The Kodiak Defence Renova Action is a robust and very well functioning action for precision sport shooting. It’s a Remington 700 clone yet it has a Sako Extractor – which is larger – to eliminate any failures to extract. It has a 6 lug floating bolt head, and uses two rows of three locking lugs, making it a light bolt lift and smooth throw.
The Renova Action is worth it for anyone looking to build a solid and accurate precision rifle. I was incredibly impressed with how smooth the action moved. I never had a misfire either, and the accuracy of the rifle was impressive.
Table of Contents
Specs
- Bolt Face: Small or Large
- Hand: Left or Right
- Extractor: Sako (Larger)
- Barrel: Savage Pre-fit
- Triggers: Remington 700
- Action Screws: Remington 700 Spacing
- Bolt Lift: 90 Degrees
- Rail: 20 MOA
Pros
- Smooth action
- Easy bolt lift
- No failure to extract
- Very compatible with other parts
- Accurate
- Affordable to competition
Cons
- Nil
Price
At the time of this article, the Kodiak Defence Renova Action costs around $1300.
This price may seem high to some, especially when you can buy an already built rifle like the Savage Axis II Precision for around $1500. But when compared to other Action manufacturers, the Renova Action is very reasonably priced for those entering into competition shooting.
A Canadian Precision Rifle Build
Before we go into the details of this review, you may be wondering about this specific rifle build. So I’ll go over that here.
The barrel of this rifle is a Savage Pre-fit barrel from JC Custom Barrels, just north of Moncton, New Brunswick. JC makes numerous pre-fit barrels for Rem 700, Rem 783, Savage, Ruger, and more. I went to visit his shop and was really impressed. So if you’re looking for a barrel for your rifle, definitely go check out his website at https://jccustombarrels.com.
The chassis is the brand new MDT LSS Gen3 chassis with the tactical forend, skeleton carbine buttstock, angled pistol grip, and ORYX bipod. MDT is a phenomenal chassis company located in Chilliwak, British Columbia. This chassis setup is called the Tactical Kit for the LSS Gen3, and costs around $1350 + tax, which doesn’t include the bipod or AICS Magazine. You can read my full review here.
The scope is made by a Canadian optics company, Scorpion Outdoors, and the specific optic I’m using is the Target Master Wildcat 6-24×50 TAC FFP, and I’ve been super impressed with it. The glass is great, excellent field of view, and has an illuminated reticle. If you’re looking for a Canadian-made affordable optic, then check out Scorpion Outdoors.
The trigger of this Canadian rifle is a Trigger Tech Diamond Rem700 Single Stage trigger. This is the best trigger that I’ve owned, and even when others try using the rifle they are incredibly impressed with the trigger. The Diamond Single Stage Trigger has an adjustable pull-weight of 4 ounces to 4 pounds.
I also have a Fake Suppressor on this rifle and that is made by Canadian company True North Arms. This fake suppressor is 5/8″ – 24 TPI, but True North Arms has numerous fake suppressors on their website with different threads and configurations, like a Reverse Fake Suppressor which threads over top of your barrel oppose to threading on like a conventional suppressor.
6 Lug Floating Bolt Head
One of the great design features of the Renova Action is the ability for it to have the bolt face swapped out. If you’re shooting .223 with a small bolt face but want to step it up and shoot 6.5 Creedmoor, now you can change the bolt face, swap the barrel, and you have a different caliber rifle to shoot.
The bolt head also had 2 rows of 3 locking lugs which allows for a solid lock, a smooth throw, and light bolt lift. It feels incredible.
SAKO Extractor
The extractor on the Renova Action utilized the same extractor found on SAKO bolt-action rifles. Sako is known for its reliable and robust extractor mechanism, which contributes to smooth and dependable cycling of rounds. By utilizing the same design, the Kodiak Defence Renova action will have a solid performance on the range. After spending numerous hours firing this rifle, I can honestly say it has worked phenomenally.
Barrel Interface
The barrel that will fit on the Renova Action is a Savage Pre Fit barrel. These barrels are very common in the sports shooting community and you can almost be guaranteed to find on either used or get one manufactured at a relatively affordable price.
The other great thing about Savage Pre Fit barrels is that they don’t require a gun smith for installation. A quick video tutorial on YouTube to install and you’re on your way.
Bolt Knob
The bolt lift on the Renova Action is a 90 degree lift. This comes down to personal preference but I’m a fan of this bolt lift. The Renova Action Bolt Knob is a really good shape and size as well, making it easy to grab while keeping your eyes down-range.
20 MOA Rail
The picatinny rail on top of the action is a 20 MOA rail, which means you’ll be able to shoot targets or game at greater distances. Kodiak Defence doesn’t have other rails available, like a 0 MOA or a 30 MOA, but a 20 MOA rail is the perfect rail to have in my opinion.
Spiral Fluted Bolt
The Renova used a spiral fluted bolt, which is beneficial for a number of reasons. It allows the bolt to run smoother as it reduces the surface contact in the action, it reduced weight slightly, it can channel any dirt or debris away from the bolt surface which keeps it functioning well, and it simply looks awesome.
Performance
I’ve been very impressed while using the Renova Action on this rifle build. The rounds have been cycling flawlessly, it’s incredible smooth when extracting and chambering rounds, and the ergonomics and design of this action are incredible.
When I’ve had my friends shoot this rifle, they are also very impressed. Of course everything doesn’t come down to the action alone. The chassis allows for the recoil to feel nicer in the shoulder, the trigger has no creep and feels crisp, but the action works very well to keep the user experience positive. Everything about this Canadian precision rifle is excellent.
Conclusion
The Kodiak Defence Renova Action is more than just a precision rifle action. it’s a testament to Canadian innovation and craftsmanship. Built entirely from components sourced through leading Canadian manufacturers, the Renova represents a collaboration of excellence in the firearms industry. From the rugged and reliable Renova Action by Kodiak Defence, to the premium triggers from TriggerTech, precision barrels by JC Custom Barrels, optics support from Scorpion Outdoors, and chassis compatibility with MDT, every part of this build reflects top-tier Canadian engineering. Even the fine details, like accessories from True North Arms.
Whether you’re a competitive shooter, precision rifle enthusiast, or hunter looking for uncompromising performance, the Renova delivers on all fronts. It’s robust, accurate, and built to perform in the toughest environments. If you’re seeking a fully Canadian-made precision rifle platform that doesn’t cut corners, the Kodiak Defence Renova Action is what you’re looking for.