Bat actions for F class ?

[Elwood]

I'm trying to decide which Bat action to use for my F class build, and a little bit of input would be appreciated.

I will running a .284 and using a 32 inch heavy varmint or straight profile barrel, in other words heavy.

The two actions that I have been considering are the MB and the M, at the moment the M seems to be the better option due to it having a port length of 3.350 as opposed to 3.00.

Are the three lug actions 3L and 3LL being used on F class builds? as this would be another option to consider, all my research including what's written on the Bat website indicates that these are primarily designed for bench rest, however the Barnard is a three lug action and are often used for F class.

Have I over looked any other options?

 

[Rustystud]

Look at Charles Ballards rifle "Purple Haze". It is a Bat action and .284. There is a complete article with pictures on this site under the "guns of the week.

Nat Lambeth

 

[Travelor]

Both are great and strong actions, but I believe that the MB action will be better for your build as it is thicker in the area you will be threading your LONG and HEAVY barrel to. I looked at both and my 'smith and I decided on the MB action for my build.

I too am building a BAT 284 with a 32" heavy barrel for 1000 yard F-Class. I talked to BAT and they recommended against the 3 lug for F-Class as they said the extra bearing surface causes extra effort on operating the bolt.

If you are just sold on the three-lug action, BAT has an option for roller bearings to ease the bolt effort, but again they did not encourage me on this either.

I believe the "purple haze" gun used an MB action.

George

 

[Elwood]

George and Nat, many thanks for your replies.

I have emailed Bat asking them the same question and await my reply, although you have already confirmed what I first thought George.

"Purple haze" is some rifle and Mr Ballard certainly knows how to use it.

 

[savageboy]

Yeah, we all get spanked by him and it when he is at the Camp Butner matches. He is really a great guy and will really spend time w/ you to help you or answer a question.