Hunting rifle with ruckus action

[Radar1419]

I’m having a 6cm build up at the moment and chose to go with a defiance ruckus action (because the lead time for a bat action is insane) was wondering if anyone had any experience with them and how they perform in colder environments specifically because I’m Alaska based. I mostly have experience with Weatherby mark v actions and adore them so was wondering how they compare as well. I will say I’ve shot a T3x action and didn’t really care for it personally thus the ruckus

 

[Dmoua]

Great action. Have two I use for PRS and have shot matches in the dead of winter with zero issues.

 

[Radar1419]

Great action. Have two I use for PRS and have shot matches in the dead of winter with zero issues.

Are they nitrited ?

 

[Dmoua]

Are they nitrited ?

Yes.

 

[Radar1419]

Yes.

Nice. I’ll be using this as a hunting rifle mostly so I’m wondering how heavy the rifles are. I’m using an xlr chassis and bartlien barrel

 

[Dmoua]

Nice. I’ll be using this as a hunting rifle mostly so I’m wondering how heavy the rifles are. I’m using an xlr chassis and bartlien barrel

It wouldn’t be my first choice if I was trying to save ounces. It’s a heavy action.

 

[Radar1419]

It wouldn’t be my first choice if you’re trying to save ounces. It’s a heavy action.

True. The rest of the build is very lightweight but that is a concern the gunsmith said I wouldn’t really notice the weight difference if I was used to using the mark v actions but it is a concern. I did have a buddy that had an anti x and he said he wouldn’t ever get one again

 

[Dmoua]

True. The rest of the build is very lightweight but that is a concern the gunsmith said I wouldn’t really notice the weight difference if I was used to using the mark v actions but it is a concern. I did have a buddy that had an anti x and he said he wouldn’t ever get one again

I have a nitride anti x with zero issues. 4000 plus rounds through it. Not sure what his issues were but I like mine.

 

[Radar1419]

I have a nitride anti x with zero issues. 4000 plus rounds through it. Not sure what his issues were but I like mine.

Hm maybe a bad one. He said it always bound up with any kind of upwards or side pressure

 

[Radar1419]

I have a nitride anti x with zero issues. 4000 plus rounds through it. Not sure what his issues were but I like mine.

I see on the website you can configure a ruckus to as little as 26 oz. And the anti x is 23 does 3 oz make that big of a difference?

 

[Dmoua]

I see on the website you can configure a ruckus to as little as 26 oz. And the anti x is 23 does 3 oz make that big of a difference?

That’s for you to decide but I don’t think so. Most individuals that complain about ounces could probably hit the gym more often.

 

[wind gypsy]

I see on the website you can configure a ruckus to as little as 26 oz. And the anti x is 23 does 3 oz make that big of a difference?

Defiance's lineup is such a circus of new names and tweaks it's hard to keep them all straight. Ruckus used to basically be a cheaper version of their deviant tactical with less customization offerings but with guaranteed headspace. Now looking at the ruckus lineup there's a pile of different configurations including hunter and ultralight versions. I would bet many folks are like me and think tactical version when they hear ruckus.

I've never bought a defiance due to some common reported downsides on the internet the validity of which i can't say:

• Tight clearance specs that dont play well with dust/debris
  • There was discussion that this was changed in some actions, heck if I know though
• The Anti models bolt handle didn't play nice with scope clearance - there are options to change it out though
• The deep fluting on underside of bolt (primarily Anti models) made for less than smooth feeling bolt travel
• When they got acquired by Bob Beck prices went through the roof. They seem to have went back down to match the market now

All that said, the smiths who seem to me to be most particular about everything being straight, action timing, ignition system function, and generally peak precision performance (Ryan Pierce, Alex Wheeler, Taylor Stratton) all seem to be fond of Defiance actions. Those are the guys that I've seen mention spending time further tweaking expensive custom actions to get these things perfect when most 'smiths seem let em be and screw a barrel on.

And now they have the renegade which just seems like it's the new Anti? No idea what the difference between it and the ruckus ultralight are beyond maybe a couple different bolt and mag well cut options on the ruckus (which again, used to be the no frills/options line).

If I were going to buy a defiance for hunting, i'd inquire about the clearance specs on different models for playing nice with dirt/debris.