Bat and Kelbly comparison

[Leadfarmer]

Forgive my stupidity with this, but now that I have a cartridge picked out for 300 yard bench and f-class club matches (6br) I'm looking at actions and have a question regarding the two.

What's the difference between a Kelbly Atlas single shot and something like a SV? They are both round bottom actions, both are machined to tight tolerances from what I researched and both have excellent CS. Is it purely the better configuration variations that bat offers or am I missing somthing obvious? Wondering if it's justifiable to spend the extra 5-600 on a BAT.

 

[Keith Kilby]

I bought a Kelbly Atlas for a BR build a few months back. Called to place order and phone was answered by Jim. Had a great chat, placed order, mailed check and FFL. Two weeks later had my action. Shooting buddy had very similar experience. I’d send anybody to Kelbly’s.

 

[Leadfarmer]

I bought a Kelbly Atlas for a BR build a few months back. Called to place order and phone was answered by Jim. Had a great chat, placed order, mailed check and FFL. Two weeks later had my action. Shooting buddy had very similar experience. I’d send anybody to Kelbly’s.

Awesome to hear! What configuration did you go with? I just spoke with him and he said he could do a dual port or a left load right bolt, which weren't options on the website for the atlas

 

[wkdickinson]

I bought a used Kelby's "Atlas" LRBR rifle a couple years ago in 6BRA. I couldn't be happier with it! The quality is outstanding! I rebarreled it a year ago, called Kelby's, talked to Ian and said that I'd read that their actions are built to a tolerance where they can chamber a barrel without the action. He confirmed that. I'd found a barrel and the vendor ship it directly to them, they sent me an invoice, which I paid, about 3 weeks later the barrel showed up in the mail. I screwed it on and checked the headspace - it was EXACTLY the same as my previous barrel, so I didn't even have to readjust my dies. Kelby's is a 1st class organization. I have no doubt BAT is also, I just have no experience with them.

 

[d0nkey]

I stick with Kelbly bc the fact that every time I have a question or need something, its always Ian or Jim calling me back. I don't know how they find the time to chat with me for a few minutes like they aren't busy. Love the dedication and customer service.

Not to mention I love their actions.

 

[Keith Kilby]

I got a R R single shot no ejector 308 BF. I’m just at 120 rounds through barrel…7BR. Although the match grade bullet selection is nonexistent, I’m getting promising results so far. Next test will be first with fired brass. I’ve had a bunch of groups already in mid 0.1” range. No one has any love for the 7. Already shooting a 6BR and 30BR so felt I should fill the gap. I do all my own work so my experiment isn’t as expensive as farming it out.

 

[ashooter]

Kelbly atlas is 700 footprint stock
Bat sv is heavy tang style stock.
Not sure if your trying to fit this in something your already have
Both manufacturers are good.

 

[Leadfarmer]

Kelbly atlas is 700 footprint stock
Bat sv is heavy tang style stock.
Not sure if your trying to fit this in something your already have
Both manufacturers are good.

I'm not. I plan on having a stock made and inletted for whatever one I choose.

Just curious if one gives something up to the other as far as tolerances, or if it's purely a matter of choice.

 

[ashooter]

Both actions run tight tolerances, both companies produce winning actions.
Most of the BR competition action are the heavy tang actions designed to be glued in.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Both actions run tight tolerances, both companies produce winning actions.
Most of the BR competition action are the heavy tang actions designed to be glued in.

Ehhh...I'd say that the Atlas relies on an added recoil lug and the SV has the thick tang as well as the recessed action cut in it's bottom, giving options for bedding. But overall, I'm not disagreeing bigly either way except to say that the SV doesn't need an added lug and that it's a BR action, where the Atlas is more of a hunting action, per se. Both can shoot though.

 

[Leadfarmer]

Ehhh...I'd say that the Atlas relies on an added recoil lug and the SV has the thick tang as well as the recessed action cut in it's bottom, giving options for bedding. But overall, I'm not disagreeing bigly either way except to say that the SV doesn't need an added lug and that it's a BR action, where the Atlas is more of a hunting action, per se. Both can shoot though.

A hunting action?! Haha, I was under the impression these were just rem semi clones used for BR and f class. Interesting though. I'm still reading all I can about the bat actions. Looking into a model B as well.

 

[ashooter]

Ehhh...I'd say that the Atlas relies on an added recoil lug and the SV has the thick tang as well as the recessed action cut in it's bottom, giving options for bedding. But overall, I'm not disagreeing bigly either way except to say that the SV doesn't need an added lug and that it's a BR action, where the Atlas is more of a hunting action, per se. Both can shoot though.

Yea, i'not sure how to write it correctly. Two different designed actions

 

[Tim Singleton]

I don’t see a lot of SV actions in BR these days. There are some out there for sure

Do some research on firing pin travel and weight for BR accuracy

 

[Leadfarmer]

I don’t see a lot of SV actions in BR these days. There are some out there for sure

Do some research on firing pin weight for BR accuracy

Will do! It also appears they are not making the SV anymore anyway until they get enough orders to make a run with them, at least that's what the website says.

 

[wkdickinson]

Ehhh...I'd say that the Atlas relies on an added recoil lug and the SV has the thick tang as well as the recessed action cut in it's bottom, giving options for bedding. But overall, I'm not disagreeing bigly either way except to say that the SV doesn't need an added lug and that it's a BR action, where the Atlas is more of a hunting action, per se. Both can shoot though.

Atlas "single-shot" a hunting action?

 

[Leadfarmer]

Atlas "single-shot" a hunting action?

I think maybe I wasn't clear, I meant the single shot action, maybe some confusion between that and the atlas tac. Or maybe not, haha.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Atlas "single-shot" a hunting action?

It was never their br action. Its basically a Remington clone...single shot or not. We can agree to disagree, though.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

A hunting action?! Haha, I was under the impression these were just rem semi clones used for BR and f class. Interesting though. I'm still reading all I can about the bat actions. Looking into a model B as well.

Haha! We all can have different standards...but yeah, hunting/tactical. Like I said, they were never their br action.
I can't remember the last time I saw a Remington clone at a br match but I'm sure someone has done it.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

The BAT SV is a true br action. Not knocking an Atlas but its apples/oranges for various reasons. Not knocking Kelby's either. They've made several actions I'd say are better for br than an Atlas and they'd probably tell ya the same thing.

 

[Rich S]

For a Kelbly action for Fclass, I’d look at the Fclass Panda. For BAT - a DS, B or Maverick or Borden BRM. These are assuming you are building a gun based on a 308 (BAT B, BRM or Fclass), BR or PPC case. All will give you great results. All of these guys are top notch to deal with as well. If your shooting FTR weight may be a consideration.