I have chosen the BAT Model SB 14oct (octagonal)dual port (right bolt, left feed, right ejection).

Is this the right Model for the Br?

Or should I go the Stiller Viper?

Thanks

Ackley Improved

Last Edited Ackley Improved on 20-Nov-2004 5:44 AM

Between the short actions, I think you really need to decide between aluminum and steel and then look at the options. Many of the 6PPC guys think the Farley is among the very best SS actions because it is very smooth.

When you do order an action, if it's primarily for bench use, consider a left port, right eject. We'll be showing a Hall-actioned gun soon that's set up with this configuration. It is set up with an oversized right eject port so you can easily tip out the brass while loading with your left hand.

Last Edited Moderator on 20-Nov-2004 9:17 PM

What in the decision making process made you decide on a BAT action above all others??

Is it worth myself going to a MB model in a BAT as well, or stick with the SB?

It is a big decision to make what action to go with. The viper with drop port left feed definitely sounds good. Maybe the Viper is the choice.... What do you think? I want to do this right the first time, as anyone would. Please help me with my decision making here!!!

The rifle will be used for benchrest only.....

The barrel will be a HART Max. HV 28 inches 8 twist and the stock made by Mastin, in a Tracker style.

Last Edited Ackley Improved on 20-Nov-2004 10:19 PM

Re the MB, Bruce at BAT will tell you this is a somewhat unusual action. We selected it because we wanted steel, and we are building to a 16.5 lb weight limit. The MB fit nicely weight wise between a small body Nesika and a larger diameter Nesika. The MB BAT also had a large enough port so that we can extract loaded 6.5-284 rounds if necessary. It also has an extended front for greater bedding surface and an integrated recoil lug that bolts on the bottom. We prefer this to a pinned front lug. After much debate we went right bolt/right port, mainly because the gun will see much use on the ground shooting prone varmint matches and F-class. Most, but certainly not all, belly bencresters prefer the right bolt/right port configuration so you only have to work one hand in the prone position.

Aluminum vs. steel? It's a tough call. But, where we shoot is it often sandy and dusty on the ground. This tends to be more of a problem for aluminum than steel. Also since we had a generous weight limit, there was no real advantage in the weight saving of a Panda or Viper action. But your criteria may be different. You can shot tiny groups with either style action. Jason Baney, our 1000-yard editor, recently won a major Ground Hog match with a 1.35" five-shot group at 500m with a Viper.

The next gun built for the site may well use a Viper action, though there are a couple new actions slated to be introduced next year we may also consider. The Viper is considerably less expensive than most other custom actions, and a Panda will cost you a couple hundred less than a BAT. Ultimately, it comes down to your own preferences. But if you talk to a dozen smiths, as we have, none have anything negative to say about the BAT.

So you think the BAT in the SB model (Octagonal) will be my new action for the 6mm Br??? (right bolt/left port/right ejection)

That drop port has me really intrigued on the Viper though!!

What do you think of the Aussie built stock picture I posted??

Thanks a million Moderator!!!!

Oh yeah, the rifle will be a comp. benchgun in the light class of course! Although a bench might make its way out in the paddocks for some fox and bunny popping!

Ackley Improved

Last Edited Ackley Improved on 21-Nov-2004 5:19 AM

Just a thought. I agree that you must have at least one port, but that is all I would want and it only needs to be big enough to get the cartridge in and out of the action.The Viper drop port was an effort to increase the speed of loading while "gunning them down". I can understand the concept, but being a prone shooter, I must wait for the target to cycle, make the decision on windage, and then shoot.It may simply be my frame of reference, one port seems adequate.
However, I could be wrong.

RCole

Around the $1000 Australian. Thats adjustable cheek piece, thumbhole, barrel vent fully finished!

Masterclass stock would be nice??

Ackley Improved

This means the faster you can shoot in a contition, the BETTER...unless you are one he!! of a wind reader--which i am not.

so i choose to run my rounds ASAPP

the only thing that would speed up my RBLP viper is a drop port--which unfortunately isnt available for the longer rounds (6.5-284)

for the 6br--the drop port would be absolute lighning! especially in a RBLP like i have.

a buddy is building a RBRP drop port in a BR, so i can finally see one in action (pun intended :D)

plus i like the flat serrated bedding surface.

hope this doesnt throw a wrench into your plan :D

either way you cant go wrong.

Also--Stillers bolts are hard chromed for those of us that have acidic hands ;)

JB

RCole

How things change............

I have done away with the BAT and have decided on a Viper. The drop port has sold me. Right bolt, left port, drop port.

The stock has changed as well.... Shehane Tracker ST1000 thumbhole. Colour????? Hmmmmmmm. Dont know yet!

Also, the caliber has changed... I know you's didnt want to hear that... I have just gone from a 6mm Br to a 6mm Remington AI, Naaaaa I didnt, going the 6mm Dasher.... Had you's there!!!

Decided on the Dasher due to the well said accuracy in fire forming cases. Will still be able to shoot not wasting ammo during a boring job.

So...... 6mm Dasher reamer in Australia?????

Ackley Improved

http://www.members.optushome.com.au/johnhgiles/whats_new.htm#STILLER

Paul

Thanks for that. I have sent an email off to PSECO asking about the Vipers....and a 6mm Dasher reamer..

However, I will be using another rifle builder to build the rifle. I am happy with what my current rifle builder has built for me....So I'll stick with him.

Thanks

Ackley Improved