BAT Machine Actions (BAT Actions): Benchrest, PRS, ELR, Hunting

BAT Machine actions (BAT Actions) and scope bases like the Picatinny Rail at Bullet Central, built in Post Falls, Idaho. Benchrest models (B, DS, MST, M), ELR actions (EX, EXS), Remington 700-footprint repeaters (VR, TR, HR, Igniter), and lightweight hunting actions (BumbleBee, Vampire). Right or left bolt, right or left port, and bolt faces from .223 through Lapua. In stock and shipping from Fargo, ND.

Shop by model, bolt orientation, bolt fluting, load port, ejection port, bolt face diameter, recoil lug, material, extractor type, and minute of angle.

Brand Story

BAT Machine was started by Bruce Alan Thom (the BAT) in 1991 and incorporated in 1996, and the Post Falls, Idaho shop still builds roughly 1,000 actions a year with Bruce on the floor. Every receiver is machined from solid 17-4 stainless bar with the bolt lugs, receiver face, and bore line held square and concentric to one another, the discipline that built BAT's reputation in short-range benchrest where nothing else will shoot. BAT's modular two-piece bolt, available across the repeater lineup, lets you swap bolt faces (PPC, .308, Magnum, .300 RUM, Chey-Tac, 50 BMG) without buying a second bolt, and standard features on most actions include an integral 20 MOA Picatinny rail, integral recoil lug, and a tool-less Melonited firing pin assembly. Lead time direct from BAT runs 6-9 months, which is why Bullet Central keeps inventory on the shelf.

Product Lines at a Glance

BAT Models

• Model B. Classic short-range benchrest action. Two-lug, 90 degree bolt lift, 7.565 inches long, 3.00 inch load port, 33 oz starting weight.
• Model DS. Faster-cycling version of the B with a shorter 2.80 inch load port, dual port, roller cocking piece, and adjustable trigger hanger.
• Model M. Medium-length F-Class and long-range benchrest action. Handles cartridges from .243 Win up to .338 Lapua Magnum.
• Model MST. Model M length with a Model B-size 3.00 inch load port. More stiffness, lug support, and bedding surface for short-case shooters.
• Model CT. Lightweight Chey-Tac action. 8.50 inches long, 1.187 x 16 tpi tenon, Chey-Tac or .338 Lapua bolt face options.
• Model HR. Remington 700 long-action footprint with magnum capacity. Repeater or single shot, .338 Lapua capable.
• Model VR. Remington 700 short-action footprint repeater. Two-lug, 8.00 inches long, 1.062 x 18 tpi tenon. Drops into any R700 SA stock or chassis.
• Model TR. PRS and tactical action built on the VR with an AW/AICS magazine opening and adjustable trigger hanger. Superseded in BAT's current lineup by the Hammerhead.
• Igniter. Entry-priced Remington 700 footprint repeaters. Same machining and tolerances as the rest of the lineup, fewer options, lower price.
• Bumblebee. Lightweight aluminum and steel hybrid short action. 7075-T6 aluminum body, hardened 4140 steel insert at the threads and lug seats, 23 oz. Requires a Bumblebee-specific inlet (not a drop-in 700 footprint).
• Vampire. Long-action equivalent of the Bumblebee. Roughly 25 oz, 10 oz lighter than the all-steel HR. Requires a Vampire-specific inlet.
• Model EX and EXS. BAT's .50 BMG and Chey-Tac ELR actions. The 12.00 inch EX is the largest action BAT makes; the 10.00 inch EXS is built two inches shorter to clear the 40 lb weight cap at some ELR matches.

Which BAT Action Is Right for You?

• Short-range benchrest (6PPC, 6BR, Dasher). Model DS if you want the fastest cycle time and the benchrest pedigree. Model B if you want the option to step up to .308-length cases down the road.
• 1,000-yard benchrest and F-Class. Model M covers .243 Win through .338 Lapua Magnum and is BAT's most popular F-Class action.
• PRS and NRL. Model TR for a steel tactical action with AW magazine compatibility, or Bumblebee if you want an aluminum action with AICS compatibility.
• Long-action magnum build. Model HR for an all-steel R700 LA. Vampire for a mountain-rifle build where you want to strip 10 oz out of the receiver.
• Extreme long range (.50 BMG, Chey-Tac, .460 Vestal). Model EX for an unrestricted build. Model EXS when you need to stay under a 40 lb ELR match limit.
• Remington 700 drop-in short action (general use). Model VR. Drops into any R700 SA stock, chassis, or bottom metal, or use the Igniter for a cheaper option.

Why Buy BAT Machine From Bullet Central?

• Actions on the shelf, not on a wait list. Direct-from-BAT lead times run 6-9 months. Bullet Central stocks configured BAT actions you can check out and ship today, no waiting queue.
• Configuration help from people who build them. If you're weighing a Model B vs a DS for a 6BRA build, or a VR vs a TR for a PRS rifle, ask the Bullet Central Forum or check our blog.
• Full ecosystem on site. Barrels (Bartlein, Krieger, Brux), chassis and stocks, triggers (Bix'n Andy), and bottom metal and magazines all under one order.
• FFL shipping handled. Receivers are firearms and must ship to an FFL. Select your FFL at checkout, or contact us if you need help routing the transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an FFL to buy a BAT Machine receiver?

Yes. BAT actions are classified as firearms by the ATF and must ship to a licensed FFL dealer. Pick your FFL at checkout, or contact us to arrange the transfer. Replacement bolts, bolt handles, and other non-serialized parts do not require an FFL and can ship directly.

How long is the wait for a BAT action direct versus buying from Bullet Central?

Direct from BAT Machine, lead times typically run 6-9 months for a custom-configured build. Actions Bullet Central has in stock ship the same business day. If the exact configuration you want is out of stock, the product page has a Notify Me capture that emails you the moment it comes back in.

Will BAT's modular bolt let me run more than one cartridge on the same action?

Yes. BAT's modular two-piece bolt is designed so you can swap bolt faces (PPC, .308, Magnum, Chey-Tac, and BMG on the EX-series) without buying a second bolt body. Confirm bolt-face compatibility before ordering: Vestal, Chey-Tac, and BMG prints are not interchangeable.

Which BAT action drops into a Remington 700 stock or chassis?

The VR and TR (short action) and the HR (long action) are all built on the Remington 700 footprint with a 1.35-inch receiver diameter. The Vampire long action and Bumblebee use long-action bottom metal but are not a drop-in R700 LA inlet, expect to have the stock or chassis re-inletted.

What's the difference between a Model B and a Model M?

The B is a 7.565-inch benchrest action optimized for cases up to .308 Win (6PPC, 6BR, Dasher, BRA). The M is 0.935 inches longer at 8.500 inches, handles cases from .243 Win up to .338 Lapua Magnum, and gives you more bedding surface. Short-range benchrest picks the B, F-Class and 1,000-yard builds pick the M.

How does BAT compare to Defiance, Impact, or Kelbly?

All four are top-tier custom action builders. BAT's pedigree is in short-range benchrest and ELR. Defiance, Impact Precision, and Kelbly each have their own strengths and followings. We stock all of them so you can pick by feel, not by loyalty.

Become a Bullet Central Dealer

Become a Dealer of BAT Machine, start an application at New Dealer Enquiry. We respond within two business days.

Resources

• Contact Us
• Tech Central
• BAT Tenon Diagrams (PDF)
• Bullet Central Blog
• Bullet Central Forum