BAT 3L Pros and Cons

[264WM70]

I am looking to have my first custom rifle built for 600 yard benchrest competition. I would really like to use a BAT action in this build. In searching for an action, I came across a deal on a BAT 3L for sale. I was thinking about building off a BAT B action. What are the pros and cons of using the BAT 3L vs. the BAT B action?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Three lugs open harder than 2 lugs. Its just how it works. There is no benefit to a 3 lug other than short bolt throw, if that is a benefit. I would use a B.

 

[Jefferson]

I like the 3lug if it's melonited as it then is a lot smoother and easier to open, not sure on bolt timing though

Jeff

 

[Gabe]

Bat b-ds or 3 lug you wont go wrong with any of them. I use bat ds actions. I do like 3 lugs and plan on getting one, they do have a shorter bolt lift because of the 3 lugs but once you get used to them they are nice. The melonit actions are smoother. A friend of mine uses a 3 lug and does ok with it , he has won the super shoot a few times with his 3 lugs but he can probably use a 2 lug and do just as good, but he likes 3 lugs, his name is gene bukys

 

[264WM70]

So far I am hearing that much of the decision is personal choice. Alex has stated that bolt life is heavier and melonite action coating helps with smoothness. I see two lug as being slightly preferred. What hasn't been said yet?

 

[BoydAllen]

Some time back BAT started offering roller cocking pieces on their 3L actions to ease the bolt lift issue. I believe that they are also available on many of their 2L actions. It is my understanding that much of long range benchrest involves running targets as rapidly as possible. For this type of shooting it would seem that, all other things being equal, that things that contribute to lower bolt lift would be very desirable. Based on what friend who has owned both finishes, if I were ordering a BAT it would be Melonited. Evidently they are slicker and the finish prevents any galling problems. As far as inherent accuracy goes, if you go back a long ways and do some reading, having lug support more evenly distributed around the bot face seems to be an advantage if brass is of lesser quality. I believe that it was Creighton Audette that wrote about this.

 

[tuttlefarm]

I have 2 Bat 3L's. Both are in 1000yd heavy guns. I would not use them in light guns......... Bolt lift and upsetting the rifle in the bags is the reason

 

[Tim Singleton]

I have a Bat 3 lug and two other 2 lug rifles panda and Hall
I don't use the Bat. I think the intent was to make an action to shoot faster but for me the rifle gets upset in the bags and this slows me down further
Mine has the roller piece and doesn't help that much IMO
Now I'm sure there are people out there that can work on these things and have them working better than you can imagine. But that just isn't realistic to all

 

[shoot4fun]

The BAT 3L benefits greatly from Melonite and the DS cocking piece. The one I had was very smooth and bolt lift no more effort than with my two lug actions.
I would not have parted with it unless I had not gotten a super deal on another rifle and needed $$.

 

[JasonT]

I know it's not a BAT, but my Barnard PC action is a three lug and opens just as, if not more easily than my trued Remingtons. The Barnard is hardened chromoly, which is slipperier than stainless, so that could be it too.

 

[600-60x]

I am looking to have my first custom rifle built for 600 yard benchrest competition. I would really like to use a BAT action in this build. In searching for an action, I came across a deal on a BAT 3L for sale. I was thinking about building off a BAT B action. What are the pros and cons of using the BAT 3L vs. the BAT B action?

Call Jim borden
Borden accuracy bats are good jim borden and borden actions are the best

 

[NA Woody]

It's likely the OP has made a decision by now.... since this was from 2017.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Call Jim borden
Borden accuracy bats are good jim borden and borden actions are the best

What makes them the best?

 

[BoydAllen]

Admittedly this is 15 years old, but I believe it shows Tony shooting a 3L with an extended firing pin with weight added. Judge for yourself as to whether his bags were disturbed. I have no idea but is there any chance that he traded a little spring weight for a heavier pin to minimize lift?

 

[boltfluter]

Admittedly this is 15 years old, but I believe it shows Tony shooting a 3L with an extended firing pin with weight added. Judge for yourself as to whether his bags were disturbed. I have no idea but is there any chance that he traded a little spring weight for a heavier pin to minimize lift?

When he decided to "go" that was pretty fast. Don't know how you could really improve on that shooting cadence!
Paul

 

[DW T or C]

If anyone has some, I'd really like to see some up close pics of that bolt Tony is using. Thanks