Kelblys F class Panda vs Golden bear

[Bodhisafa]

Looking to purchase one of the two initially it will be used as a varmint rifle with eventual progression to F class.

For those with experience with these two receivers what would be the pros and minuses between them

 

[6bra1k]

unless you are shooting really large varmints, the golden bear is way too much. i have one in 338 edge with a COAL of just over 4 ".

 

[Bodhisafa]

More details: I have a 22 dasher barrel that fits a Kelblys black bear. This is the reason I am going with one of their single shot offerings. When the barrel is shot out the new one will be something more appropriate for F class.

Not sure if the aluminum properties are a benefit over the stainless steel

 

[Sniper338]

Not sure if the aluminum properties are a benefit over the stainless ststeel

No, not really. Cuts weight. No difference in accuracy.

If going to f class id buy a SS and have the strength. The added weight isnt a big deal, still easy to make weight for f class.

 

[Rope2horns]

Both are great actions......The Golden Bear is 47.5oz and Fclass Panda is 30.5oz.....that is a significant weight difference and may come into play depending on the rifle build components.

My current build at KW Precision is with a Golden Bear and a McMillan Kestros ZR...she's a fat pig and will need to be put on a diet.

Remember that 22lbs includes your mirage shield and or rain gear that may be attached to the rifle. Just something to ponder.

 

[Bodhisafa]

Both are great actions......The Golden Bear is 47.5oz and Fclass Panda is 30.5oz.....that is a significant weight difference and may come into play depending on the rifle build components.

My current build at KW Precision is with a Golden Bear and a McMillan Kestros ZR...she's a fat pig and will need to be put on a diet.

Remember that 22lbs includes your mirage shield and or rain gear that may be attached to the rifle. Just something to ponder.

What made you decide steel vs aluminum ?

 

[Cigarcop]

Looking to purchase one of the two initially it will be used as a varmint rifle with eventual progression to F class.

For those with experience with these two receivers what would be the pros and minuses between them

If you’re looking for either I have both here at the shop…New right right’s GB’s are Black Nitrided and bolts on the F-Class are as well.

 

[TylerFromMS]

I’ve got a couple of Pandas and am probably going to get a third. It may all be in my head, but they don’t really resonate like steel. It’s like hitting something with a dead-blow hammer. There has to be something to it, though, as evidenced by BAT releasing their Neuvo in aluminum.

Those Neuvos are really really pretty, though…

 

[Rope2horns]

What made you decide steel vs aluminum ?

I have four Panda's, ZERO complaints. I went with the Golden Bear for a 300WSM build, I figured the extra weight couldn't hurt. Apparently I don't math well.

 

[Sandstorm]

The extra weight is good until it isnt...I had one I had to put on a diet and one i put
a heavier scope on to make more weight...
I like the Panda action but the Borden has become
my new favorite...( Its probly just the right combination of parts coming together.)
I dont feel one is better than the other really.

 

[ch47d1sg]

I have three pandas and there are solid performers

 

[coford]

I have two Panda's, a Golden Bear, and a Borden. Love all four. I like the longer barrel threads on the Panda's and the Golden Bear but in all reality I don't think the extra threads make a difference. The Borden is the smoothest - but not by much. They are all top notch. I have to add weight to my Panda and Borden guns. I had to trim 1" off the Golden Bear to make weight. Went from a 32" barrel to a 31" barrel. Run Kahles scopes on all of them. Cerus and McMillian stocks.

 

[D-4297]

Been shooting a Panda in TR ( .308 ) now for three and a half years , and have zero complaints . I should probably add the entire rifle is a Kelby , with their K-TR stock , and there is nothing I don't like about the rifle . Stocks ; and other items are a personal preference issue , but if you're going to F - TR , then you couldn't get anything better than a Panda . Mine has over 15,000 rounds through it , and not a single problem . I cannot speak to the Golden Bear , as I've never owned one . But if it's a Kelby ? No worries .

 

[Rope2horns]

I still can't say I math well.....It made weight, but it will still need to go on a diet for rain gear.



When you have a great gunsmith. Couple humble brag pics.

 

[Bodhisafa]

I still can't say I math well.....It made weight, but it will still need to go on a diet for rain gear.

View attachment 1311992

When you have a great gunsmith. Couple humble brag pics.

View attachment 1311993
View attachment 1311994

Really nice build

 

[Cigarcop]

Thanks for letting me build it Norm…. She’s def a fat girl! Lol

 

[TZaun]

That mixture of colors in the stock looks really good with that action. Looks like the old Prairie Ghost snow camo.

 

[Kings X]

I have both plus a Stiller SS.
Unlike Norm, I have had to add weight to every build be it wood or fiberglass.
I put the steel ( I am pretty sure steel not stainless steel) Kelbly on order when I fir heard about it. Two years later I own number 010. REALLY disappointed in the fact that it is not interchangeable with the aluminum actions. I wanted a the weight of a steel action with interchangeable with my other stocks. Why in earth they trimmed the Golden Bear down I will never know. I wanted a Kelbly that weighted as much as my Stiller.
I put the GB on a 300 WSM to stiffen it up. But will stick with aluminum Kelblys for everything else. I have 3. I have had less troubles with them.

 

[Wildcats]

Thanks for letting me build it Norm…. She’s def a fat girl! LolView attachment 1312071View attachment 1312074View attachment 1312073View attachment 1312072

Work of ART Keith.
Want to talk to you about a special project.

 

[Lbart]

I have used Kelby aluminum Pandas since 1998. Set a good # of records over the years. Not about to change! The Kelby family is more than great to deal with...fast service with a smile!