Bat machine actions

[WKR]

I had Alex Wheeler build me a 30 Nos. Bat Vampire with a Bix n Andy Tac Sport trigger. They are first class actions all the way. Alex told me he checks everything on all actions he builds guns on- ignition timing, pin fall, extraction timing etc. he said all actions leave his shop perfect, but that the Bat's are closest to perfect when he gets them.

I reached out to Alex a few days ago over email, waiting for a response

 

[Dos XX]

Vesper had a bigger barrel tenon, I think. For a 7 PRC it wouldn't matter.

I have a 6.5 PRC Vampire with a Bix Tac Sport. Very nice set up.

I also bought the .308 bolt head in case I want to 260 AI it at some point.

 

[WKR]

I'm leaning towards the flat bottom, seems like they fit really well in the chassis I want and if I ever did put it in a traditional stock I like the idea of having that flat surface area for bedding

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

I'm leaning towards the flat bottom, seems like they fit really well in the chassis I want and if I ever did put it in a traditional stock I like the idea of having that flat surface area for bedding

If the price is close get the Vesper, it's a frigging tank and stronger than the aluminum Vampire.
BAT machine said the vampire won't handle lapua sized cases, shouldn't be an issue with a PRC but why not get the strongest action that'll take pressure?

 

[BAKPAKR]

If the price is close get the Vesper, it's a frigging tank and stronger than the aluminum Vampire.
BAT machine said the vampire won't handle lapua sized cases, shouldn't be an issue with a PRC but why not get the strongest action that'll take pressure?

LOL, I just messaged you about the Vesper. The way the rail is cut on the Vampire appears to give it better scope mounting options compared to the Vesper.

 

[WKR]

If the price is close get the Vesper, it's a frigging tank and stronger than the aluminum Vampire.
BAT machine said the vampire won't handle lapua sized cases, shouldn't be an issue with a PRC but why not get the strongest action that'll take pressure?

Is the vesper really that much stronger than the vampire? I've heard the vampire can handle high pressure loads pretty well

 

[BBob]

Is the vesper really that much stronger than the vampire? I've heard the vampire can handle high pressure loads pretty well

It’s definitely stronger but overkill unless you want to build a Lapua mag.

I can’t say for sure but I’d bet the Vesper is a lightened version of a BAT HR.

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

Is the vesper really that much stronger than the vampire? I've heard the vampire can handle high pressure loads pretty well

Yes it's much stronger, like I said BAT won't offer it with a lapua bolt cuz it won't handle the pressure, at least long term.
I really dig my Vesper and it's 26 oz as advertised, not saying the vampire isn't a strong action or that it will have issues with a standard mag but for a couple hundred bucks more the choice is clear for me.

 

[Flyjunky]

I had Alex Wheeler build me a 30 Nos. Bat Vampire with a Bix n Andy Tac Sport trigger. They are first class actions all the way. Alex told me he checks everything on all actions he builds guns on- ignition timing, pin fall, extraction timing etc. he said all actions leave his shop perfect, but that the Bat's are closest to perfect when he gets them.

When did Alex build your rifle, was this recently? How long was the build time?

 

[bradb]

Alex built me a 300prc on vampire a bit over a year ago. Time will just depend on his back log. Also he was much faster doing just metal then a complete rifle. Can't beat Alex.

 

[Axlrod]

When did Alex build your rifle, was this recently? How long was the build time?

It was about 9 months. I picked it up in late 2021

 

[Flyjunky]

It was about 9 months. I picked it up in late 2021

After trying to decide between a 300NMI and 30nos I think I’ve decided on the 30nos as well.

How’s the rifle shooting? What are you using for bullets? Barrel? Etc?

 

[BBob]

I reached out to Alex a few days ago over email, waiting for a response

Awhile back he stopped taking new jobs and he's moved from Montana to Florida back to Montana and again back to Florida in the last 6 months or so so there's that too. Good luck

 

[Flyjunky]

Awhile back he stopped taking new jobs and he's moved from Montana to Florida back to Montana and again back to Florida in the last 6 months or so so there's that too. Good luck

I knew he had stopped taking builds so that’s why I was curious on how long ago Axlrod’s build was.

According to Alex on LRO he’s back up and running.

 

[BBob]

According to Alex on LRO he’s back up and running.

I saw that as well, his FFL was finally approved for the new location just recently so he had that delay too.

 

[BBob]

You know what though, the complete lack of customer service at Bat Machine has me a little worried...haven't had a single response or call back...

They’ve been short handed in customer service this week. I sent you a PM.

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

I knew he had stopped taking builds so that’s why I was curious on how long ago Axlrod’s build was.

According to Alex on LRO he’s back up and running.

Based on my experience with him I'd go elsewhere.
Kampfeld will take care of you way faster, and he answers his frigging phone..

 

[Axlrod]

After trying to decide between a 300NMI and 30nos I think I’ve decided on the 30nos as well.

How’s the rifle shooting? What are you using for bullets? Barrel? Etc?

It shoots amazing. Berger 215's @ 3060 fps w/ N570. The barrel is a Bartlein carbon 26".

 

[Flyjunky]

It shoots amazing. Berger 215's @ 3060 fps w/ N570. The barrel is a Bartlein carbon 26".

Did you have Alex build the whole rifle or did he just do the action work and chamber the barrel?

Do you know what reamer was used and/or how much freebore was added?

 

[Axlrod]

Did you have Alex build the whole rifle or did he just do the action work and chamber the barrel?

Do you know what reamer was used and/or how much freebore was added?

He built the whole rifle including bedding it. It's a reamer spec'd by him for the 215/230 grain Bergers. I don't know what the freebore is, but I can get you an cartridge length if you want.