Budget benchrest actions?

[Trigger-Jerker]

That probably sounds like it's already off to a bad start. Haha. Anyone have a favorite or a suggestion on a budget minded action. I was looking at a panda, but after tax and FFL fees I'm looking at close to $1,800. Then started looking at an atlas single shot or a stiller maybe?

Any suggestions?

You can buy a Panda for $1296.00 with free shipping from Bruno's.

 

[Leadfarmer]

You can buy a Panda for $1296.00 with free shipping from Bruno's.

Dang that changes things a little. That's only $100 more than the atlas.

 

[jimmymac]

Leadfarmer, you're asking all the right questions, sir. Also look at parts availability and customer service...very important when things aren't what they should be. Having been 'batted' around by one particular action maker, I appreciate the service and attention Kelbly's delivers.

On the topic of bolt clearance, even a great aluminum action may at times benefit from reduced bolt clearance. This is one of my Kodiaks...Mike Bryant fitted the bolt with a sleeve. It's one of what quite a few of us refer to as the Law Of The Threes.

That’s cool.

 

[AlNyhus]

Dang that changes things a little. That's only $100 more than the atlas.

I'd not linger....

 

[Bodhisafa]

Pierce Banshee. It’s not on our website yet, but it’s something I came up with for short range benchrest. Price is $1250 with a stainless action body and nitrided or DLC coated bolt. Fully coated or nitrided is $1300
View attachment 1556315View attachment 1556316

Would this not be a good option for long range also? 1000yds?

 

[Leadfarmer]

Boy I'm being a real askhole today. Last question though. What's with the panda not having a recoil lug like on the f class? From what I see the recoil lug is to accommodate larger calibers. Think I want a 6 or 30BR. Is the 30BR too much juice for a panda?

 

[Jud96]

Would this not be a good option for long range also? 1000yds?

The ports are small, but would work with a BR/BRA/Dasher. The pictures I posted are from the prototype I made. The final version has an “XP” type cut on the bottom with a 90* square shoulder on the front and the traditional angled rear part of the XP cut, the bolt stop is moved forward 1/2” to shorten bolt throw for the shorter PPC and BR cases, the ejection port is shortened up, square BR style tang, and I’m planning to make it work with BAT trigger hangers because they’re available and I don’t need to reinvent the wheel with a simple thing like a trigger hanger. I’d also like to make a long version of the same action but with bigger ports for the 284, WSM, and PRCW.

The picture below is of the “XP” style cut that I’ll be adding to the next ones I make. The XP cut in the picture was machined manually and done for purpose and not for looks, final versions will have a nicer surface finish.

 

[jimmymac]

Boy I'm being a real askhole today. Last question though. What's with the panda not having a recoil lug like on the f class? From what I see the recoil lug is to accommodate larger calibers. Think I want a 6 or 30BR. Is the 30BR too much juice for a panda?

You won’t have any issues without a recoil lug. Be mindful of the bolt face though. I didn’t look at the actions on Bruno’s website but you won’t be able to use BR cases if the bolt has PPC bolt face. Still not a deal breaker. For a nominal fee it can be opened up to work with BR cases.

 

[AlNyhus]

What's with the panda not having a recoil lug like on the f class? From what I see the recoil lug is to accommodate larger calibers. Think I want a 6 or 30BR. Is the 30BR too much juice for a panda?

If you're doing a glue in, a seperate recoil lug isn't needed. If it's going to be a bolt in, most use the back edge of the tang as the recoil lug surface. Of course, you can also fit a traditional 700 style lug up front....though that complicates the easy peasy barrel changes. I've done a couple where I made a bolt on lug using the middle action screw.

For the bolt face, there's also what's termed a 'combo' bolt face that will work with both the .473 and .445 case heads.

 

[Dimner]

Cry once

you can't really add on 'buy once' on to that statement. One custom action seems to turn into a 2nd and a 3rd pretty quick.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

you can't really add on 'buy once' on to that statement. One custom action seems to turn into a 2nd and a 3rd pretty quick.

True enough. I think we've talked about this. My position is not necessarily that one brand makes you win and the other dooms you to lose. There are lots of reasons to choose one action over another. It can come down to little things like, a little difference in angle of ejection. I prefer a
Panda over everything else in that single regard. These things only come with experience with a lot of different stuff. That's a personal preference thing. Not at all saying that all others are bad. I'm a Borden fan but it's the overall picture, to me, unless I find any deal breakers in one vs another.

 

[tac284]

Just hit the market…

SELLING - Borden Alpine 30br Benchrest rifle

Borden Alpine single shot action, RBRE, Jewell trigger, Hart 30BR 17tw barrel with 144 rounds fired, Tom Merideth Heavy Varmint 3" wide stock (Weight added) Shoots amazing. Will include 148 pieces of Lapua brass. Rifle alone $2750 shipped With March 50x LR reticle, Kelbly rings $4100 shipped

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

[Leadfarmer]

Just Bought a panda from Bruno's, and also have a lilja 17 twist barrel. Once everything is squared away, I'll be sending it to old Dominion custom rifles. Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

[DR1586]

For $1350 you can get a Panda short action. Arguably one of the winningest actions ever built. I know that $50 over your budget, but if you’re talking the cost of a box of bullets difference.

 

[6MMsteve]

find a complete rifle then rebarrel with trigger, I just purchased one, brand new for about 1/2 the price with Bix & Andy trigger, defiance action, tooley mbr stock

 

[Old Navy]

I'd say $1300 max

Lone Peak Razor

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I have the first prototype Kauger BR3 that Alex Wheeler helped them develop before they went into production on that model. Alex timed it perfectly to a Bixn Andy BR trigger (that he also worked over) and threaded a Krieger barrel in 6 Dasher on it for me. I gotta say, this Kauger BR3 that Alex worked over is damn impressive. As smooth and tight as anything I’ve ever seen. And if you’ve ever borescoped a chamber cut by Alex, it will make your jaw drop in comparison to others

 

[TommyD11730]

Like this. This one was polished.

View attachment 1556279View attachment 1556280View attachment 1556281


This one was my 6bra barrel and won it's first match right out of the gate!!

Gorgeous! Is that the "chain link" bolt pattern?

Did the hanger require inletting (much) in your stock?

 

[urbanrifleman]

Gorgeous! Is that the "chain link" bolt pattern?

Did the hanger require inletting (much) in your stock?

Yes!!

The Revolution aluminum bedding block trigger opening usually has to be increased for a trigger hanger.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

For the $1300 budget, Kauger is the one for sure. But Bat is Bat for a reason. Either can win on the given day thats for sure. And I do have customers that have their own preferences from a shooters point of view. Some prefer one or the other.