By: Johnny Mack
Instagram: @soulseekersnation
A general rule of thumb to follow in life is you get what you pay for. When it comes to rifles and specifically the world of long range mountain rifles, it couldn’t be more true. I have shot Kelbly rifles in the past and was blown away at their quality, accuracy and their overall shootability. So when I was browsing their website and laid eyes on the Nanook PH, it drew me to it just like a Siren calling to a sailor of old.
About Kelbly
Kelbly is a firearm manufacturer out of the state of Ohio who has been manufacturing Remington 700 action style clone’s and Stolle actions since 1981. Since then, Kelbly’s has been on a mission to make the best actions possible while pursuing the mission statement of “A Higher Level of Accuracy.”
This higher level of accuracy that Kelbly’s is producing has landed them 92 World and National records in shooting sports when competing with a Kelbly action or rifle. Something that really puts Kelbly’s in a class of their own. One of the biggest things to note about Kelbly’s is that since they are a smaller manufacturer and family owned, when you dial them up to ask questions or place an order, you usually speak directly to a Kelbly family member. This adds a level of reassurance and customer service that is hard to match. Couple that with their lifetime warranty that covers everything except for the longevity of your barrel and firing pin springs, which as most shooter’s know, are consumable items and you will be glad you purchased from Kelbly’s.
About the Nanook PH
The Nanook PH is a firearm that shoots just as good if not better than how it looks. It is comfortable in hand, light weight, shoulders and balances well for having a 26″ barrel and that is even with a suppressor hanging off the end. The carbon barrel matched with the skeletonized action, fluted bolt and the Manners PH stock screams “shoot me and love me” with a certain sex appeal which is all based off the amazing Nanook action.
When shooting the rifle, it responded with sub moa groups which I would expect for a semi-custom rifle with the price tag that it holds. Even for a light rifle, the balance of the gun makes handling and shooting it a lot of fun and after taking it on a hunt and using it afield, I truly fell in love with this rifle. A big thing to note on this gun is that Kelbly’s only makes the Nanook PH in long action with magnum chambered rounds (caliber options listed below). You can expect that a light weight rifle will kick but it isn’t intimidating nor overwhelming because the gun comes with Kelbly’s Klaw muzzle brake to manage recoil and aid in shooting straighter. I love shooting suppressed so I opted to remove the brake and add a Huxwrx 762 Flow Ti suppressor.
Beyond the awesome Nanook action, the first couple things that stand out on this gun is the carbon fiber Manner’s stock with built in flush cups, bipod rail/swivel stud and arca rail. This eliminates having to buy additional items down the road which adds weight and cost. I also really appreciated the ambidextrous thumb rests on the stock as a reminder not to wrap my thumb while shooting.
The 26″ carbon fiber wrapped Preferred barrel pleases the eye and compliments the Pro Hunter stock well. A quality gun also requires a quality trigger, with Kelbly’s opting for a Bix N Andy trigger set at a crisp 2.5 lbs.
Pros
- Very Accurate
- Light weight for mountain hunting
- Factory flush cups
- Built in Arca rail for attaching gun to tripod
- Built in picatinny rail and swivel mount for bipods
- Ambidextrous thumb shelf on stock
- 35 MOA rail for long rang shooting and hunting applications
- Comes with self-timing muzzle brake
cons
- Magnum cartridges and light weight rifles will let you know they are there
- The price – Not the cheapest rifle, but you100% get what you pay for
- Feeding rounds at times was finicky. Not because of the action, but because I would over insert the mag which caused the bolt to hit the back of the magazine and not the round for chambering. Once I figured this out I would insert the mag and then pull back to clear for cycling of the action.
details
- MSRP – $5,000
- Chamberings – Long Action: 7 PRC, 300 PRC, .300 Norma Magnum, & .338 Lapua Magnum
- Barrel Length – 26″
- Barrel Twist is dependent upon chambering – Call Kelbly’s for info
- Weight – 7.0 lbs. 10 oz.
- Trigger – Bix N Andy set at 2.5 lbs.
- Barrel – Preferred carbon barrel with a heavy palma contour
- Stock – Manner Pro Hunter
- Threaded Muzzle: 5/8 x 24 and comes with Klaw muzzle brake pre-installed
- 35 degree MOA rail
- Bolt Throw – 90 Degree (Standard) or 75 Degree
- Comes with 3 round metal magazine
- Kelbly Lifetime Warranty
your next Rifle
When shopping for your next rifle, keep the Kelbly Nanook PH at the top of the list. It is a buy once, cry once heirloom rifle that is worth every penny. The combination of accuracy, looks and feel combined with a lifetime warranty and amazing customer service will make you fall in love with the rifle. Remember that you always get what you pay for and if you enjoy shooting and hunting, this rifle is the weapon for you. To learn more about Kelbly’s and all that they are building, check out episode 269 of the Soul Seekers podcast where I talk with Ian Kelbly all about their higher level of accuracy.
Thanks for reading this gear review. If you want to know more about the Nanook PH and my experience with it, feel free to ask by clicking here. In the meantime make sure to check out our PODCAST and show SOUL SEEKERS on CarbonTV as well as follow us on Instagram @soulseekersnation. Knowledge is power and MENTORSHIP IS CONSERVATION. Stay soulful!