BAT action and stock question

[shadowdrak]

I have a chance to buy a BAT DS action,single shot, RBLP, and no ejector) in a 6ppc bolt face. I was thinking of having the bolt face opened up to accept ppc and br,wanting to shoot 6BR). Will this action fit into REM 700 inletted stocks? I currently have a REM 700 PSS in .308 I want to rebarrel to a Kreiger 1:8 twist for 87 v-max and 105 a-max and VLD's. I was wondering if I can put the BAT into the stock with only a little inletting? It also has a hinged bottom metal, how would I go about covering that up? I'm eventually looking at doing a custom rig, but don't want to go out on the full-blown price just yet,looking at doing a McMillan A-5 stock). Thanks for any help.

 

[tightneck]

While the DS and the 700 share pretty much the same diameter, to put the DS in the PSS stock will require quite a bit of inletting and fudging. The bolt handles don't line up, the left port on the BAT may require cutting a new recess as well, and filling the other side. Also, the tang on the BAT is very thick, so the entire action area should be deepened to allow the top of the tang to sit flush with the stock line. I've seen thick tanged actions bedded so that they sit "on top" of the inletting, and it looks plain silly IMHO. As for the magazine cutout, it can be filled with epoxy or bondo...whatever you choose. When it's all said and done, you would probably need a paint job to make it suitable. Can it be done, sure, but I'd rather get a root canal...

 

[shadowdrak]

I've realised there might be some differences. I was just seeing if I needed to get a stock inletted for the BAT action or if I could use a Rem 700 inlet,avaliability is easier on them). I plan on a custom rig, but with the stock and scope I'd like to get, I may have to wait awhile and I'm getting a pretty good offer on the BAT action.

 

[tightneck]

The DS is an excellent action, don't pass on it if the deal is a good one. IIRC, they run in the $1300 range new. As Lynn pointed out, you can sell some parts to recoup some of the costs on a new stock and barrel. I hadn't even thought about the bedding block, that would really make things more difficult. Anyhow, you can get any number of stocks made up to accept the BAT, and you will be happier in the long run.