Rifle Actions (Ranked)

[Randy Bo]

I have been following and really enjoying the recent thread: “thats why I dont like doubles (have one)”.
One of the subjects that is heavily debated within this thread is: double rifle vs bolt action.
So, I would love to see how you guys and gals would rank the different rifle actions based on three criteria: strength, durability and reliability.
My list, based on very rifles owned, would look something like this:
1. Winchester Model 70
2. Remington Model 700
3. Colt AR-15

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I prefer CRF over push feed. Both my go-to hunting rifles are dolled up WWII era military rifles. Have never owned a push feed rifle and am sure I never will. The only real advantage to them is they are cheaper to make and therefore cheaper to sell/buy. Lots of disadvantages. "Modern Sporting Rifles" (aka ARs) do not charm me ... at all. I had enough of that crap in the Army.

 

[Major Bonkers]

1. Mannlicher-Schönauer
2. Everything else

 

[Red Leg]

From my personal rifles ......

Blaser R8
Blaser S2
Mannlicher Schonauer
Quality Mauser actioned rifles by Rigby, Westley Richards, etc and quality custom builds using the same actions.
Pre-64 Model 70
Any quality Anson & Deeley boxlock double.
Model 52 Winchester

 

[IvW]

Brno ZKK.....

 

[RLL]

Thats a can of worms…but I’ll bite

Any Mauser 98 or modern copy that was machined from a solid billet. After that, then the same cast variations, m70, M77, etc…
I’ll second the Anson and Deeley boxlock
Also the Purdey/Beesley sidelock
Billet M700 actions or the like are robust

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Pre war mauser magnum action sold but not built by Rigby.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Strength, durability and reliability you said, then -
Ruger No1
Heym 89b

And looks to go with it.

 

[baxterb]

Mauser 98
Echols LX-1
Model 70

 

[Ku-winda]

Brno ZKK.....

Plus one - hard to beat!

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Hunting (Bolt Action):

1) Granite Mountain Arms African Magnum Mauser
2) BRNO ZKK-602
3) Pre '64 Winchester Model 70
4) Pattern 14 Enfield

Hunting (Double):

1) Heym Model 89B boxlock
2) Auguste Francotte boxlock
3) Webley & Scott PHV-1 boxlock
4) Butch Searcy CNC machined boxlock

Tactical:
1) AK-47
2) FN FAL
3) SKS
4) M-1 Garand

 

[RR 314]

Hunting:

1) Granite Mountain Arms African Magnum Mauser
2) BRNO ZKK-602
3) Pre '64 Winchester Model 70
4) Pattern 14 Enfield

Tactical:
1) AK-47
2) FN FAL
3) SKS
4) M-1 Garand

I think under “tactical” HKG3/91/93 needs to be at the top.

 

[MS 9x56]

Mannlicher Schoenauer, Mauser 98, Winchester model 70

 

[Dirtdart]

The brass cartridge case is the weakest link in the chain. Lots of actions are "strong" enough up to the point of a ruptured case.

 

[PCC600]

Lee Speed / Enfield - tough / reliable .

Is that the sound of silence that I hear ?

 

[PCC600]

Lee Speed / Enfield - tough / reliable .

Is that the sound of silence that I hear ?

 

[Bonk]

I'm a simple man.

CZ550
Ruger M77
Win M70

In that order.

 

[Sika98k]

Mauser 98, Mannlicher Schonauer, Ruger No1, Anson &Deeley.
not necessarily in that order but I do own 3 98 actioned rifles.

 

[uplander01]

For an African big game rifle Granite Mountain Arms is hard to beat. Also love a pre 64 model 70. If more modern is your thing the model 704 by Ed Brown is built really right….i think Bansner bought the design and is building them now.

 

[chashardy]

The question almost requires a mixture of apples and oranges. Doubles are designed for a specific purpose. Bolt actions are more versatile. But here are my humble opinions:
Bolt Actions: Damn near any rifle with a Mauser 98, then the more affordable American copy, i.e. the Model 70--and I don't discriminate between pre-64 and current model. I own both and both are awesome production versions of the Mauser 98.
Doubles: Here it's a bit harder--do you swear by sidelock, London Best such as a Holland & Holland, Westley Richards, etc. when money is no object? Or is a boxlock that the working man can afford, like a Heym or Chapuis more your taste? I'm a well known Chapuis fan.