F Class Action

[Ram]

I would like to build a F class open rifle chambered in 284, and I'm trying to make a decision on the action. At this point, I have it narrowed down to the following:

• Bat M
• Borden BRLXD
• Kelbly Golden Bear long

Does anyone of these have an advantage over the others, and is there another action I should consider? Thanks

 

[6bra1k]

i have both the borden and the kelbly both in single shot for long range competition,,,grou7p and score.
bat is number on in use in long range and short range br.
you cannot go wrong with any..best guess is the bat just based on numbers in use

 

[TylerFromMS]

Panda F-Class. It's right there in the name.

 

[Ryan M.]

BAT M or Kelbly GB.

 

[Willow]

I've got 3 Borden BRMXD's and can't go past them compared to anything else out there. These actions are simply magic to cycle and use.

 

[swd]

All 3 are more than accurate enough but there's nothing smoother to run than a Borden. They have the smoothest sear hand off.

 

[1shot]

I've cycled several Bats but no Borden's. With that said, I have 4 F-class Pandas and they all feel like they run on ball bearings. Another thing, Kelbly's customer support is without peer if you were to have a problem. (which I doubt you would)

Lloyd

 

[Evan]

I'm partial to my Borden's, but you can't go wrong with any of the three you mentioned. Call and see which one is available the soonest and don't look back!

 

[X Count]

Nice list!

I have BAT Ms and they handle pressure better than most other actions I've played with. ie high pressure loads will destroy a primer pocket before you start getting stiff bolt lift. This can be a blessing if you make a mistake and a curse of you are doing load development and aren't checking for other signs of pressure. Barnard's are pretty tough as well but they don't have the primary extraction of the BAT M. Probably only downside is the material is a bit soft and can gall if your using it at a dirty range or don't lube your lugs regularly. New coatings would help with this. They also have bigger tennons so you must use a barrel that has a 1.25 reinforce and the barrels aren't interchangeable with 1.062 actions. Integral rails and recoil lugs are a nice feature that makes the rest of the action even more rigid.

Borden are super slick and bolt timing is perfect if you order it with a trigger. Hardened then ground to final tollerences is pretty well the ultimate way to build anything precision. If they did one with integral recoil lug and scope rail I'd be onto it like a fat kid on cake.

The GB is typical kelbly. Big bedding area, integral recoil lug, coating, rigid, plenty of parts and takeoff barrels floating around. I like the concept of the TG ejector but to me it takes some strength away from that locking lug.

 

[jnm300ultra]

I love my Borden BRLXD. It’s a right bolt left port, for a 284. I like the fact I don’t have to remove the bolt for a live round to eject. It’s built like a tank. It’s extremely smooth and fast. The timing is perfect for my Jewel. Also the Borden bump when closing the bolt is a nice touch.
Good luck with your decision, it’s a real problem deciding on what action for your new build.. Jason

 

[whatwind?]

BAT MST flat bottom

 

[Steve Blair]

My three F-Open rifles are two BAT 3LL147OCTPIC actions and a Stiller Viper SS drop port. I should probably have an Olds or Pontiac in the garage.
As other posters have noted, you would not go wrong with BAT, Borden or Kelbly. I prefer big, heavy, stainless steel actions with integral recoil lugs and scope rails. Less to go wrong.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I have no experience with the others, but the Golden Bear works well for me. I'm using a short one for 284, and really like it. The shorter bolt throw is an advantage when running a condition.

I can't eject a loaded round, but who would want to do that anyway? The bolt release is on the side, making it a moot point.

 

[FNSafari]

Rimrock by Borden. Std Remington bolt much friendlier for changing springs. BAT bolt design is odd.

 

[JLT]

Rimrock by Borden. Std Remington bolt much friendlier for changing springs. BAT bolt design is odd.

Genuinely curious.... Odd in what way? I find them very easy to disassemble, clean and reassemble.

 

[LVLAaron]

BAT M

 

[Dgd6mm]

BAT M

If I had the coin to drop on another f class action it would be the Bat M. I've shot 1, man I was in love instantly.

 

[6bra1k]

Rimrock by Borden. Std Remington bolt much friendlier for changing springs. BAT bolt design is odd.

lol i spend a lot more time SHOOTING than i do changing springs...... real life FUNCTION is way more important

 

[LVLAaron]

Bat bolt is super easy. No specialty tools required.

 

[Lbart]

Been shooting various Kelbly F-Class Panda's for at least 24 years. Not about to change...no need! If I did I would look hard at a Golden Bear.