From my experience in the field, a bolt that doesn’t lock closed and a 90 degree throw is a non-starter for me. I wanted to use a custom for a light weight build, but non-locking bolt is a no-go. I will just have UM lighten up a tikka action.
After using UM tikka rings, I don’t “need” and integral rail either, the pinned UM tikka rings are bullet proof.
Moreover, every tikka I have owned or have been around is a tack driver, so I don’t need start with a custom barrel. Just start with modifying a tikka barrel (chop/thread or even re-chamber or throat) provided the barrel is a suitable host for the desired cartridge (bore diameter and twist).
Lastly, if I ever needed a COAL longer than what the factory tikka mag allows, UM has a solution for that too… but I doubt I ever will.
Therefore, for me, I objectively can not see any reason to use a custom action. Rather, it just makes sense to use a tikka and do any modifications I may “want”… and that’s want, not “need”.
