Short Or Long Action

Boosting Your Rifle Knowledge: A Guide to Long and Short Actions

Understanding the heart of your rifle, the action, is fundamental for any shooter. This critical component dictates the type of ammunition you can use and influences factors like the rifle's weight, speed, and overall performance. This guide will delve into the nuances of long and short rifle actions, helping you make more informed decisions about your firearm and potentially improving your shooting experience.

What is a Rifle Action?

The action of a rifle is the central mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects a cartridge. It is, in essence, the engine of the firearm. When we talk about "long action" versus "short action," we are primarily referring to the length of this mechanism, which is designed to accommodate different sizes of ammunition.

The Core Difference: It's All About the Cartridge

The most straightforward way to understand the distinction between a long and short action is to consider the overall length of the cartridge it is designed to handle.

  • Short Action: As the name implies, short actions are built for shorter cartridges. These more compact rounds require less distance for the bolt to travel back and forth to eject a spent casing and load a new one. This can translate to a slightly faster cycling time, a lighter overall rifle, and a more rigid, and therefore potentially more accurate, receiver.
  • Long Action: Conversely, long actions are necessary for longer, more powerful cartridges. These rounds often contain more gunpowder, leading to higher velocities and greater energy, making them suitable for long-range shooting and hunting larger game. The trade-off is a slightly heavier rifle and a longer bolt throw.

Identifying Your Rifle's Action

Determining whether your rifle is a long or short action is crucial for purchasing compatible accessories like scope mounts and stocks. Here are a few ways to find out:

  • Check the Caliber: The most reliable method is to identify the caliber your rifle is chambered in. The lists below provide a comprehensive breakdown for popular models.
  • Examine the Model Number: For some manufacturers, like Savage, the model number can indicate the action length. Typically, two-digit models are short actions, while three-digit models are long actions.
  • Measure the Action Screw Spacing: If you're still unsure, measuring the distance between the centers of the action screws can provide a definitive answer, especially for brands like Savage with multiple action lengths.

In-Depth Look: Popular Rifle Models

Here is a detailed breakdown of long and short action configurations for some of the most common rifle models:

Remington

Remington 700, 722, & 40x Short Action (SA):

  • .17 Remington
  • .222 Remington
  • .223 Remington
  • .22-250 Remington
  • .220 Swift
  • .243 Winchester
  • .257 Roberts
  • .260 Remington
  • 6.5 Creedmoor
  • 7mm-08 Remington
  • .308 Winchester
  • 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra-Mag
  • .300 Remington SA Ultra-Mag

Remington 700, 721, & 40x Long Action (LA):

  • .25-06
  • .264 Remington Mag
  • .270 Winchester
  • .280 Remington
  • 30-06 Springfield
  • 7mm Remington Magnum
  • .300 Winchester Magnum
  • 8mm Remington Magnum
  • .338 Winchester Magnum
  • .338 Lapua (HD rail recommended)
  • .375 H&H

Remington 788 – Standard Action:

  • .222 Remington
  • .223 Remington
  • .22-250 Remington
  • .30-30 Winchester

Remington 788 – Long Action (LA):

  • .243 Winchester
  • .308 Winchester
  • 6mm Remington

Winchester

Winchester 70 - Standard (Long) Action:

Fits all Pre-64 Winchesters (except H&H) and Post-64 models not chambered in the short action, WSM, or WSSM calibers listed below.

Winchester 70 - Short Action (SA) (Post-64):

  • .222 Remington
  • .223 Remington
  • .22-250 Remington
  • .243 Winchester
  • .308 Winchester

Winchester 70 – Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) (Post-64):

For all WSM calibers.

Winchester 70 – Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM) (Post-64):

For all WSSM calibers.

Browning

Browning A-Bolt - Standard (Std) / Long Action (LA):

All early models.

Browning A-Bolt - Short Action (SA):

Newer models chambered in short action calibers.

Browning A-Bolt – Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM):

For all WSSM calibers.

Savage

Savage (Pre Accu-Trigger - Flat Back Receivers):

Measurement of the center screw spread is necessary for confirmation.

  • Short Action (SA): 3.925”
  • Medium Action: 4.190”
  • Long Action (LA): 4.612”

Savage (With Accu-Trigger - Round Back Receivers, Post-2003, excluding Edge/Axis):

  • Short Action (SA): Models with two-digit numbers (e.g., 10, 12) and chambered in calibers like:
    • .223 Remington
    • 6.5 Creedmoor
    • .308 Winchester
    • .300 WSM
  • Long Action (LA): Models with three-digit numbers (e.g., 110, 111) and chambered in calibers like:
    • .270 Winchester
    • .280 Remington
    • .30-06 Springfield
    • .300 Winchester Magnum

Note: Always verify the caliber for newer Model 110 rifles, as some may be short action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main advantage of a short action rifle?
A: The primary advantages of a short action rifle are a slightly faster cycling time due to the shorter bolt throw, a lighter overall weight, and a more rigid receiver, which can contribute to improved accuracy.
Q: Why would I choose a long action rifle?
A: Long action rifles are necessary for firing larger, more powerful cartridges that are ideal for long-range shooting and hunting big game. These cartridges often offer higher velocity and greater downrange energy.
Q: Is a 6.5 Creedmoor a long or short action?
A: The 6.5 Creedmoor is a short action cartridge.
Q: Is a .30-06 Springfield a long or short action?
A: The .30-06 Springfield is a long action cartridge.
Q: Does the action length affect which scope mount I need?
A: Yes, absolutely. A one-piece scope mount for a long action rifle will not fit a short action rifle of the same model, and vice versa. It is crucial to know your action length before purchasing a scope mount.
Q: Can I put a short action cartridge in a long action rifle?
A: While it is mechanically possible for a gunsmith to chamber a short action cartridge in a long action rifle, it is not standard practice. The magazine and feeding system are optimized for the intended cartridge length, and using a shorter cartridge can lead to feeding issues. It is always best to use the action length that corresponds to the cartridge you intend to shoot.
Q: Is a "standard action" the same as a long action?
A: Generally, yes. The term "standard action" is often used interchangeably with "long action," as the .30-06, a long action cartridge, was a long-standing standard in the industry.
Q: How do I know if my Savage rifle has a flat back or round back receiver?
A: Savage rifles manufactured before 2003, prior to the introduction of the Accu-Trigger, typically have a flat back receiver. Rifles made after 2003 with the Accu-Trigger (excluding the Edge/Axis models) have a round back receiver.

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