Supersized BAT Sighted at Bruno Shooters Supply
BAT .50 BMG Model EX– Now That’s an Action!, by GAS
A while back, I stopped into Bruno Shooters Supply for a jug of powder and looked into the display case where the new actions are kept. Amid the usual array of BAT Machine, Kelbly and other actions, there was something unlike any action I’d seen before — all I can call it is the BIG BAT (It’s officially the BAT Model EX 2.5). I wasn’t too surprised at the weight (a beefy 13.7 lbs.), but until you lift it it’s hard to appreciate how solid, chunky, hefty, massive (pick your favorite adjective) this thing really is. The action is a 2.5″-diameter, 12″-long BAT for the .50 BMG cartridge. It is simply the biggest, slickest custom action on the planet. In order to give you some sense of scale, I photographed the action alongside a conventional BAT action for short-range Benchrest shooting and I put a .220 Russian case and a .30-06 case into the picture. I’ve handled and fired other .50 BMG actions/rifles before, but this BAT puts them all to shame, as far as fit and finish go.
The action is actually quite conventional in design and execution. The bolt is fluted and has two front lugs with a conventional, although super-sized, firing pin assembly. Any Remington-style trigger will mount by way of a normal trigger hanger, allowing for simplified maintenance or replacement in the field. The loading port is 5.5″ long and the barrel threads are 1.5″ x 16 tpi — nothing about this beast is small! There is a conventional rocker-type bolt release on the left side of the receiver body and a recoil lug is built into the bottom of the receiver. In reality, the action is very similar to any other BAT except for the size and it adheres to all of BAT’s high standards for quality of design, manufacture, fit, finish and just plain good looks. Slide that bolt back and it feels as tight as a small Benchrest action!
Given the BIG BAT’s $3,125.00 sticker price (before options), not many of us will ever have the opportunity to own or shoot one of these beauties (I certainly won’t). However, it is nice to know they exist and can be bought and enjoyed in many places. CLICK HERE for BAT EX configuration options.
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Tags: 50 BMG, Action, BAT Machines, BAT Model EX, Receiver
Wednesday 7, 2015 (at Bruno)
EX091 Bat Action – Model: EX – RB-LP-LE – 2.000″ Round – 50 Caliber – Stainless 19883 In Stock $2,525.00
Link – http://www.brunoshooters.com/category/actions_bat_model_ex.html
Can I get one in a 222 bolt face?
The current direct price (5/2/17) for the 2.5″ version, before other options, is still $3125. The only options listed on the chart are for left bolt ($75) and black Meloniting ($100 for body or bolt, $200 for both). A stainless steel rail is $165 (0 thru 50 MOA in 10 MOA steps; plus $5 for black Meloniting). Action wrench is $77. And a two-hole, stainless steel trigger guard is $64 (plus $5 for black Meloniting).
This action is twice as beefy as anything else. The 2.5” version, that is. In the sense that railed up and made ready it pushes toward the cost of a complete AR 50, an accurate option itself, this is no 50 BMG starter kit, but it remains a very good value in the same way that an X frame Smith & Wesson 500 revolver is a stellar bargain next to their $900 .357 revolver. When you see the four huge action screws this comes with, you can’t avoid smiling. The “scope rail” threaded holes appear to accept standard sized action screws of other rifles. Amazing.
Thank you Bat Machine for standing alone in making this low volume niche product. The production work involved is both evident and appreciated.