bat actions

[Jake]

I believe Fireball is right in saying that the Nesikas and Rimrocks are the only action with a one piece bolt/bolt handle. It really doesn't make any difference.

Jake Hayes

 

[Rust]

The Surgeon has a one piece bolt/handle that allows you to fit various knobs on it. I've had the opportunity to handle a couple and IMO the tolerances and operation are about as good as anything on the market, provided the fact that they are made of CrMo doesn't bother you. The single shot solid bottom has tighter tolerances than the repeater. The machined in lug and extra tenon length are pluses in my book too.

That said my favorite action is a Nesika that I have, about as perfect as I could imagine.

But for an F/TR rifle, the action of choice will likely be the Surgeon repeater.

 

[Jake]

I got to fondle one of Butch Fishers BAT actions this past weekend at a short-range BR match in Billings, MT. It was very smooth and well-made. And he had nothing but praise for them. I am not sure about this, but it felt like the firing pin spring was very light. A guy on the benchrest.com forum said that BAT actions do come with a very light firing pin spring. He said he had a slam-fire at the Supershoot due to the light firing pin spring,he was using a Kelbly trigger). The Kelblys adjusted the trigger for him and it sounds like he has not had anymore problems.

I personally would rather have a heavier firing pin spring. It contributes to a better lock-time and may help with ignition. When we compared the bolt-lift on his BAT action to my Rimrock, and the bolt went up a little bit smoother on the BAT. But you could obviously tell that this was due to the lighter firing pin spring in the BAT. I believe the Rimrock has a firing pin spring of over 20 pounds. I'm not sure what the BAT is. Neither of the actions had a hitch or a catch while lifting the bolt. Very nice actions.

Jake Hayes