Kelbly's Black Bear Tactical

[FollowThrough10]

I've haven't had a problem with ANY AICS pattern mags. Been running Alpha, MDT, Magpuls, and traditional AICS mags through it for months now.... Not a single issue.

Lol just close your eyes and pic one, it'll run fine.

 

[MangoFett]

MPA update

"These inlets have been pushed back. Looks like the fall of '19" from MPA this morning.

 

[FollowThrough10]

In all honesty... I wouldn't expect anything less from MPA...

 

[Fishbaum]

In other news, my manners prs2 is supposedly shipping in "the middle of May" so I should hopefully have it by July!

 

[Hussell]

MPA update

"These inlets have been pushed back. Looks like the fall of '19" from MPA this morning.

I ordered mine in June, I called and got my deposit back a couple weeks ago.

 

[Hussell]

In other news, my manners prs2 is supposedly shipping in "the middle of May" so I should hopefully have it by July!

I bought an in stock PRS 1 from Core/Altus that had been cut for a Defiance. I had it shipped to Kelby's to be reinletted then on to my smith. Took less than 2 weeks turn around.

 

[D_TROS]

Mine is being built right now...seriously cant wait!

Keep the pics coming!

DT

 

[Fishbaum]

My PRS 2 came in today! All inletted by Manners. Don't have a black bear to test fit yet but at least I have something pretty to look at until then.

One thing did come up. And full disclosure I have not contacted Manners yet as I literally just got this. But it appears the pillars were not installed and instead shipped loose with the stock.

This is now raising the question of is it worth even calling and pillar bedding this? What are your guys' take on the matter?

 

[FollowThrough10]

@Fishbaum, Seeing that I did all of mine at once while inletting the action, I can't sit here and say it won't shoot without the pillars, but I can absolutely say that its the easiest bedding job to complete due to the flat bottom.

My opinion would be to go ahead and do it. My experience with pillars/bedding vs no pillars/no bedding has been a substantial increase in accuracy with the actions set and bedded. Its a smarter move to have those pillars in to help with rigidity and harmonics.

 

[Steelnecktie]

Definitely pillar bed, plus you may have to machine or file a little to get trigger hanger on bottom of action to clear next to rear pillar hole.

 

[D_TROS]

My PRS 2 came in today! All inletted by Manners. ...

...This is now raising the question of is it worth even calling and pillar bedding this? What are your guys' take on the matter?

There is nothing to contact Manners about. Inletted does not mean ready to shoot. Inletted means ready to bed. Not saying you cant shoot but accuracy will suffer alot. With such a high end build def have it done right, ie bed it.

Good to know manners inlets for this action tho. good times.

Love the stock tho. great choice and color. Please post pics when done!

Regards,
DT

 

[BigJimFish]

One thing did come up. And full disclosure I have not contacted Manners yet as I literally just got this. But it appears the pillars were not installed and instead shipped loose with the stock.

This is now raising the question of is it worth even calling and pillar bedding this? What are your guys' take on the matter?

I don't think you bought a Manners composite stock and Black Bear action to cut corners. Sucks that you might have to do the pillars yourself as it is easier to bed an action onto pillars already secured in the stock as you can essentially screw the action down as per normal and use the pillars to determine where the bottom of the action will come to rest. There are other ways to determine the position of the action in the stock though and I understand some builders bed the pillars at the same time as the action.

You could also just ship the stock back to Manners to have them drop the pillars in like they were supposed to. Since you don't have the action yet anyway, that is what I would do. I expect they have a jig that makes it very easy to get those pillars lined up just right.

 

[Fishbaum]

Just an update on the pillars situation. Got a hold of Manners and they are crediting me the cost of the pillars and labor. (I get free pillars!!)

They said that on this action it will need done by me or a smith to determine the proper height of the pillars with the bottom metal and action to make sure the mag latches and all that.

Anyone close to Wisconsin that wants to help me bed pillars and my action (whenever I get it) let me know! Never done it before and don't want to botch the job. Any recommendations for a smith for these would be appreciated.

 

[Hussell]

Just an update on the pillars situation. Got a hold of Manners and they are crediting me the cost of the pillars and labor. (I get free pillars!!)

They said that on this action it will need done by me or a smith to determine the proper height of the pillars with the bottom metal and action to make sure the mag latches and all that.

Anyone close to Wisconsin that wants to help me bed pillars and my action (whenever I get it) let me know! Never done it before and don't want to botch the job. Any recommendations for a smith for these would be appreciated.

Your smith should be able to do everything. Who is spinning up the barrel once you get the action? If you are getting a barreled action from Kelby's just send them the stock and they can finish it up for you.

 

[Fishbaum]

Your smith should be able to do everything. Who is spinning up the barrel once you get the action? If you are getting a barreled action from Kelby's just send them the stock and they can finish it up for you.

I think that will be my best option. I like that.

 

[KevinU]

Anyone using AW mags?

 

[bodhisafa]

The green goo filled syringe Kelblys provides ...is it lug grease to use on bolt and lugs?

 

[mrobles3808]

Spent a couple of days in the shop building on this Kelbly Black Bear. Chambered up a Hawk Hill Marksman and fit to a Mcmillan A5. I absolutely love this combo and she hammers! First string of load development was a success -- I think she's gonna eat whatever I put in it.

 

[Gil P.]

Nice! Still waiting on my stock from McMillan before Kelbly can start my build.

 

[FollowThrough10]

@bodhisafa the syringe is high temp grease to be used on lugs, cocking piece, and we also suggests to use it in place of anti seize on the thread tenon of your barrel.

In my opinion, way way better option.

 

[bodhisafa]

Forgive my poor knowledge,which part of the action is the cocking piece?

 

[FollowThrough10]

Forgive my poor knowledge,which part of the action is the cocking piece?

Haha, its okay, the cocking peice is the peice the protrudes from the bottom of the bolt and rides in the groove of the action. When the bolt handle is turned to lock and unlock from the lugs, this, along with the bolt shroud (which the cocking peice rides within), are the two parts that are compressing the firing pin into the cocked position.

Its also not a bad idea to throw some of the grease on the face of the bolt shroud where it meets the back of the action.

Cocking Piece

Bolt Shroud:

 

[lukejr985]

Any word on if the blackbear would be doable in an ACC after modification?

 

[D_TROS]

Anyone using AW mags?

Ill check tonight

The green goo filled syringe Kelblys provides ...is it lug grease to use on bolt and lugs?

This action will shine running dry or with dry lube. That being said, I would put a small dab on the locking side of both bolt lugs.

Any word on if the blackbear would be doable in an ACC after modification?

Good questions Ill ask if they are planning on an inlet. I know XLR inlets for the Blckbear and it locks up super tight.


GL
DT

 

[bodhisafa]

I have played with my new rig build off a black bear and I have noticed that the bolt seems to “stick” when being manipulated. Is this because it needs to break in? Before it smooths out.

I used a little of the gun grease Kelblys provided and applied it to the spots mentioned above

 

[FollowThrough10]

I have played with my new rig build off a black bear and I have noticed that the bolt seems to “stick” when being manipulated. Is this because it needs to break in? Before it smooths out.

I used a little of the gun grease Kelblys provided and applied it to the spots mentioned above

Where does it feel like its sticking at? My black bear took a short while to really shine, but was super slick before I started my build.

Depending on where its sticking, I may have a simple trick to help

 

[bodhisafa]

Where does it feel like its sticking at? My black bear took a short while to really shine, but was super slick before I started my build.

Depending on where its sticking, I may have a simple trick to help

Mainly during initial rear ward pull and initial pushing in of bolt when fully open

 

[Triggerf16]

My Black Bear Tactical turned out pretty well. Krieger barrel, BixnAndy two stage trigger, CDI bottom metal, KMW cheek hardware. Stock is laminated maple and padouk, bedded with Marine Tex, added an Anschutz rail and flush cups. Pretty pleased with the Steiner for a budget scope. It will be replaced with something better soon.





Shoots pretty well, too. Still doing load development.





42.8gr seems pretty good.

 

[FollowThrough10]

Mainly during initial rear ward pull and initial pushing in of bolt when fully open

Alright, that sounds like it just needs to be broken in, and cycled a bunch. If you don't wanna wait for it to break in, head to your local auto parts store and ask for valve lapping compound.. Pull the action off of the barrel and apply a small amount to the rear portion of the race way.

Cycle the bolt multiple times then clean the action and bolt of all the compound.

Re insert the clean bolt into the clean action and see how it feels... If its still a little sticky, do the process over again until its how you want it to feel. Shouldn't take any more than 15-20min.

Hope this helps

Garrison

 

[MangoFett]

I wouldn't put lapping compound of any grade in an action but that's just me.

Honestly when you're watching tv just cycle it a few dozen times a couple nights. I did that with mine during each commercial break and its slick as can be now. Just put a light coat of thin viscosity oil all up inside of the action and on the bolt really well and cycle away. After you're done wipe the action down and re-oil It and it'll be ready.

 

[bodhisafa]

I’m wondering if the green goo that came with the action is too thick and makes the bolt bind. I only applied a tiny amount on the lugs and cocking piece.

I do have some Wilson combat oil I may use

 

[Butler12]

Hi,
Just a quick question is anyone running a br case with there black bear How is it feeding and ejecting ?
I have pva kits in some magazines that run super in my mausingfield.
I really want to do a 22 br barrel for the black bear but want to be sure it is as reliable as the controlled round feed actions

 

[Butler12]

Just about to get my gunsmith to chamber up a couple of barrels still thinking about a 22 br anyone running br cases though a Black Bear?

 

[Hussell]

Just about to get my gunsmith to chamber up a couple of barrels still thinking about a 22 br anyone running br cases though a Black Bear?

I just had a 22BR spun up. It will be early December until Im home to run it.

 

[D_TROS]

Hi,
Just a quick question is anyone running a br case with there black bear How is it feeding and ejecting ?
I have pva kits in some magazines that run super in my mausingfield.
I really want to do a 22 br barrel for the black bear but want to be sure it is as reliable as the controlled round feed actions

My 6br runs flawlessly. If you want a video PM me your cell. I use both conversion kits but have found the 12 rnd MDT mag to be the most reliable. Even tho honestly I have not had a single issue.

Regards
DT

 

[RobertB]

Just an update on the pillars situation. Got a hold of Manners and they are crediting me the cost of the pillars and labor. (I get free pillars!!)

They said that on this action it will need done by me or a smith to determine the proper height of the pillars with the bottom metal and action to make sure the mag latches and all that.

Anyone close to Wisconsin that wants to help me bed pillars and my action (whenever I get it) let me know! Never done it before and don't want to botch the job. Any recommendations for a smith for these would be appreciated.

Just wanting to follow up to see how your rig was working out. We love these actions and want to make sure they are working out for our customers.

Let me know if you need anything from us at Manners!

 

[DerrtyMac]

Well have enjoyed reading this thread, which in turn had me pull the trigger on a Black Bear that was in the classifieds. Really paying attention to what stocks/chassis.
So since there have been a few builds and communication on here, What would be a good stock to use for a .308 PRS/NRL rifle that will also be used for F-TR shoots?
This is my first custom build and will be having a local smith help out. Just wanted to narrow down ideas and experience of hide members.
thanks

 

[FollowThrough10]

Well have enjoyed reading this thread, which in turn had me pull the trigger on a Black Bear that was in the classifieds. Really paying attention to what stocks/chassis.
So since there have been a few builds and communication on here, What would be a good stock to use for a .308 PRS/NRL rifle that will also be used for F-TR shoots?
This is my first custom build and will be having a local smith help out. Just wanted to narrow down ideas and experience of hide members.
thanks

Take a look at our KTS's on Kelblys.com. Perfect blend of tactical and traditional styling/ergonomics that work perfect for both FTR and NRL.

If that's not up your alley, an adjustable McMillan or Manners will always work.

Good luck, and welcome to the Black Bear family. You won't be disappointed!

 

[DerrtyMac]

Thanks to Colorado weather this morning had time to make a few calls. Which now has the wheels started of my first custom rifle!

First talked to @Ian A. Kelbly and made a game plan for for my .308 dual purpose for PRS/NRL and F-TR. He took the time and listened to where I’m starting from and short term goals then helped provide options and what to think about. Thanks for your time and looking forward to the final outcome.

Then got a hold of @RobertB with Manners and got a T4 stock ordered. Had a really wonderful conversation and lots of good info and even a few other things to think about. Thanks for the help and getting the ball rolling on what I have no doubt will be a great starting point for learning what works best for me.

Going to keep this thread up top so maybe we can have some really awesome Black Bear builds to show off!

 

[RobertB]

Thanks to Colorado weather this morning had time to make a few calls. Which now has the wheels started of my first custom rifle!

First talked to @Ian A. Kelbly and made a game plan for for my .308 dual purpose for PRS/NRL and F-TR. He took the time and listened to where I’m starting from and short term goals then helped provide options and what to think about. Thanks for your time and looking forward to the final outcome.

Then got a hold of @RobertB with Manners and got a T4 stock ordered. Had a really wonderful conversation and lots of good info and even a few other things to think about. Thanks for the help and getting the ball rolling on what I have no doubt will be a great starting point for learning what works best for me.

Going to keep this thread up top so maybe we can have some really awesome Black Bear builds to show off!

The pleasures all ours man! Thanks for the support!

 

[FollowThrough10]

Ill just leave this here.... Lets see em boys #black_bear_army

 

[Hussell]

22Br and 6.5x47

 

[808caliber]

Ill just leave this here.... Lets see em boys #black_bear_army


View attachment 7201677

Not sure if this was already mentioned. Any chance kelbly would offer it in RB LP, similar to some of their other actions? Mahalo brotha.

 

[Fishbaum]

Just wanting to follow up to see how your rig was working out. We love these actions and want to make sure they are working out for our customers.

Let me know if you need anything from us at Manners!

Hi Robert, thanks for checking in, I am poor and have not been able to get the action yet. I love looking at the stock though. Keeps me motivated to get the build done. I will be sure to post pictures and range info as soon as I can. Hopefully around May I can have a ready to shoot rifle.

 

[FollowThrough10]

Not sure if this was already mentioned. Any chance kelbly would offer it in RB LP, similar to some of their other actions? Mahalo brotha.

You looking for a repeater in that configuration, or just a single shot boss?

We've just about every concievable combo you can think of. If not in the Black Bear, %100 in the Kodiak (The Black Bear's aluminum brother)

?

 

[808caliber]

You looking for a repeater in that configuration, or just a single shot boss?

We've just about every concievable combo you can think of. If not in the Black Bear, %100 in the Kodiak (The Black Bear's aluminum brother)

?

Looking at a repeater for a dedicated 223 bolt gun, i always wanted to build off the black bear since it was introduced. This 223 build seems like the perfect avenue for trying out a RB LP action too. Was hoping maybe the black bear could accomodate that. The robustness of it over the kodiak is what attracted me most. But i understand if ill be limited to the kodiak.

 

[RobertB]

Ill just leave this here.... Lets see em boys #black_bear_army


View attachment 7201677

That's alot of sexy right there!

 

[Steelnecktie]

My 14yr old boy got it done all by himself this year while I was gone. He went out on his own, gutted, skinned, quarter and deboned by himself. And if you look close, yep that’s a Black Bear Tactical. @tmanners compact stock in Arctic camo, @Ian A. Kelbly Black Bear Tactical action. Kelbly’s and Manners are both excellent people to work with. If this was last stock and action I ever had, that would be fine with me.

 

[Hussell]

Just about to get my gunsmith to chamber up a couple of barrels still thinking about a 22 br anyone running br cases though a Black Bear?

Ran my first "club" PRS match with my 22BR yesterday. (300 rounds on it now) I am using the MDT BR Mags and did not have to make any adjustments at all. I had zero feeding issues. I believe Kelbys does not recommend the BR cases in the Black Bear due to the possibility of them getting stuck in the raceway on extraction. I only had this happen once and it is when I was working the bolt real slow on an unstable platform. I noticed it and simply moved my trigger finger up and flicked it out without breaking cheek weld. I have had this same issue with by 6.5x47 barrels spun on and it is always when I am running the bolt slow.

 

[FollowThrough10]

Ran my first "club" PRS match with my 22BR yesterday. (300 rounds on it now) I am using the MDT BR Mags and did not have to make any adjustments at all. I had zero feeding issues. I believe Kelbys does not recommend the BR cases in the Black Bear due to the possibility of them getting stuck in the raceway on extraction. I only had this happen once and it is when I was working the bolt real slow on an unstable platform. I noticed it and simply moved my trigger finger up and flicked it out without breaking cheek weld. I have had this same issue with by 6.5x47 barrels spun on and it is always when I am running the bolt slow.

This is great info for everyone to know. We LITERALLY want you to run your bolt HARD during matches... Reason being, especially with mechanical ejection, it covers you from short stroking and running into feeding/extraction issues.

For you guys interested in the BR variants, we suggest that you consider running a Sako or M16 extractor in your Black Bear bolts. It is NOT necessary as @3PuttPar has already mentioned, but it is an available option just in case any of you need a little more insurance.