When it comes to choosing a rifle, or a chassis system, one of the most important considerations is whether it’s chambered in a short action or a long action caliber. This isn’t just about cartridge size—it influences everything from rifle weight and handling to accuracy and ballistic performance. Whether you’re a hunter, competitive shooter, or recreational marksman, understanding the difference can help you make a more informed choice.
What Do “Short Action” and “Long Action” Mean?
At its core, the terms “short action” and “long action” refer to the length of the rifle’s receiver and bolt throw, which is dictated by the size of the cartridge the rifle is designed to fire.
- Short Action rifles are built to accommodate cartridges typically measuring around 2.8 inches or less in overall length. Examples include popular calibers like .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester and cartridges smaller than these examples.
- Long Action rifles are designed for cartridges from around 2.9 inches up to 3.34 inches in overall length (and sometimes slightly more). Classic examples include the .30-06 Springfield, 6.5×55, 300 Win Mag, .270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum and cartridges larger than these examples.
The action length ensures the bolt has enough travel to cycle and chamber the round properly. While the difference may seem small on paper, it can have a noticeable effect on how the rifle feels and performs.
Key Differences Between Short and Long Actions
1. Rifle Size and Weight
- Short Action rifles tend to be lighter and more compact. The shorter bolt throw makes for a quicker cycling action, and the overall weight reduction can be noticeable—something hunters appreciate when covering long distances.
- Long Action rifles are generally heavier due to the longer receiver and bolt. This added weight, however, can help absorb recoil and provide stability when shooting larger calibers.
2. Bolt Travel and Speed
- Short Action: A shorter bolt throw translates into faster cycling between shots. This is advantageous in competitions or hunting scenarios where follow-up shots may be necessary.
- Long Action: The longer bolt throw is slower to operate and can feel less smooth, though for deliberate long-range shooting, the difference isn’t usually critical.
3. Cartridge Options
- Short Action Calibers: Favored for efficiency and accuracy. The 6.5 Creedmoor, for instance, has become a gold standard in precision shooting due to its excellent ballistics and ability to fit into a short action rifle.
- Long Action Calibers: Provide room for more powder capacity and larger bullets, which often translates into higher muzzle velocity and greater energy. This makes them ideal for big game hunting and extreme long-range shooting.
4. Accuracy and Ballistics
- Short Action: Many shooters argue that short action cartridges are inherently more accurate because the shorter bolt and stiffer receiver reduce flex and vibration. While the difference is often marginal, in precision shooting, small gains can matter.
- Long Action: Ballistic performance is where long actions shine. They allow the use of heavier, high-BC (ballistic coefficient) bullets that carry energy further and buck the wind more effectively—an advantage in long-range hunting and shooting.
5. Recoil and Handling
- Short Action: Typically milder recoil, depending on caliber, which means easier shot recovery and more comfortable shooting for extended sessions.
- Long Action: More powerful cartridges often mean heavier recoil. While the extra rifle weight helps mitigate this, shooters may still feel a sharper kick compared to short action rifles.
6. Importance in Chassis Selection
When ordering a chassis system you will need to make sure that you get the variant that reflects your action length. For example a short action variant for a short action cartridge as in most cases a long action rifle/barrelled action will not fit in a chassis designed for a short action, this is due to the different sizes of these actions as well as the spacing of the action screws.
However, there are some actions that are only made in one length, such as the Tikka T3 /T3x and Savage Axis. These rifles are available in both short action (SA) and long action cartridges (LA). When selecting a chassis system for these rifles, you still need to make sure that you select the correct SA/LA variant as the magazine wells are made to fit either short or long action magazines. A long action T3x chassis cannot fit short action magazines and vice versa.
Which is Best
The choice between short action and long action depends entirely on your intended use:
- For Hunting in Dense Terrain or Lightweight Carry: Short action rifles are often the better choice. They’re lighter, quicker to operate, and chambered in cartridges that are more than capable of taking medium-sized game (like deer, goats, or pigs). A .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor is more than sufficient in most hunting scenarios.
- For Long-Range Hunting or Larger Game: Long action rifles take the lead. Cartridges like the .30-06 Springfield or 7mm Rem Mag deliver the velocity, energy, and ballistic performance needed to ethically take down bigger animals (like elk or moose) at extended ranges.
- For Precision and Target Shooting: It depends on your goals. Short action calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor dominate precision rifle competitions due to their efficiency and reduced recoil. But if you’re chasing extreme long-range targets beyond 1,000 yards, long action cartridges with heavy, high-BC bullets might be the better fit.
Final Thoughts
There’s no absolute “winner” between short action and long action calibers. Instead, each has strengths tailored to specific shooting applications. If portability, speed, and reduced recoil are your priorities, short action rifles are a smart choice. If raw power, long-range energy, and versatility with larger calibers matter more, a long action rifle will serve you well.
Ultimately, the best rifle action length is the one that matches your shooting style, target, and environment. Many seasoned shooters own both, using short action rifles for lighter work and competitions, and reserving long action rifles for big hunts or long-range challenges.