Gunsmithing not the usual bedding?????

[SingleShot85]

I have a stock that has a barrel channel that is HUGE (MTU'ish) and the new barrel is a #5 contour, my question is how do you bed a barrel channel, to close down some of that extra space.

Pics appreciated.

kt

 

[Tripwire]

Re: not the usual bedding?????

Evenly wrap the barrel with about eight layers of masking tape, or three layers of duct tape, apply release agent liberally, then lay up layers of fiberglass cloth and resin until in contact with the taped barrel.

Remove tape.....

Wrap the barrel again with only two layers of masking tape, apply release agent, and then "Bed" the remaining barrel channel with Devcon Steel.

The excess barrel channel will be structurally filled in, the Devcon will top it off nicely, and the two layers of masking tape will give you a free float.

Good time also to bed the action, texture the stock, and do a paint job.......

 

[PCR]

Re: not the usual bedding?????

On the rifle below, I had 1/8" to fill and pillar bedded from tang to forend tip in one shot. Much easier to do it all at once.

Anything more than 1/8" in my opinion, then start with fiberglass cloth and resin like Tripwire says above...

Prepped with mil tape. I used about .030".

 

[former naval person]

Re: not the usual bedding?????

An alternative is found in boat building supplies. Google "West System". Use their clear two part epoxy and mix in their "micro balloons" for a thickener and filler to your desired paste consistency. Do the duct tape trick to the barrel and fill in the channel with the epoxy paste. It is very light weight. You can stain it to match or complement your stock and barrel. Jamestown Distributors or West Marine are good suppliers.

 

[SingleShot85]

Re: not the usual bedding?????

thanks for the ideas and pictures......

we'll see how it goes

 

[Sportin Wood]

Re: not the usual bedding?????

Sell the stock and get a new one with a smaller channel....

 

[Nocalphoenix]

Re: not the usual bedding?????

Ok while we are at it how much free float do you guys like on stock like a Mcmillan or Manners? Does it matter if its a heavy tactical rifle or a lightweight hunter?

I tend to be rather generous with my gaps, probably wider than necessary.

 

[phideaux]

Re: not the usual bedding?????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SingleShot85</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a stock that has a barrel channel that is HUGE (MTU'ish) and the new barrel is a #5 contour, my question is how do you bed a barrel channel, to close down some of that extra space.

Pics appreciated.

kt </div></div>

get some .10" black pipe tape from your local AC/Plumbing supply store. stuff works great. if you can't find it local, Brownell's sells it.