FAQs

Defiance is a manufacturer of high-quality bolt-actions. Because of the bolt and receiver combination in the Tenacity, anTi, anTi X, and Ruckus actions we can achieve headspace consistencies of +/- .001” action to action. The decision of a builder to use a Defiance action with a barrel designated as “pre-fit” is the decision of the builder. On our actions that have a guaranteed headspace we can maintain this consistency, but have no control over the quality and consistency of barrel manufacturers or gun builders’ machining abilities.

Pre-fitting a barrel is possible, but only when you have consistently machined actions, and an equally precise chambering of barrels. Defiance’s position on pre-fits is; if you choose to use pre-fit barrels on our actions, you should only do so if final fit up is done by a reputable gunsmith to insure proper headspace and fit.

You can change your order if it isn’t already in production. We pull material and start machining approximately 3 weeks before the action is complete, and changing the model of your action could affect lead times. It’s best to think your build through before placing the order. Call and talk to our sales staff if you have questions about features, options, etc., We’ll make sure you’re ordering the action that best suits your needs.

Currently all our actions are made using aircraft grade pre-hardened steels, the receivers are 416 stainless and our bolts are 4340 chrome-moly steel. We do however offer two ultra-lightweight actions the anTi and anTi-X, that will weigh very comparably to a titanium action of a similar design, while maintaining an all-steel construction.

Defiance receivers are made from 416 stainless and are very corrosion resistant. If left “bare,” they will resist corrosion in most all conditions. Our bolts are 4340 chrome moly, which is susceptible to corrosion. The smooth finish we provide helps to repel moisture, but if you want added protection against corrosion, you have options.

• Be diligent with your maintenance by cleaning, drying, and lubricating the bolt. A bolt “in the white” will resist rust very well if properly maintained.
• Defiance offers Black Nitride, a molecular coating that, adds lubricity, and surface hardness, as well as turns the steel a rich black colour without adding measurable thickness. This adds an additional cost as well as a slightly longer lead time.
• 4340 will accept bluing or Parkerizing. (Both are black or dark gray and help resist rust.)
• Cerakote is an option for protecting your action and bolt. However, Cerakote adds thickness to the surface of the metal and we maintain tight clearances in our actions, so Cerakote must be properly applied by a certified applicator which can be found on Cerakote’s website. We recommend that you do NOT apply Cerakote to the bolt and the lug raceways in order to prevent binding of your bolt.

We require a 50% deposit when you place your order. We accept all major credit cards (no credit card fees apply), checks, and money orders. We will run the credit card on file for the balance due on your order when the action is ready to ship. (We have a standard invoicing procedure with our larger, rifle manufacturing companies, of course.)

You can call our sales staff and place additional funds towards your deposit of your order, prior to shipment, if desired.

Yes, Defiance gladly extends a 10% off Military/LEO/First Responder Discount, thank you for your service. This discount applies to anyone who is in the military, including active and retired military (from any branch), law enforcement, first responders, doctors, nurses, and ambulance personnel. ID and/or credentials to be provided with account set up.

• No, our actions have been used around the world in all kinds of conditions.
• Our .700” bolt body diameter maintains .002” clearance while in battery, but is relieved in the center, with .003” clearance for smooth cycling even if some debris has found its way into your receiver. .697” bolts have .003” additional clearance for extreme conditions or for applying a coating to the bolt.  Defiance is one of the most popular action choices for top precision rifle competitors, who rely on their rifles to perform in very harsh conditions. Likewise, hunters worldwide trust that hunt of a lifetime, and sometimes their own lives to the reliability of their Defiance actions.

From 21.9 oz. to approximately 40 oz. Approximate weights are listed in the Specification section of each action model.

A new bolt with a different bolt face can be ordered for your current action. We do require the serial number before we place the order to ensure the magazine cut you have on your action will function with the cartridge you are looking to run. We will need your receiver back in house to ensure proper fit up between the bolt and receiver. We do our best to get bolt only orders into production within 3 months of the order being placed. You can mail us back in the receiver at the 2 month mark, this will allow plenty of time for shipping and material to be pulled. Please contact our sales staff to place an order.

We recommend you contact the barrel manufacturer and torque to their recommended specifications. We are confident that our actions can handle the torque spec given to you by the manufacturer.

It has been Defiance’s policy to not publish any blueprints or dimensions and to recommend the gunsmith measure the action for what is and to work accordingly. We use the same style of threads as a Remington 700, being 1.0625” X 16 TPI Class III threads. We offer several bolt noses that will influence the chambering of the breach, a flat nose, Remington “recessed”, single shot cone (30° nose), and our Elite (30° nose). Some actions may feature a Mauser style CRF which is no longer offered, it was a 20° bolt nose that also requires a extractor cut in the breach.

We recommend 20 in/lbs on the screws holding the rail on our Tenacity, anTi and Rebel actions. Loctite can be used, be we do not recommend anything stronger than blue.

You can call or email the office and place an order with our expert sales staff. We will walk you through the options and help you design a custom action that is perfectly suited for your application.

Check our Available for Immediate Delivery page. If we have an action you would like to purchase, call the office and our sales staff will process the order.

If you purchase an action from a dealer, gunsmith, or rifle builder and you are not happy with it, we will do our best to make it right.

Contact us with your original proof of purchase, showing who you purchased the action from, the price you paid, and when you purchased it. Some restrictions apply.

Actions purchased from a dealer, gunsmith, or rifle builder can be refunded through the business that your purchased the action from.

Our goal is to ensure you are happy with your experience with our company and products, even if you want a refund. If you have any issues getting a refund from the business you purchased the action from, contact us with your original proof of purchase and we’ll do our best to make it right. Some restrictions apply.

Our lead time varies due to factors such as shooting sport seasons, hunting seasons, growing demand, and expansion in our shop. We strive to supply a custom product in the shortest time possible. Call or email the office to get the current lead time.

We ship to customers all over the country so really can’t offer recommendations. The best advice is to ask around. Find shooters whose equipment you admire. Look for reviews. And if the best gunsmith is not nearby, we suggest you drive the extra miles or ship the parts. You want the best.

No. It will decrease accuracy and dependability. Our firing pin is guided, solid-one piece, machined in one operation, and specifically designed to deliver the best accuracy.

It depends. Every choice has advantages and tradeoffs—that’s why we customize for your needs. Ask our sales staff for their recommendations.

No. They affect weight. They affect look and feel. They are a choice; some shooters love them and some could care less. They do not impact accuracy.

Some will. Some will not. All models can be configured to fit into a Remington 700™ inlet (some stocks may require minor modifications). Most custom stock makers inlet for all of our actions.