The Rebel Panda and Nonesuch Precision

Chasing a Panda at Southwest Nationals 2025

There I was, camera in hand, soaking in the action at the Southwest Nationals (SWN) in Arizona when something unusual caught my eye—a panda. I did a double take. A panda? Here? In the middle of one of the most elite precision shooting competitions in the world? As I took in the magnitude of the Southwest Nationals, one of the most grueling and elite long-range precision shooting competitions in the world, I knew this chance encounter was leading me somewhere unexpected.

Curiosity got the better of me—I had to know more. So, I did what any self-respecting storyteller would do: I chased down that panda. When I finally caught up and tapped the shoulder of the man wearing the jersey, I found myself face-to-face with Charles Largay—an elite coach, veteran shooter, and one of the most respected custom rifle builders and distributors in the country. Turns out, I wasn’t losing it. The panda was emblazoned on the back of a team uniform—Team Mando Panda, captained by Maureen Largay and coached by Charles Largay. But what was the deal with the panda?

This team, proudly sponsored by Kelbly’s—one of the longest-standing action manufacturers in the country—was making a statement. That jersey wasn’t just cool; it was a badge of precision shooting history. What made it even better? The Panda logo had been discontinued, turning this jersey into a rebellious tribute to a legendary piece of gear. It was a nod to an iconic action that has left its mark on the sport, a quiet act of defiance that made the team stand out even more. 

After a quick intro and some conversation, I learned that Charles was also a March Scope dealer—something that immediately got my attention. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of March optics, but let’s be real, finding a dealer can be a challenge. And here was one, standing right in front of me. I knew we needed to connect further.

The Legacy of Kelbly’s and the Panda Action

Kelbly’s has been a household name in precision rifle actions since 1969 when Ralph Stolle designed and built the legendary Stolle Grizzly. In 1970-71, Stolle manufactured the first aluminum Panda action, an innovation that changed the precision rifle landscape forever. After Stolle’s passing, George E. Kelbly Sr. took over production, and his sons—Jim, George Jr., and Mike—continued the legacy, expanding Kelbly’s into one of the premier action builders in the world. Today, Kelbly’s produces over 1,200 actions a year, with 30% going to international markets. They also manufacture over 200 complete rifles annually, constantly evolving and refining their craft.

Reconnecting

Weeks later, we jumped on a call, and let me tell you—my mind was blown. Charles isn’t just a rifle builder; the man is a walking legend. If there were ever a real-life contender for ‘The World’s Most Interesting Man,’ it’s him. I even told him (multiple times) that his life needs to be turned into a book or movie. We will leave those detials for another article. Between the epic stories, we talked guns. At SWN, he had mentioned that his new website was launching, and now that it’s live, I had to check it out. What I found was something  different. Most distributor websites are a mess—overflowing with every firearm, gadget, and accessory under the sun, making them impossible to navigate. But Nonesuch Precision Services? This was a whole different ballgame. It’s clean, focused, and built with purpose.

The Nonesuch Precision Mission

Nonesuch Precision Services is a standout in the world of precision rifle building. Their website immediately caught my attention—not just because of its sleek and organized layout but because it broke the mold of typical distributor sites. Most websites either focus on a single market or cram in so many products that navigating them feels like a headache waiting to happen. Nonesuch strikes the perfect balance. It offers elite products across multiple disciplines without overwhelming the user. I found gear for F-Class, PRS, .22 competitions, and Benchrest shooting, and even overheard some talk about ARs and shotguns during our conversation.

What really stood out to me was their partnerships with some of the best action, barrel, trigger, and stock/chassis companies in the world. This isn't just a random assortment of products—it's a carefully curated selection of top-tier components trusted by serious competitors. You love to see that kind of dedication to quality, and for me, it puts real trust in what I’m looking at. It’s clear that Nonesuch isn’t just about selling rifles; they’re about building the best with the best. This team is dedicated to bringing top-tier products to many corners of the shooting world, which is something we love to see here—our focus has always been on all things long-range precision. If you’re in the market for high-performance rifles, components, or accessories, this is a website worth checking out.

I of course had to ask about the March Scopes. Charles let me know that he usually has at least six March Scopes in stock, ready to ship. And if he doesn’t have what you need, he can get it to you in a fraction of the usual wait time. That kind of service? Pretty cool.

Conclusion

I’ve always considered myself a person to person kind of person—someone who thrives on connections and the stories that come from them. This entire experience is proof that a simple tap on the shoulder can lead to an incredible journey.

As for what’s next for Charles and me? Only time will tell, but I can say this—there’s been talk of a multi-million-dollar range project that could elevate his local range to one of the most elite in the country. Maybe that means a future trip is in order? For now, I know we’ll be crossing paths again at the European F-Class Championship at the historic Bisley Range in England.

Until then, check out the website, get out to the range, and take the shot. 

WEBSITE: https://www.nonesuchprecision.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Support Black Plague Precision

If you’d like to support us, you can:

• Follow, like, and comment on our socials: Instagram, YouTube, and Rumble.

• Become a Sponsor  by reaching out to us via email at blackplagueprecision.com.

  
  

Lastly, A big thank you to all the supporters of Black Plague Precision: SUPPORTERS . Your support helps us continue to bring the best content in long-range precision shooting, reloading, and lifestyle.

Thank you for being a part of the Black Plague Precision community!

-----------------------------------------

Black Plague Precision Disclaimer

By accessing this website, reading articles, or viewing video content, you acknowledge and accept the following terms:

The content provided on this website (including but not limited to videos, articles, reloading data, technical guides, and other information) is intended for informational and demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt any of the processes, procedures, or techniques shown or described without proper training, experience, and appropriate safety measures.

All gunsmithing, ammunition reloading, and firearm modifications should be conducted by qualified and licensed professionals. Black Plague Precision is not responsible for any harm, injury, property damage, or other consequences resulting from individuals attempting any activities or procedures based on the information provided on this website.

By engaging with this content, you agree that you are solely responsible for your own safety, actions, and property. Black Plague Precision disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided herein.

Stay safe, use caution, and consult professionals when in doubt.