I am contemplating a new project for F class. Mostly 600 yrd. I really like the Bat MFG actions...Or how about the Panda F-class specific action? Which model do most gunsmiths prefer for 6br and possibly 6.5x47L type cartridge's. I am also not hung up on a Bat so any opinions are welcome.
F-class gunsmiths action preference?
- Thread starter boogershooter
- Start date
Jay Christopherson
Not An Admin
I'm a Barnard fanboy, no doubt. You get an incredibly stiff, smooth action plus an outstanding trigger that can be run in 2-stage or single-stage configuration. If you haven't tried a 2-stage match trigger yet, it's worth trying.
What initially sold me was the combination of high quality custom action that required no blueprinting (or at least, none that cost me anything) AND a match quality trigger. With other actions, you are most likely investing another couple of bills on a match trigger like a Jewell or something. Keep in mind that if you go with a factory action like Remington, Savage, in an attempt to save money, you'll likely end up nearly a wash cost-wise as you pay to upgrade components (trigger, bolt upgrades, etc..) and pay a gunsmith to blueprint it. I originally looked at a Remington 700, but after totaling up the cost for action, aftermarket trigger, lighter firing pin, bushing the firing pin hole on the bolt, and fully blueprinting the action the cost was pretty much the same as a Barnard. A Bat + trigger might put it a little more out of reach, but I'm not fully up on current pricing on Bat actions.
Bat is an awesome action though, no two-ways about it. Any of the others mentioned are outstanding as well, this is just my $.02 on why I went Barnard.
I'll probably try another action at some point just for variety, but my next rifle is already designed around another Barnard Model P.
What initially sold me was the combination of high quality custom action that required no blueprinting (or at least, none that cost me anything) AND a match quality trigger. With other actions, you are most likely investing another couple of bills on a match trigger like a Jewell or something. Keep in mind that if you go with a factory action like Remington, Savage, in an attempt to save money, you'll likely end up nearly a wash cost-wise as you pay to upgrade components (trigger, bolt upgrades, etc..) and pay a gunsmith to blueprint it. I originally looked at a Remington 700, but after totaling up the cost for action, aftermarket trigger, lighter firing pin, bushing the firing pin hole on the bolt, and fully blueprinting the action the cost was pretty much the same as a Barnard. A Bat + trigger might put it a little more out of reach, but I'm not fully up on current pricing on Bat actions.
Bat is an awesome action though, no two-ways about it. Any of the others mentioned are outstanding as well, this is just my $.02 on why I went Barnard.
I'll probably try another action at some point just for variety, but my next rifle is already designed around another Barnard Model P.
Yeah I have to say the Barnard has also caught my eye. I do own a Savage target action, and am pleased with it. :-\ Why cant there be only two choices then I could flip a coin.
jaychris said:
Partly true.
I have some recent experience with this (my gun is the blue Savage in the pride&joy picture thread). I got a RBLP target action from Sharpshooter Supply. The action timed and trued with their Evolution trigger cost about $760. I spent some more money on cosmetic work (polishing action body to remove the huge warning label about the now gone target accutrigger and fluting the bolt) and a new recoil lug, so I was in for about $900 after shipping, etc.
That's only a couple hundred less than a Barnard. However, you don't have to do that, all you probably need on top of a stock Savage target action is a new recoil lug to build a competitive gun. It won't be as pretty but it will get the job done for about half the price of a Barnard.
That said, my next gun will probably be built around a Barnard, not really because of the cost but because I don't want to wait another 8 months and deal with SSS's business practices, and the Barnard does seem like an exceptional value proposition.
Plus when you figure the total cost of a custom gun for competition, including stock, scope, barrel, gunsmithing, even $500 more is sadly not that much.
Erik Cortina
Team Lapua Brux Borden Captain
I was in the same boat and went with the Kelbly's F-Class. The reason is that I don't ever have to be without a rifle, I simply order the barrel from Krieger and have them ship it to Kelbly's and they will chamber the barrel and send it to me, and then I just put it in my gun and it will headspace correctly every time because all Panda actions headspace the same.
There are other gunsmiths that can also chamber barrels for a Panda without the action.
There are other gunsmiths that can also chamber barrels for a Panda without the action.
Erik makes an excellent point about the Panda. It is also worth noting that the same is true of Stiller, BAT and Borden actions. I think that the interchangeability only applies to relatively recent production. Early examples made on manual equipment may not be as consistent. The other advantage of the Panda is stiffness with reasonable weight.
I am surprised that Erik did not pitch the excellent 6.5X47L, a fine 600 yard cartridge.
I am surprised that Erik did not pitch the excellent 6.5X47L, a fine 600 yard cartridge.
Erik Cortina
Team Lapua Brux Borden Captain
P.S. Go with the 6.5x47! ;D
Barnard is a good choice for F/TR. The one downside is weight, and that 8.25kg (18lb 2 oz) comes up remarkably quickly with heavy 30" barrels, a 2.5lb scope and mounts combo, and a wide-set sophisticated bi-pod!
I use Barnard and the Savage 12 PT single-shot. Given the money, I'd probably have a Barnard on everything, but I get as good results from my Savage action rifles, they cost less, and there is a near 1lb weight saving.
I use Barnard and the Savage 12 PT single-shot. Given the money, I'd probably have a Barnard on everything, but I get as good results from my Savage action rifles, they cost less, and there is a near 1lb weight saving.
Go with a BAT or a Borden action and dont look back! Barnard is also very nice, just a little crude for my taste. If i am going to spend 1200 bucks for a custom action it needs to work well first and fore most but it also better look good. Those barnard triggers are pretty dam sweet though!! Lee
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