I was reading and article a few days ago that stated "3 lug bolts are found on entry level rifles".

Granted, the Ruger American, CVA Cascade (built by Bergara) etc have 3 lug designs, but I don't see how that is a cost saving measure.

My thinking is it requires more maching to build a 3 lug bolt and to have the receiver cut for it than it does a 2 lug gun.
Not to mention, it requires less bolt lift to cycle the action than it does with a 2 lug design.

Thoughts?

Interesting article. Must have been a Remmy fan boy.

Some of my favorite rifles are 3 lug: Cooper’s, A-Bolt’s, Fierce Carbon Fury, Sako 75/85. None of which I’d consider entry level

Wasn’t 3 lug an improvement to accuracy from the 2 lug design? I honestly don’t know which came first. And the Ruger American’s shoot pretty dang good entry level or not. I think I own 4-5 of them.

I enjoy a 60 degree bolt lift. The historic designs seem to be 2 lug 90 degree, but expensive to produce doesn’t necessarily equal greater capability.

I do prefer the hand feel of operating a nicely machined Model 70 action over others. And by that I mean pushing a round off the top of a mag, the rim getting smoothly grabbed, and then lightly but solidly closing the action. Push feed just doesn’t do it for me in that department.

I’ve owned both and prefer the shorter throw of the 3 lug designs. That said, aren’t tikkas 2 lug with a short throw?

I can’t tell a difference in accuracy. I’ve had both that shoot lights out.

I don't think it matters.

The Husqvarna rifles I have are 3 lug but not in the traditional sense
These have two at the front and one at the rear

Anyone remember the old 788s that had the lugs on the rear?

Anyone can write an article nowadays the internet is full of complete garbage there are almost as many experts on guns as their are "gunsmiths".....

The barrier to entry is pretty much ZERO. It's a shame but reality. People are generally stupid and don't know what they are talking about so here we are.

The good news for y'all is that you've got me. So you won't be nearly as stupid and clueless as the other guys but y'all do still try really hard.

I want one of the new Bat machine Neuvo 2 lug actions that lock up horizontal instead of vertical

How about 6 lug and 9 lug?

I have a lot of traditional 2-lug actions. Anyone trying to tell me they’d be ‘worse’ if they were 3-lug and had a <90deg bolt lift, is crazy. I will say that (to a point), the more locking surfaces you have, the easier it is to ensure adequate locking surface, and any circular arrangement is more solid with more contacts….but that’s all just ‘in theory’. I’m not too much into the weatherby design, but there’s plenty of great designs out there. Execution is the issue most days.

Clearly bargain basement offerings.

The article in question was an American Rifleman piece on the CVA Cascade bolt action.
It's basically a 3 lug Bergara.
Judging by the price I don't see "entry level", they run neck and neck with some Bergara B14 models.
Externally the receivier is a Bergara B14 with the only differnce being a 3 lug design.
Same barrel, same stock as some Begaras just a different finish.

I had one in last week becuse it "wouldn't group". Sure enough, it wouldn't group with some 150gr ammo, but it stacked Federal Premiums loaded with Nosler 150 ballistic tips.
It also liked 168gr Match KIngs

The story I was told was that the Cascade was sold and returned by the buyer because it would not group.
To satisfy the customer, the seller refunded the purchase price and then sold them a Begara because the buyer refused to find ammo the gun would shoot since all his other guns would shoot the ammo he was using

^^^ What? Surely EVERY rifle should like the cheapest, off the shelf ammo?

I know, right?!? ... go figure

Doc , I don't think with todays CNC machines there would be enough difference in the machining a 2 to 3 lug to move the price needle. Now back in the day of all manual machining possibly . Disclaimer : I've never machined a receiver or bolt, manual or CNC so it's just an educated guess.

Jarrett rifles are some of the finest made, and their proprietary action is a 3 lug

Many "Group" benchresters have left the 2 lug Kelby Stoole panda in favor of the Bat 3 lug. The groups just keep shrinking.. Now a days a 1/4" 5 shot group aggerate will be close to last place

I like the 2 lug because it's less upset on the rifle when opening the bolt the 3 is faster because of the shorter throw but seems it takes more force to open that's just my observations from shooting both