Merry Christmas everyone. I'm looking and researching my next custom rifle build. I found these actions on the web. Does anyone have any opinion ( good or bad ) on these? The Predator action - stainless la. Here's part of there web site, I hope, new at posting pics.


Thanks Mike






Predator Action Details

The Predator line of actions are designed for hunting type of use. It can also be used for competition use in highpower and long range benchrest. It is a stainless steel drop in replacement for the Remington 700 series actions. It is available in both single shot and repeater versions in right bolt right port only. Short actions have 223, PPC, 308 and magnum boltfaces, long actions have 308 or magnum boltfaces. The Predator has some upgrades versus the standard Remington 700 or 40X. Click on the features button below for a listing of the features that make this action the must have for your next big game or varmint hunting project. Why buy a Remington, spend hundreds of dollars blueprinting and still not get to the quality of this action for the same money. An XP length action is coming soon as well as a larger 338 Lapua version.

I am also interested in the predator action. Anyone with any opinions?

I have 3 of Jerry Stiller's actions in the Predator model and one of his benchrest actions. They are all top notch. I have compared the Predator to the Borden Timberline which I just received. The Stiller Predator and the Borden action are state of the art. Yep, as the old timer would say, "That dog will hunt!" You couldn't go wrong with either action. The advantage, as I see it, is the Stiller Predator is a little less money than the Borden. Depending on the bolt face and the action length you can have a Remington type of extractor or a Sako type of extractor on a Stiller. Also the next batch of Predators will have fluted bolts.

In the past I would buy a Remington donor and spend good money getting it trued, etc. Then when I got finished it was still a Remington action and I never came close to getting my money back. With the Stiller and Borden (maybe Lawton, but I haven't examined them) these actions come true and ready for a barrel to be screwed on. I have sold one of my Predators and got what I paid for it. Try that with a Remington blue printed action, because it's not going to happen. The Stiller will allow you to use a regular Remington floor place if you decide to go with a drop box or you can use a Wyatt extended magazine box purchased directly from Wyatt or Brownell's. Or an H-S Precision drop box will work nicely in the Stiller too.

Jerry Stiller, like Jim Borden, is a professionall engineer. Stiller got his start in high tech precision metal work for the federal governement. He got involved with benchrest shooting and decided there was a market for a Remington hunting clone, but manufactured close to benchrest standards. In the Stiller shop there is probably $3 million worth of CNC and milling equipment. They are a small shop and Stiller wants to keep in that way to keep the quality up. Give Jerry or his partner, Curtis Helton, a call and I think you will find they are no BS type of guys that tells it like it is.

Got one in the safe soon to be on my next project and got to say she is smooth. Anxious for the barrel and stock to arrive to get things going.

I've been thinking about buying one of their actions for several months and recently e-mailed them about installing a Kreiger barrel on one of their Predator actions ....the price quoted was VERY reasonable...I know the actions are nice.....any problems having them do the barrel installation too???

If they can build precision actions and have all that CNC machinery I would say they can chamber a barrel pretty easily!

I'm going to give them a call this week. I think I'll get one.
Thanks guys Mike

I have no doubt they can do it right...... was hoping to hear from someone that has had them do it.

Obviously I'll talk to them about throating for the bullet I want to use etc.......

Have no fear.Jerry and Curtis built my B/R rifle.They can chamber a barrel!
FWIW,
Jim <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Jim!

Tell us a little more about this project. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Stiller Predator action, 22" Kreiger stainless fluted Remington Varmint coutour barrel in 7 WSM, Wyatt extended mag box, Williams stainless bottom metal.....not sure which stock I'll use.....I have an extra Remington LTR stock that fits me very well, but am also considering a McMillan or Manners too.

Sounds real nice. Be sure to post pics when she's finished.

Gonhuntin,
sounds like a great rifle,the Predator actions are awesome. the Krieger barrel you will be more than happy with. IMHO if you are using a WSM case 24" is minimum or you would be better off with a case of less powder capacity with a 22" tube.
B

Been shooting a 22" 7 SAUM and am impressed with the velocity....3150 and change with 140s......the 7WSM doesn't have much more capacity than the SAUM so I figure it should work just fine.....besides, I don't want a 24" barrel....and that's reason enough for a 22" tube!!

is there a web site for stller actions?

www.viperactions.com

Your going to love that 7mmwsm some cartridge!

My gunsmith just ordered one for me. I guess it will be one of the few, if not only, Predators in Oz, in 6mm Lapua.

Can't wait....

thank you for website

anyone know if they plan on making LH actions?

Rumors say, not any time soon! Give Jim Borden or Lawton Machine a call!

Can anyone say what the approximate weight of the SA would be? Considering a lightweight 260/7-08 or 25 Souper, and these actions may be the way to go. Thanks.

bludog...Borden Alpine SA is 26ounces

Had a predator in my paws yesterday and weren't impressed. Direct comparisons to ones trued and sleeved by Gre-Tan or Kampfeld leave much to be desired, not in the same league. If you take a Predator, slam the bolt all the way open and shut real fast, you can get them to bind sometimes. If you take one and hold it straight upside down, bolt open, and try to close it they will bind even easier. Try it.......It won't happen to the 2 others I've mentioned..........2MG

Never held a predator but I'm equally not Impressed with the shape of the port,why do you think the others cycle so much better?

I am not sure what you mean by binding. If the bolt wont fall when held down, is it hitting a follower etc. When pulled all the way back and pushed forward at the knob end. they can bind a little. Any bolt that isnt real loose will. At .003 to .004 clearance, you have to push in a little closer to the bolt or hold the knob and push. Its like a benchrest action in that regard. It is also a .125 further back to accomodate the larger magazine cutout. The tactical series will have the standard cutout and not come as far back. I really havent had anybody else mention a binding issue. The port is shaped like that to allow the extended bottom magazine and still eject the rounds correctly. If it is not back that far, they will pinch and not eject well.

PS. Left hand actions will be coming this spring. All bolts are fluted now also.

How long does it take to receive a Predator after ordering it? is there a long waiting list before you get yours? and would they work well with a 300RUM?

we have some in stock. we have some mag boltfaces in stock that will work with a ultra mag.

Thanks for the info on the LH's. Its about time somebody offered this.

later in spring

Jerry,
I have no idea what ackleyfan is talking about, my nephew just bought a viper and 2 of my friends have just got there predators. VERY NICE work I will be calling you soon.
B

Boatanchor, Just read my post it's self explanatory,I said I wasn't Impressed with the shape of the port! I didn't say there was anything wrong with the mechanical part of the action I personally just don't like the shape of the port,I'm sure the machine work is very good,and as long as your happy with them that's all that matters! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

FYI - I believe it was 2muchgun that had an issue with Jerry's action not ackleyfan.

GK

Jerry, Got a magface Predator in the safe waiting for my barrel to arrive. Any way to get the bolt fluted?

Mr Stiller, I am one of the guys that PM'd over on SH wanting one of your Tactical actions. Do you mind telling us the dif between it and the regular Predator? Even better can you show us <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />!

The tactical actions are black oxide coated, have 8-40 screws and a screw on knob.

Mr Stiller---please do not think that I'm dogging your work, I'm not! It seems quite good overall. I'm no expert either, as you are. However, the scenario I described was true. Maybe it was only that particular action, I don't know. What I do know, is that the Gre-Tan and Kampfeld sleeved 700 actions that I "played with" did not exhibit said characteristics........2MG

I know folks who use the Predator in competition that most likely work the bolt faster than you are able and do not have any issues (I use other Stiller actions on my competition rifles). I have one of the early Predators that works perfectly.

Sir,

Can you explain the advantage of 8-40 screws for the scope mount base? I was under the assumption the 8-40 screws make for a more rugged scope mounting since the base screws are the weakest link in the whole scope mount setup. Why do tactical actions, DGRs and certain custom actions utilize 8-40s?

Thank you and very nice action you are producing!

MtnHtr

I`d like to ask if the black oxide is an option for the standard model. Is that also coated on the bolt? I`m ready to get on the list for another Stiller if this is a possibility.

I have a GAP 7000 and had my hands on a Borden Alpine, both new. Both, like the Predator, have tight tolerances. The 7000 and Alpine WERE very stiff the first 30-50 rounds down them. I was worried about how stiff the 7000 was. Now, after 100 rounds or so down it I can't explain how slick the action is. Smooth cycling is an understatement.

I am lucky to be one of a handfull to have one of the first lot of Stiller actions to arrive in the UK.
To say i'm excited i an understatement.

Ian.