New Action ~1K Budget

[rijndael]

My shooting buddy is interested in an action for a new build, he has a $1K'ish budget. It seems like the best options in this range may be the BAT Igniter and the Atlas Tactical, but I have no experience with either, so it's hard to offer him nudges in either direction.

The BAT has a blued body, which isn't ideal, and the Kelbly is nitrided. But the Atlas has a bolt stop that many complain about, and say the HD opion is needed.

Of those two, what would you choose and why? Have I missed another good option?

 

[Big Mc]

My shooting buddy is interested in an action for a new build, he has a $1K'ish budget. It seems like the best options in this range may be the BAT Igniter and the Atlas Tactical, but I have no experience with either, so it's hard to offer him nudges in either direction.

The BAT has a blued body, which isn't ideal, and the Kelbly is nitrided. But the Atlas has a bolt stop that many complain about, and say the HD opion is needed.

Of those two, what would you choose and why? Have I missed another good option?

Stiller or Jim Borden. Just my two cents Tommy Mc

 

[rijndael]

The Borden was ruled out because of price, the Mountaineer is $1300'ish with a lug and rail.

 

[linebaugh]

Zermatt Origin

 

[NateHaler]

What is the intended purpose of the new rig? I can speak authoritatively re: the Stiller Predator, because I just had a rifle built around it.

I would suggest Pierce is another worthy contender. (I have one of those too...)


Rc

 

[rijndael]

It'll be a general purpose rifle. I doubt it'll be used for hunting. There may be a few PRS matches in the future, but that's not the primary goal. We'll probably bang a bunch of steel at 1K now and then and we'll be at 100Y indoors during the week, just working on shooting small groups and having fun.

 

[kindabitey]

In addition to the above mentioned:
ARC Nucleus 999.00
Mack Bros. Evo stainless 575.00
Both are R700 footprint and take 700 triggers

 

[hogpatrol]

In that price range, Kelbly's can be had for less than 1k, also Stiller and Pierce.

 

[Richard Jones]

Origin.

For $1K, you can get the action and a .378 and .473 bolt face. And you can DIY.

 

[rijndael]

In addition to the above mentioned:
ARC Nucleus 999.00
Mack Bros. Evo stainless 575.00
Both are R700 footprint and take 700 triggers

Have you used the Mac Bros action? Is it smooth? I haven't seen any comments from builders about them, specifically about how well they're built (square/cock on close/etc).

 

[butchlambert]

For $950 you can get a Shilen in about any configuration. LH, RH, Small bolt face, 308 bolt face, magnum bolt face, Single shot or repeater, and choice on port configuration. They use the Savage type barrel nut to allow easy barrel changes at your home.

 

[kindabitey]

Have you used the Mac Bros action? Is it smooth? I haven't seen any comments from builders about them, specifically about how well they're built (square/cock on close/etc).

I have not. They are basically a trued R700. They released the stainless version mid 2020 as a lower cost option to their titanium action.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Zermatt Origin

I have this and the ARC Nucleus.

 

[urbanrifleman]

For $950 you can get a Shilen in about any configuration. LH, RH, Small bolt face, 308 bolt face, magnum bolt face, Single shot or repeater, and choice on port configuration. They use the Savage type barrel nut to allow easy barrel changes at your home.

I don't think those are in stock, like ever... but I haven't checked lately.

 

[rijndael]

They’re made by Stiller, right?

 

[warrbuk]

I have a Kelby Atlas Tactical and its really nice.
I think you can get a Defiance tenacity for 885.00 and sometimes a little less. If you want a Kelby call Ryan Pierce he usually has them in stock for 960 TYD with the rail.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Defiance Tenacity is a nice action for $900 to your door from bugholes when they have them in stock. Even a Rebel action from Defiance might still be in his price range.

 

[urbanrifleman]

They’re made by Stiller, right?

Yes, it appears to be a Stiller whatever with Savage barrel threads.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I have a Kelby Atlas Tactical and its really nice.
I think you can get a Defiance tenacity for 885.00 and sometimes a little less. If you want a Kelby call Ryan Pierce he usually has them in stock for 960 TYD with the rail.

Of all the Remington footprints "budget" actions I have tried the Atlas and the ARC Nucleus are the smoothest. One of the guys at my club siad he could not tell a difference between working the bolt on a Panda and an Atlas.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

What is the round he will be chambering? The BAT Igniter only comes in a short action. People might not like the blue chrome moly, but that 4140 CM metal on the Igniter is tougher than any of the 416 stainless used by other companies.

I have a Lapua size Atlas and hate the bolt stop because you need to take out a torx head screw on the stop every time you want to remove the bolt from the receiver. Recoil lug is pinned but I would prefer integral. The bolt handle that comes on the Atlas is the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen and was the first thing I changed out. Timing was off on my BnA trigger with cock on close but I corrected it. Other than that it’s a fairly nice action for the money.