RB Left Port -- Gimmick or Godsend?

[LawDog]

Guys,

I'll be building up a new gun this spring. This will be for club matches. We shoot both 100-200 from bench, and different disciplines at 600 yards,max range), some bench some prone.

I've decided a custom action is worth the extra money, but I'm completely undecided about port configuration. It seems like Right Bolt, left Port is the latest fad. I tried a friend's Borden 6-284 that's a RBLP. It seemed OK from bench, but from the ground it seemed it really affected my positioning to move both arms.

What are your views on the left bolt set-up. Any downside? What's the most versatile?

Also, has anybody tried the Stiller Drop Port? That seems intriguing...

 

[Kav]

I think bolt/port configuration would be a preference thing for I know guys that shoot RB/RP and wouldn't shoot a RB/LP. I prefer a left port for the way I set up on the bench.

As for the drop port... I went with one 2004 season and I love it. Makes brass handling much easier and no fear of the brass not ejecting and having to stop in the middle of running a group to pull a piece of brass out which I have seen happen. Also you don't have to tune the ejector so it doesn't throw your brass off the bench.

 

[Shelley]

I own three drop port actions including Ser#B0001 which was the first drop port made by Jerry Stiller and Curtis Helton. I really don't want to use another type of ejector for a compitition rifle.

For bench shooting a RBLP is very convienient but for prone I'd opt for a RBRP. The RBRP can also be used in Bench shooting and some guys like all time champ benchrest shooter, Tony Boyer, just have no interest in changing to a left port.

Shelley

 

[mikecr]

It looks like the drop port sends the brass straight down neck first. Is there a chance of bending or dinging the neck when it lands this way?

 

[Kav]

They do actually drop neck first,at least mine do) but any style ejector could ding a neck if it's not protected when dropped out or thrown. I have a thin pad I set under my gun that catches the brass. 1200+ rounds and never dinged one unless I knocked it off the bench.

 

[donjfred]

I have heard of a product called "Bench-Snake" to catch ejected cases on a bench.
Anyone know where to get one?

 

[Forum Boss]

I LOVE the drop-port, but even Jerry Stiller will tell you that does limit you to a particular caliber. He could probably take a 6PPC port and mill it out later to fit a 6BR or Dasher, but you won't be able to eject a larger case.

For a dedicated 6PPC, or 6BR however, I think it is the fastest and most fool-proof ejection system around. My next Varmint rifle will probably be a drop-port 20 PPC or 20 Vartarg.

 

[BoydAllen]

Check your PMs

 

[Cheechako]

I have heard of a product called "Bench-Snake" to catch ejected cases on a bench.
Anyone know where to get one?

Jack Snyder

http://www.edgebag.com/

 

[donjfred]

Thank you for the info. Funny, I bought my bags from Jack, but had no idea he made the "snake"
Don

 

[Preacher]

Both my BAT SV and my RamPro 6br varmint guns have RBLP actions and it took a while to get used to them, but I wouldn't trade them off now for any reason.
Now when I take out any of my XP or 700 rifles they seem to be the odd ball ones.....