Which Bat action for F open?

[coupalr]

I am building a F open 284 and was wondering which action I should use. Either a Model M multi flat 1.47 a or a Model MB multi flat 1.4".

 

[Hombre0321]

In F Class you always need to keep weight in the picture. Of your two choices the MultiFlat 1.4 is the lighter of the two at 38.5 Oz while the 1.47 Multi Flat comes in at a big 48 Oz or 3 Full pounds. So between the two there is almost a 10 Oz difference. You will need to look at your complete build to see which to use "If it makes a difference in your case".

The other thing to consider between these two actions is the length of the tenon. You will need to give some thought to just how heavy a barrel you are going to hang off of this Bat. The M1.47MF has a tenon length longer than the MB1.4MF, that could make a difference to some folks. However look at your complete build.

If there was any way and it was my choice I would use the bigger M1.47MF, I would find a way to live with the extra 9.5 Oz of weight and take advantage of the longer 1.125 tenon. Thats just me though, YMMV...

Roland

 

[Steve Blair]

Weight is not a big issue in F-Open. I use a BAT 3LL147OCTPIC (long 3-lug, 1.47" octagon, integral 20' Picatinny rail) with a 32" Ø1.25" straight .284 Shehane barrel in a Manners F-Class stock and Nightforce NXS 12-42 with sunshade. The total weighs 21.0 lbs. It has a full pound to spare. My action weighs 55 ounces. The issue of tenon length is also a red herring. Long tenons are often promoted by folks who never open a Roark's and do a simple cantilevered beam calc. [br]
There may be more accurate big F-Open guns than mine, but I have not seen one. I've seen plenty that appear to be as accurate and many shooters better than me but no rifles noticeably more accurate. I also have a Borden action with a 34" barrel that seems unaffected by the stress of holding up the barrel. If long tenons are appealing, by all means use one. They are demonstrably not necessary. The larger diameter tenon is useful if you are shooting a large magnum case. [br]
Just about any top custom action that is appropriate for a .284 class cartridge, with a properly installed quality barrel, correctly bedded into a good tracking stock, sighted with a quality telescope and fed quality ammunition, will shoot very well. There are so many good choices in each category that the combinations are almost endless. Take a look at the competitors at the Berger SW LR Nationals or the F-Class Nationals and you will see many examples of the variety available. Either of the BAT actions you mention is a good choice, as are many others. You might also consider the integral Picatinny rail. It is one less thing to go wrong in a match.

 

[nosualc]

Either will work.

I've got an MB with an integral rail and lug shooting a 6BRX that has been exceptionally accurate at 300-600 yards (haven't shot it further).

I'm building a Shehane this winter on another (almost identical) MB that should be here any day.

-nosualc

 

[falconpilot]

I've own/owned both and here are a couple things to consider.

The M and MB are exact same length. But, the M is a 1.1125 thread, while the MB is a 1.062 thread. Some gunsmiths well tell you that a 1.125 thread leaves little support using a 1.25" barrel..other words, you need to use a 1.30 - 1.40 barrel with the M actions. (M is 16tpi as compared to the MB 18tpi)

Other thing , if you buy a MB, you can screw on any barrel cut for any Bat actions expect for the EX and M due to their Threading. With the M, your barrel will only fit that action.

 

[AusFclass]

I've own/owned both and here are a couple things to consider.

The M and MB are exact same length. But, the M is a 1.1125 thread, while the MB is a 1.062 thread. Some gunsmiths well tell you that a 1.125 thread leaves little support using a 1.25" barrel..other words, you need to use a 1.30 - 1.40 barrel with the M actions. (M is 16tpi as compared to the MB 18tpi)

Other thing , if you buy a MB, you can screw on any barrel cut for any Bat actions expect for the EX and M due to their Threading. With the M, your barrel will only fit that action.

the above is true. i have an "M" action but have never had a problem fitting a standard HV type barrel to it that has a starting diameter of 1.25". the thing that you have to consider is port size and ejection type. i don't have an ejector and find the bigger port much more user friendly on the M action. if you opt for a MB you might want and ejector and even then you may not be able to eject a loaded round with the smaller port

 

[Kyle Schultz]

I am building a F open 284 and was wondering which action I should use. Either a Model M multi flat 1.47 a or a Model MB multi flat 1.4".

M gives you a larger port opening than the MB. For the .284, which is a relatively long round, BAT recommended that I go with the M. Just another factor to consider. Good luck!