Sub $1000 BAT Action

[Alex Wheeler]

Bat is coming out with an action under $1000, it basically a VR with no options. They told me a long action should follow. This will be the best sub $1000 action you can buy in my opinion. They have a modular bolt so you can swap bodies for caliber changes as well.

 

[elkaholic]

Love the BAT boys!
Their new aluminum actions are sweet!!

 

[Danny1788]

Can't wait to see these ones. With all the advances in machining and actions these days. It's gonna be a hard market. Happy to see the BAT boys following. Bet they sell like hot cakes once they hit the market

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Most people do not realize how much of a role an action plays in accuracy. In Benchrest you will have rifles that shoot ok but are never consistent. Yes you will get some great groups but they are not consistent and you will have fliers. A really good action is the foundation for consistency. I know it, and every rifle I build gets the action worked on to ensure it. I worry about all these sub $1000 actions because I know how important it is and its not the direction I like to see manufactures go, Id rather they just built the best. However Bat says this is basically the same action they have always made, just only comes in one configuration to streamline production.

 

[1894C]

Most people do not realize how much of a role an action plays in accuracy. In Benchrest you will have rifles that shoot ok but are never consistent. Yes you will get some great groups but they are not consistent and you will have fliers. A really good action is the foundation for consistency. I know it, and every rifle I build gets the action worked on to ensure it. I worry about all these sub $1000 actions because I know how important it is and its not the direction I like to see manufactures go, Id rather they just built the best. However Bat says this is basically the same action they have always made, just only comes in one configuration to streamline production.

Exactly this x2. Couldn't have said it any better myself. Looking forward to testing out a sub 1k BAT

 

[Kmccord]

How would you rate the current actions that are on the market, best to worse?

 

[Mikecr]

I've had 4 BAT actions over the years and loved them truly.
But the best about BAT is Bruce Thom (BAT). He runs a sound business model, listens to you, works with you, and he DOESN'T LIE (rare as snail's teeth today).

Just be sure to research stock inletting for whatever BAT you want. Until recent Rem clones, you could not just pull a stock off the shelf for a BAT. So you may need someone to finish a stock for the particular action.
Triggers are not a problem though. Use a Jewell or Bix & Andy.

 

[ShtrRdy]

That's great news! I wonder if they will have some additional clearance to work under dusty/dirty conditions?

 

[Mikecr]

An example of BAT working with me:
I wanted a FULL DUAL PORT SV action, with which I could pick a round from the right or push out right while loading from the left. This, because I do not desire bolt ejection (due to losing brass in the field).
Bruce said nobody asked for this & it was risky in that the bolt lugs may not ride well in their raceways (potential binding). I understood that and slowed to rethink my order.

Meanwhile Bruce reprogrammed machines and tried it (just for the learning I guess). I don't know details of what he did, but he emailed back that it worked really well. No problems. And he charged standard action cost for it.
I had also asked for the required engraving at the top of the action, so that I could cover it if desired with a scope rail.
I don't know the legalities of it, but he did it for me, and I'm sure nobody else would have.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Agreed, Bat will do a lot of custom work rarely do they tell me no. They are not as profit driven. Awesome to deal with.

Bat makes two styles of actions.
The BR actions which have square tangs and fit BR stocks with a tight fitting bolt. s,sv,b,mb,m,ct,exc.

The hunting actions which have a remington tang and fit remington stocks with a looser fitting bolt, VR (short action) and HR (long action). They make these with full integral rail, open center integral rail, and round top. My 300 Norma improved has never had an issue with cycling in dirt, and I dont baby them.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

How would you rate the current actions that are on the market, best to worse?

Im not going to do that. I just give credit to the ones who strive to do the best work when I can. I get nothing out of it other than hopefully keeping them in biz so I can always get them.

 

[livetohunt]

The BAT guys are awesome! I went to high school with Bruce's daughters and my dad used to work with him way back when. He is extremely intelligent, and I can't imagine anyone out there makes a more accurate and consistent action.

I need to look into the new aluminum lined action, as the only reason I haven't done a build off a BAT was weight.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Agreed, Bat will do a lot of custom work rarely do they tell me no. They are not as profit driven. Awesome to deal with.

Bat makes two styles of actions.
The BR actions which have square tangs and fit BR stocks with a tight fitting bolt. s,sv,b,mb,m,ct,exc.

The hunting actions which have a remington tang and fit remington stocks with a looser fitting bolt, VR (short action) and HR (long action). They make these with full integral rail, open center integral rail, and round top. My 300 Norma improved has never had an issue with cycling in dirt, and I dont baby them.

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Thanks for explaining the naming of the BAT actions.

 

[Flatbow]

Where is BAT located?