New Barnard SuperMagnum and 50-Cal Actions

New Zealand action-maker Barnard Precision has introduced two new “supersized” actions to complement its Model ‘S’ (Rem 700 footprint), Model ‘P’, and Model ‘PL’ line of three-lug actions. While the Model ‘PL’ can fit up to a .338 Lapua Magnum, the new SuperMagnum ‘T’ action features a new front recoil lug, plus a longer receiver with extended tenon section to better support long, heavy barrels. The massive, new Barnard ‘GP’ action is designed from the ground up to withstand the heavy loads of 50-caliber cartridges.

Measuring 12.4″ in length, and weighing 8.14 lbs. (3.7kg), the new Model ‘GP’ 50-Caliber action is an impressive beast. According to Mac Tilton of MTGuns, the “Barnard 50-Cal is a model ‘P’ on steroids–it shares all the important design features of the Model ‘P’, and the trigger.” Mac adds, “The Model ‘GP’ is unique. Most 50-Cal actions are beefy, but built to relatively loose standards. Barnard’s new 50-Cal is built to precision tolerances all the way around. It is truely a ‘match-grade’ action.” The Model GP features a triple-lug 34mm-diameter bolt, Sako-type extractor, 1.670″ long x 1.50″ diameter x 12 t.p.i. barrel shank thread, four 8mm action screws, and six 5mm scope base screw holes.

Shown below is the new Model ‘T’ action, a special-order “Supermagnum” action designed for the long Ultra Magnum cartridges such as 300 Rem Ultra Mag. On top is a True-Flite +17 MOA steel base for F-Class and 600/1000 Benchrest. The Model ‘T’ features a triple-lug 22mm diameter bolt, 1.5″-long 1.062″ x 16 t.p.i. tenon, extended loading port, and 8mm-thick, double-pin recoil lug. The customer can choose either plunger or blade type ejectors.

One Bolt for both Standard and Magnum Cartridges
True-Flite Ltd. offers a great optional feature for Barnard Model ‘PL’ actions. This is a boltface bushing that lets you shoot both .308-sized cases and Magnum-diameter cases. True-Flite’s boltface bushing allows the use of all cartridge head sizes from .472″ (e.g. 6mmBR and .308 Win ) to .587″ ( 338 Lapua Magnum ), simply by inserting or removing the bushing and changing extractors.

This option makes the model PL extremely versatile for both target work and long-range hunting. That’s smart engineering–why haven’t we seen this before from other action makers?

Kiwi gunsmith Steve Blenkarne of True-Flite Ltd. says the ‘PL’ is his favorite action for long-range target and hunting rifles: “The ‘PL’ has a 24mm diameter bolt, compared to 22mm with the ‘P’. It’s extended in the middle, with a longer port. We’ve used this action with great success for a number of WSMs, and recently, I’ve built a number of 338 Lapuas on the ‘PL’ action.” Steve noted: “another worthwhile True-Flite option is the vee-block bedding system, available for all Barnard actions. Shooters can have one stock and several barreled actions, all of which hold perfect zeros.”

Barnard Precision has a web site at long last. Hopefully it will be updated with more photos and technical information soon. The site address is: www.barnard.co.nz. You’ll also find good info on Barnard actions at the True Flite Rifle Barrels site, and at MTGuns.com, (Barnard’s U.S. Importer).

Photos courtesy True-Flite Ltd., Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand.