First Impressions of Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail
The Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail promises to be a robust and precise mounting solution for optics on Defiance AnTi actions. Talley Manufacturing is known for quality, and I was eager to see if this rail lived up to their reputation. As an experienced outdoorsman and tactical gear specialist, a reliable mounting platform is critical for accurate shooting, especially at longer ranges.
My aging eyes have been forcing me to stretch my effective range with higher magnification optics. This requires a reliable and precisely machined Picatinny rail to ensure my scope adjustments are accurate and repeatable. I’ve struggled with inconsistent groupings on previous builds, and traced the issue back to a subpar rail. So, this time I was determined to get it right.
Upon receiving the Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail, I immediately noticed the clean machining and the solid feel of the 7000 series alloy. The hard-coat anodizing gave it a durable, non-reflective finish. Compared to some of the cheaper aluminum rails I’ve used in the past, this felt significantly more substantial.
I had been considering rails from Seekins Precision and Badger Ordnance, both reputable manufacturers. I ultimately chose the Talley rail because of its specific fit for the Defiance AnTi action and Talley’s reputation for tight tolerances. Plus, the price point was attractive.
Initially, I was impressed with the apparent build quality. I am also hopeful that the Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail will provide the stable and accurate platform I need for my long-range optic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail to the Test
First Use Experience
I mounted the Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail on my Defiance AnTi action and headed to my local shooting range. The range has 100-yard and 300-yard target setups, perfect for testing the accuracy and stability of the rail. I bore-sighted my scope at 100 yards before making any fine adjustments.
The weather was typical for late spring: overcast with a slight drizzle. I didn’t expect the moisture to affect the rail’s performance, but I wanted to observe if there were any changes in accuracy after prolonged exposure. The installation was straightforward, requiring only a few minutes using basic tools.
The first few shots at 100 yards were promising, with a tight grouping slightly high and to the right. After making minor adjustments to my scope, I achieved a consistent sub-MOA group. I was happy with the initial zeroing process.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a weekend hunting trip, the Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of loosening or shifting. I’ve fired several hundred rounds, ranging from standard factory loads to hand-loaded precision rounds, without any loss of zero.
The hard-coat anodizing has proven to be durable, resisting scratches and wear from scope rings and handling. Cleaning is simple, usually just wiping down the rail with a lightly oiled cloth. It’s worth noting that I haven’t experienced any corrosion or rust, even after exposure to rain and humidity.
In comparison to a previous, less expensive rail I used, the Talley rail offers significantly better stability and repeatability. The previous rail had a tendency to shift slightly after repeated recoil, leading to inconsistent groupings. This is not the case with Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail.
Breaking Down the Features of Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Talley Manufacturing
- Material: 7000 series Aluminum Alloy
- Finish: Hard-coat anodizing to 65 Rockwell
- Cant: 20 MOA
- Gun Make: Defiance Machine
- Gun Model: Defiance AnTi
- Gun Type: Rifle
- Gun Rail: Picatinny
- Country of Origin: USA
The 7000 series aluminum alloy provides a great balance of strength and weight savings. The hard-coat anodizing adds significant durability and corrosion resistance, critical for outdoor use. The 20 MOA cant allows for greater elevation adjustments at longer ranges, maximizing the effective range of my scope.
Performance & Functionality
The Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a stable and reliable platform for mounting optics. Accuracy is excellent, and I have consistently achieved sub-MOA groupings with my rifle.
The rail’s primary strength is its precision machining and tight tolerances, ensuring a secure and repeatable mounting surface. There are no significant weaknesses that I have identified. The product meets and exceeds my expectations for a quality Picatinny rail.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is top-notch, with clean lines and a smooth, consistent finish. The weight is minimal. Installation is straightforward and requires no specialized tools.
The Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail is user-friendly. The MIL-STD-1913 Pic Rail specifications ensure compatibility with a wide range of optic mounts.
Durability & Maintenance
The Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail is built to last. The materials and finish are resistant to wear and corrosion. Maintenance is minimal, typically just requiring a quick wipe-down after use.
I anticipate that this rail will provide many years of reliable service. The quality materials and construction suggest it will outlast many other components of my rifle.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail itself doesn’t come with any accessories. It is designed to be used with standard Picatinny scope mounts. The rail is compatible with a wide range of accessories from various brands.
This includes scope rings, red dot sights, and other Picatinny-compatible devices. Due to the MIL-STD-1913 specification any Picatinny accessory should work perfectly.
Pros and Cons of Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny RailPros
- Extremely durable 7000 series aluminum alloy construction.
- Precise machining and tight tolerances ensure a secure and repeatable mount.
- 20 MOA cant allows for greater long-range elevation adjustments.
- Hard-coat anodizing provides excellent corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install with basic tools.
Cons
- Limited to Defiance AnTi actions; not a universal fit.
- The 20 MOA cant may not be necessary for all shooters, particularly those who shoot at closer ranges.
Who Should Buy Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail?
Pros
- Extremely durable 7000 series aluminum alloy construction.
- Precise machining and tight tolerances ensure a secure and repeatable mount.
- 20 MOA cant allows for greater long-range elevation adjustments.
- Hard-coat anodizing provides excellent corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install with basic tools.
Cons
- Limited to Defiance AnTi actions; not a universal fit.
- The 20 MOA cant may not be necessary for all shooters, particularly those who shoot at closer ranges.
The Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail is perfect for precision rifle shooters and long-range hunters who use a Defiance AnTi action. Individuals who need additional elevation adjustment for their optics will also benefit. This rail is not for those with other rifle actions or those shooting exclusively at short ranges.
A high-quality set of Picatinny scope rings is a must-have accessory. A torque wrench is helpful to ensure proper mounting without over-tightening the screws.
Conclusion on Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail
The Talley Defiance AnTi 20 MOA Picatinny Rail is a well-made and reliable mounting solution for Defiance AnTi actions. The price is justified by the quality of materials, precision machining, and durability. I would definitely recommend it.
If you’re looking for a rock-solid Picatinny rail for your Defiance AnTi action, this is an excellent choice. Don’t settle for subpar components. Invest in quality for improved accuracy and peace of mind.