Kelbly Panda Action

Complete Guide to the Kelbly Panda Action: Features and Installation

Contact us with any questions or to check availability and pricing before you begin your build.

Kelbly Panda Action is renowned among precision shooters for its tight tolerances, sturdy stainless-steel construction, and versatility in custom rifle projects. Whether you’re building a competition rifle or an accurate hunting rig, understanding the Panda Action’s technical details and proper installation process is critical to achieving sub-MOA accuracy. In this guide, we cover everything from action dimensions and material properties to step-by-step installation, performance comparisons, and ongoing maintenance. You’ll also find links to related resources such as our Atlas Gun Powder performance tests and how to choose rifle barrel blanks for a complete precision build workflow.

Technical Specifications

The Kelbly Panda Action is machined from 416R stainless steel, chosen for its corrosion resistance and consistent hardness after heat treatment. Key specifications include:

• Action Length: Standard short action at 3.340” (84.8 mm) for cartridges like .308 Winchester; Remington 700 footprint.
• Bolt Face: 0.532” diameter with 2-lug, 70° bolt lift for rapid cycling.
• Trigger Mount: Integral trigger pocket accepts most Rem 700-style triggers without modification.
• Material Hardness: Rockwell 45 – 48 HRC after uniform stress relief to prevent warping.
• Drillings and Tolerances: Receiver bores are honed to ±0.0005” runout for barrel threads and action screw holes.

These precise dimensions ensure a tight barrel-to-action bedding interface, contributing to consistent shot placement.

Installation Procedure

Follow these steps to swap in your Kelbly Panda Action:

1. Action Removal: Unload your rifle, remove the bolt and magazine, and un-screw the action screws to separate the barreled action from the stock.
2. Old Action Extraction: Detach the factory action and clean out any old bedding or bedding compound residue using solvent and a soft brush.
3. Action Bedding Preparation: Inspect the stock’s action channel. If you’re using pillar or glass bedding, ensure pillars are properly aligned and level.
4. Action Insertion: Place the Panda Action into the stock channel dry to check fit. It should drop in without binding and align flush with the stock’s recoil lug area.
5. Torque Specifications: Apply a light film of grease to the action screws. Torque to 65 – 70 in-lbs in an alternating pattern to seat the action evenly.
6. Bedding Compound (Optional): If glass bedding, apply a thin layer of two-part epoxy in the action channel, insert the action, wipe flush, allow to cure, and then remove excess.
7. Final Assembly: Re-install barrel, bolt, and magazine. Verify headspace and perform dummy rounds to ensure safe cycling.

Proper torque and bedding guarantee the action remains stable under recoil, maintaining zero shot after shot.

Advantages and Comparison

Compared to other Remington-pattern short actions, the Kelbly Panda offers:

• Enhanced Rigidity: Thicker sidewalls and mushroom-style bolt lug engagement minimize flex.
• Modular Bedding: Integral recoil lug pocket simplifies aftermarket bedding options.
• Trigger Compatibility: Interchangeable with popular aftermarket triggers—no gunsmithing needed.
• Repeatability: Factory-matched bolt and action surfaces reduce variance in lockup.

In head-to-head tests, rifles built on Panda Actions averaged 0.3 MOA better group sizes versus stock Rem 700 actions under identical loads.

Maintenance and Care

To keep your Kelbly Panda Action in top condition:

• Cleaning Frequency: Disassemble and clean the bolt face, lug recesses, and action interior after every 300 – 400 rounds.
• Lubrication: Apply a light coat of synthetic action grease on lug surfaces and the breech.
• Inspection: Check for burrs or corrosion on locking lugs; lightly hone or polish if needed.
• Trigger Adjustments: Verify trigger pull weight remains within factory spec (1.5 – 2.5 lbs) and adjust safety tensions per manufacturer guidelines.

Regular upkeep prevents wear and ensures the tight tolerances remain consistent over the action’s lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Kelbly Panda Action stands out as a top choice for precision rifles, combining rock-solid construction, tight tolerances and user-friendly installation. By following this guide—from technical specs through installation, comparison and maintenance—you’ll ensure your build delivers consistent sub-MOA performance. Ready to upgrade your action? Contact us today for availability, pricing and expert support.