Gunsmithing First Precision rifle questions??

[FamilyMan]

I am starting my first Budget precision rifle I and have tons of questions
1. How important are torque values on assembly of action, base, and rings? i.e. if I don't have an in/lb torque wrench what are my options?
2. I have a badger base that has a tiny tiny bit of day light on the back when I snug up the front meaning I should bed it right? And what if I don't bed it and tighten it down will I damage the base?(hopefully not cause I have already mounted it on the rifle as is and shot it to do a minor break in of 28 rounds)
3. If I do bed it which I am leaning towards, what should I use? I saw on lonewolfUSMC's budget build he used JB Weld but I don't know if that is cause it was a budget buid with a less expensive base? I am hesitant to use that on a $130 rail but I could being over paranoid.You tell me

I have a bunch more ?'s but I will cut it off here for now. If it is necessary the gun info is
Rem700 SPS Varmint
B&C medalist A2 w/factory bottom metal
Badger 20moa base
Seekins med rings
Bushnell Elite 6-24x50

I appreciate All the help I can get this is my first Precision rifle and want to do it right (within budget)and learn along the way

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: First Precision rifle questions??

I recently saw how much a base being bent can affect a scope.
It was on an aftermarket action. Rail wasn't very bent. But the scope would teeter-totter like crazy.
Your rail is probably straight. It's the receiver that is usually off.
Something should be done about it. Bedding is the easiest for most people.
I'm not sure what the data is on JB weld. Prolly fine though.
I check the rail with a straight edge that IS straight. We use/have two identical ones to see immediately if one ever changes. I dunno if that's the best way to check a rail but it has worked great so far.

You need a way to make sure your end result is a straight rail. Just because you see light now and don't after you bed, doesn't mean it's good. Probably would be but Id want a way to check it.





On your first question, don't spend money on a torque wrench if you're on a budget. Your hands and brain can get every screw on the rifle to the correct torque. Doesn't have to be exact.


Do you have a bolt knob yet?

 

[FamilyMan]

Re: First Precision rifle questions??

Thanks for the input i went back and checked it again and there is not that much space back there just a tiny tiny bit i cant actually see light except on the corners but when you tap it there is that distinct sound that there is space there but not much does that mean i should still bed it? at what point is it tolerable or is it 0 tolerance i.e. any space must be bedded?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Keith Johns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Do you have a bolt knob yet?

</div></div>
no but that is on my short list of upgrades

I have leaned towards the Badger knob but what would you suggest? and do you change anything on the bolt handle like position or angle whne you do them or do you usually just install the knob only?

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: First Precision rifle questions??

If you hear it ping when you slap it, meaning its going to be bent once you tighten it down, I'd definitely bed it.

Again, you need to KNOW the rail is straight, and that it's the action that is off. Then once its bedded, cleaned up, and dried, you should check it to be sure of your end result. Simplest way I know of for you to do this is a true straight edge. Not just some metal ruler that is pretty straight. But a precision tool built to be straight, and not cheap.


Someone on here talked about lapping a base to an action. I think saying it that briefly is dumbing it down quite a bit but you get the general idea.
Id prefer metal on metal over bedding.
But bedding it plenty strong if done right.

 

[FamilyMan]

Re: First Precision rifle questions??

I'll take my base in tommorrow to have a machinist I know check the straightness. Thanks for the help

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: First Precision rifle questions??

Kool. Im sure its straight. But checking will make you 100%


Dont forget the release agent

On the bolt knob info, most people just install a knob onto the existing handle. No one I know of puts a new handle on as part of a knob install package.
Badgers are great. We don't offer them but plenty of guys on here do. If it has to be a Badger Id contact Mark Gordon for it.
If it can be one of our designs we'd be very happy to work for you.


Good luck on the bedding!

 

[pure_mahem]

Re: First Precision rifle questions??

Your being paranoid! I did the almost the same build, watched the same vids. do exactly as he says in the vids you will be good to go! Neutral shoe polish works great for a release agent. as for the torque wrench I bought one but you can just use the small end of the allen key to get the same torque or at least close to it. The vid has good advice do exactly like it says and you will be a happy shooter.