in production anymore. My take is the barrel is the most important part of a rifle when it comes to accuracy followed by the stock and stock action connection as in bedding. Least important is the action. Accuracy wise one will not notice a difference between the mentioned actions.
As a crossover between stalking and targets you need to choose bits wisely. An overly heavy barrel/stock can be horrible on a hunt. A good compromise is for example a 1450 Lothar Walther barrel that is mid weight and quite useable for the range. Keep other bits light.
Overall I think it is a good idea to have a hunting and target rifle in one even if the target side might suffer a bit. The extra practice with the rifle on the range will make one aware of the rifles potential and limits when hunting.
edi

 

[Conure]

Overall I think it is a good idea to have a hunting and target rifle in one even if the target side might suffer a bit. The extra practice with the rifle on the range will make one aware of the rifles potential and limits when hunting.
edi

There are many "stalkers" that could do with spending more time on the range in practice. These seem to think they are natural born marksmen and do not need to practice and sadly the quarry is the one on the receiving end of thei mistaken belief.

 

[s.stimson]

If I was going to build a 308, I'd use a 308 sized action. That rules out the T3.

Sorry, can I ask why you would rule out the T3? I agree the 75 is a better rifle but my T3 fits the 308 rounds that i feed it perfectly well.

 

[ejg]

There are many "stalkers" that could do with spending more time on the range in practice. These seem to think they are natural born marksmen and do not need to practice and sadly the quarry is the one on the receiving end of thei mistaken belief.

agree.


another point for the T3 in 308, you can choose from at least three different mag types. Original, AI Type 5-10 shot and CTR 10shot. I have tried all three and chose the AI type but think the CTR might be the better mag...just a bit expensive.
edi

 

[conquest1]

Out of the three you mention I would pick the Sako 591......but only if you cannot find a Sako L579/AII...

 

[ejg]

I have a L579, it is neither in build quality nor design anything special, think later Sakos are better made. It is quite a light action and has except for a broken spring worked very well since the late 60's with one barrel change. Magazine didn't feed properly and was replaced with AI type. Bolt opening is very heavy due to the cocking angle which upsets hold of the rifle if target shooting. Other than that as good as a Remmy/Tikka/Howa action. Oh, trigger on mine is absolutely fantastic.
edi

 

[Hales Smut]

For me it would be T3 or Rem 700. There is no disadvantage in the long action of a T3 only the advantage of a possible later change to a long action cartridge. There are so many owners of older sakos and tikkas that have to settle for second best aftermarket parts because they chose an action that is not in production anymore. My take is the barrel is the most important part of a rifle when it comes to accuracy followed by the stock and stock action connection as in bedding. Least important is the action. Accuracy wise one will not notice a difference between the mentioned actions.
As a crossover between stalking and targets you need to choose bits wisely. An overly heavy barrel/stock can be horrible on a hunt. A good compromise is for example a 1450 Lothar Walther barrel that is mid weight and quite useable for the range. Keep other bits light.
Overall I think it is a good idea to have a hunting and target rifle in one even if the target side might suffer a bit. The extra practice with the rifle on the range will make one aware of the rifles potential and limits when hunting.
edi

What about the Howa action as a donor action? Just buy the basic rifle and bin the other parts? Cheaper than most commercialy available actions?

 

[ejg]

The first Howa I had was in 22-250 and even as a sporter weight barrel incredibly accurate. Later a 308 Howa was not that accurate but still a 1" gun. One can always try the original barrel, one might be lucky. Aftermarket bits are not as available with the Howa but that depends on what one wants to build.
The new Bergara B14 might also be a good alternative and based on remmy. Recoil lug part of the action If I remember right, might also have a good button pulled barrel. Plenty aftermarket bits.
edi

 

[Selous]

I think the 595s are lovely (and nicer than the T3 in many ways) but having had a look around there are more accessories and options with the T3. So many options, so little time!! If only I were younger!!