Dovetail Rail on a Kelbly Panda F-Class Action?

[sfldiver]

It's my first custom build where I'm purchasing all the components before a rifle exists. I purchased a Kelbly Panda F-Class Action because I got a good deal on a stock I like that was already bedded for that action. However, when I went to purchase the action, the only model I found in stock and ready to ship in my preferred configuration had a dovetail 20 MOA rail built in to it. I also purchased a set of Kelbly rings designed for a dovetail mount.

Other then the fact that a dovetail mount is significantly less popular, any negatives I may not be aware of as a result of going with a dovetail mount?

Adrian

 

[JRS]

The downside is ring spacing adjustment.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I wouldnt say its less popular. Actually more popular in Benchrest. You wont notice any difference. I do recomend re bedding that stock though. No 2 actions are exactly the same.

 

[sfldiver]

I wouldnt say its less popular. Actually more popular in Benchrest. You wont notice any difference. I do recomend re bedding that stock though. No 2 actions are exactly the same.

The downside is ring spacing adjustment.View attachment 999884

So you're saying I'll have less spacing adjustment with the dovetail - Is that because the mount is limited to the length of the action? So if I want to spread out the rings further than the length of the action, I'll need some sort of an adapter, like in your picture, which will make the mount longer?

 

[sfldiver]

I wouldnt say its less popular. Actually more popular in Benchrest. You wont notice any difference. I do recomend re bedding that stock though. No 2 actions are exactly the same.

That's a good point Alex - thanks! The components are going to a gunsmith to cut the chamber on the blank barrel and assemble everything for me. I'll definitely have a chat with the gunsmith to make sure he re-beds the action if needed.

 

[JRS]

So you're saying I'll have less spacing adjustment with the dovetail - Is that because the mount is limited to the length of the action? So if I want to spread out the rings further than the length of the action, I'll need some sort of an adapter, like in your picture, which will make the mount longer?

That is correct. The action in the photo is a Panda F-Class with 20MOA dovetail rail. Alan Warner fabricated a 0-MOA picatinny rail with a milled slot to slide over the dovetail rail. Nice tight fit, secured with 2 screws. If you are in the market for a couple of chambered barrels, I have 2 barrels threaded for the Panda. One in 25x47L and one in 6.5x55BJAI. Both are new/unfired.

 

[sfldiver]

That is correct. The action in the photo is a Panda F-Class with 20MOA dovetail rail. Alan Warner fabricated a 0-MOA picatinny rail with a milled slot to slide over the dovetail rail. Nice tight fit, secured with 2 screws. If you are in the market for a couple of chambered barrels, I have 2 barrels threaded for the Panda. One in 25x47L and one in 6.5x55BJAI. Both are new/unfired.

Thanks for the additional information JRS. I did notice that Kelbly, where I bought the action and rings, does sell dovetail adapters in 0 and 20 MOA as well. With regard to the barrels, thanks but I'm an 308 FTR shooter.

 

[280man]

All my Pandas have 20 MOA dovetails. Get the matching Kelbly rings and don't look back. It makes an excellent setup.

 

[sfldiver]

All my Pandas have 20 MOA dovetails. Get the matching Kelbly rings and don't look back. It makes an excellent setup.

Yep, I purchased their double screw rings for it. I'm really looking forward to putting this rifle together - Thanks for the advice 280man!

 

[josh shrum]

I have 4 different Panda actions, all with the Dovetail. Mount those Kelbly rings you bought and have fun, the setup works damn well.

 

[sfldiver]

Thanks masan.

I spoke to Kelbly yesterday and confirmed that everything I purchased (i.e., trigger hanger, Bix'n & Andy trigger, Kelbly Dovetail rings, etc.) would work well with the F-Class Action. Kelbly even offered to exchange the size of the rings (standard vs tall), if the standard height i purchased didn't leave the space I needed above the barrel for my mirage shield.

 

[Cody Richardson]

The downside is ring spacing adjustment.View attachment 999884

That action sure does look familiar!!

 

[JohnKielly]

This side of the world, the guys go for higher rings in preference. it helps your cheek clear the stock & the higher the scope is, the more resistance you have to the rifle torquing with recoil.

 

[JRS]

That action sure does look familiar!!

It should

 

[lloydx2]

The Kelbly F Class Panda should have the integral picatinny rail
and recoil lug on it.
You might consider drafting (taper) the action prior to bedding
If you ever have to take it out its not so hard on the bedding.

 

[280man]

The Kelbly F Class Panda should have the integral picatinny rail
and recoil lug on it.
You might consider drafting (taper) the action prior to bedding
If you ever have to take it out its not so hard on the bedding.

F-Class Pandas come both ways