Stiller vs BAT Action for Hunting Rifle

[Jig Stick]

Im ordering some components for a .270 hunting rifle. McMillan hunter stock, jewell trigger, #3 contour barrel, talley rings, etc. Ive always used BAT action for my other hunting rifles without any problems. However, the wait time for a BAT HR Repeater w/o rail is really really long. My gunsmith has both a Stiller Predator and Tac300 available. Barrel is in hand. So I can basically have the rifle built as soon as the stock comes in if I go with the Stiller. Any coments on the Stiller actions? They seam to be machined nice, although a little loose compared to my BATS.

 

[6.5BR]

Built a Stiller once, 6BR, shot 1/4" group OVER and OVER for 3 shots.......at 200 yds

 

[buckey]

How long did BAT say the wait was??

I ordered a BAT HRPIC about a month ago - Daryl said it would be 8 to 10 months.......................damn!!

 

[selfbowhunter]

you wont be disappointed in the stiller, but check out the kelbly atlas or bighorn!

chuck

 

[Hntelk]

I use a stiller on my hunting rig....almost exact build but in 308... It is a laser and has killed a many hog, deer and elk

 

[Boltfluter]

I have had several Stillers in the shop lately. The machining was first rate. Fit and finish was very good. I would not be afraid to try one.

Regards, Paul

 

[Pinecone]

you wont be disappointed in the stiller, but check out the kelbly atlas or bighorn!

chuck

I have been recommended the Atlas over the Stiller by a smith.

Why do you recommend the Atlas? I don't see them mentioned much here.

I posted a question about them, but only got one response.

 

[selfbowhunter]

I have been recommended the Atlas over the Stiller by a smith.

Why do you recommend the Atlas? I don't see them mentioned much here.

I posted a question about them, but only got one response.

I have built on a LOT of stillers and they are good. I have yet to build on an atlas or bighorn if kelbly makes it, you can bet its dead nuts perfect as far as machining is concerned. I used to use the surgeon RSR/RLR a lot but I have seen runout in excess of .010!!! I DO NOT like having to check a $1000 receiver to make sure its right. not saying you would have this issue with the stiller but I would guarantee you wouldn't with the kelbly! the bighorn has a floating bolt head which I think is a great enhancement and from what I read, they have no issues with their tolerances. both the kelbly and bighorn minimize the ejection port cutout so they should be much stiffer than the stiller. does it matter? heck, I don't know.

chuck

 

[buckey]

Jig Stick:

You still use Dave Bruno to build your rifles??

 

[Robe]

I have a rifle with a Stiller action and one with a Bat action. Both are great. The Bat may possibly be considered overkill for a hunting rifle. Both are great actions. I would have no hesitation at all to buy either one again.

 

[Niles Coyote]

My only custom is a stillar tac30 AW and over the last six months it has ran with out issue in the cold with snow here in michigan and red/brown dust for a week in montana. I see more stiller's in my future... Sounds like the Bat's have been working well for you so it boils down to asking yourself to wait or not to wait, I think you will be happy with either option.

 

[bodhisafa]

Are any of the single shot BATs good for hunting?

 

[nexusfire]

Uh huh

I have built on a LOT of stillers and they are good. I have yet to build on an atlas or bighorn if kelbly makes it, you can bet its dead nuts perfect as far as machining is concerned. I used to use the surgeon RSR/RLR a lot but I have seen runout in excess of .010!!! I DO NOT like having to check a $1000 receiver to make sure its right. not saying you would have this issue with the stiller but I would guarantee you wouldn't with the kelbly! the bighorn has a floating bolt head which I think is a great enhancement and from what I read, they have no issues with their tolerances. both the kelbly and bighorn minimize the ejection port cutout so they should be much stiffer than the stiller. does it matter? heck, I don't know.

chuck

 

[buckey]

What action did ya decide on Jig Stick??

 

[FN in MT]

I know two precision shooters who have LA Stiller's as hunting rifles. One a .280 AI the other is a .30-06 . BOTH are probably overkill. I know the Smith who built them, he has 50+ years of experience and he thought they were a great action, especially for the money spent.

FN in MT

 

[RobertB]

I don't shoot stiller actions but I would have no problem doing a build on one. I have surgeons, bats, kelblys, Defiance, trued remmys, gap Templar, and maybe onther one I'm not thinking of. LOL I've fondled a few stillers and didn't see anything wrong with it at all.

 

[Pinecone]

I don't shoot stiller actions but I would have no problem doing a build on one. I have surgeons, bats, kelblys, Defiance, trued remmys, gap Templar, and maybe onther one I'm not thinking of. LOL I've fondled a few stillers and didn't see anything wrong with it at all.

Talk to me about the Kelbly Atlas actions?

I have seen them mentioned, but not much actually said abou them. They have been recommended to me.

Thanks

 

[Jig Stick]

Jig Stick:

You still use Dave Bruno to build your rifles??

Yep. Only him.

 

[Jig Stick]

Are any of the single shot BATs good for hunting?

Yep. Model Bs. My buddies all have single shot BAT hunting rifles

 

[bodhisafa]

How comparable are the BAT HRPIC, M, and L model actions to the Stiller for a 338 lapua?

Do they have the same size bolts and features?

 

[Erthal]

I believe that BAT have 1,350" action and .70X" bolt, while Stiller Have 1,400" action and .750" bolts HRPIC have integral scope rail and recoil lug