Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Rem 700 Action Build - Carbon Steel

I am about to start a 22 Creedmoor build (This is going to be my dedicated winter Wolf and Coyote Rifle) and based on its intended use and weather areas it will be used in, I really wanted the action to be SS. I could not find one to save my life without paying 2x the normal price, so I settled on a NIB Rem 700 SA Carbon Steel action. I am planning to have it cerakoted to help protect it from the elements, but thought I would get feedback on other coatings/options to better make this action more durable to the elements (rain, snow, cold, ect.)

Thoughts? Any concerns with these newer Remington 700 Carbon Steel Actions to build on?

I have found nitriding to be far superior to Cerakote

I think this is true as well.

I've been using a Birdsong Black-T coated action a bit this year and really like it as well. Limited use on it so take that into account.

I've got an older 700 short action that was teflon coated by Black Ice that I've put a lot of use on and it's very slick. It does wear a bit so it might be the best for weather protection.

For an action I prefer nitriding, Birdsong, and Black Ice because they don't seem to be as thick as Cerakote. I've got more rifles cerakoted than any other coating and I like it fine but I doubt I'll ever have another action coated in cerakote simply because of the thickness....barrels, yes.

Another vote for the Birdsong Black-T I only have one done in that and only had it about a year but it does seem to be nicer and wear better than regular Cerakote. I have this on a Defiance Rebel action and I can't feel any difference over the non-coated Rebel I have.

Also agree if doing either a CM action or even the next SS action I'd sure like nitriding.

Or just grab this one:)

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...ew/1/700ss-243win-barreled-action#UNREAD

I have not had a action done but the Ni. coating on my BCG is tuff as nails

I think salt bath nitride for the barreled action, which is not a coating, would be best. Just not sure what vendor(s) offer this. Several of the custom action manufacturers offer so that might be a place to start asking questions.

Not 100% but I believe this is who Defiance uses if you order one nitrided.

http://blacknitride.com/about-us/

I have mine done locally. I had a really bad experience with one of the big name places. I try to buy CM actions. Defiance has been good about building the m for me with 4130 vs 416. Some places don't offer option and Borden quoted me +$400 to use 4130. Nitrided, they never rust.

I reached out to the black nitride folk that defiance uses…they wanted $350…no thanks.

May look at the birdsong black t.

Think Birdsong is about the same cost as Cerakote - but IMHO it does look really nice!!

I've really never had problem with a carbon steel action rusting with just factory blue job. Not looking for a problem that doesn't exist.

I've really never had problem with a carbon steel action rusting with just factory blue job. Not looking for a problem that doesn't exist. Hunted carbon steel shotguns in the rain and snow for days on end with no problem. Same with rifles.

Agreed. Similar price. But Birdsong is nice stuff too.

I would have no concerns!

Yeah...I contacted the same folks about the nitride and was quoted a lot more than the $100 Defiance charges and they also gave me a long "this is what you better do before you send it". The feeling I had after the call was that the guy I spoke with was an azz and didn't want me to send them anything.

Birdsong was great to deal with. Fast turn around, very slick, and looks great. I don't know how it will hold up long term but for an action I'm really liking it.