Gunsmithing Proper Mount of a 20 MOA Picatinny NF rail

[illini]

Hi all-

What is the proper way to mount a rail onto a rifle. I have heard of people using JB Weld, loctite across the whole bottom, a shim, etc. Some say it may rust and you need to prevent the rail from rusting underneath. The more I read the more confused I become. So here is where I am at.

I have a 308 Savage Model 12 Palma and I want to install a Nightforce 20 MOA picatinny rail. The single piece steel rail has a slight taper underneath one end and is slotted for 4 screws. I would think the tapered end is placed out toward the end of the barrel and I would use some loc-tite. I would lightly apply the loc tite on the threads and ensure they do not drop into the barrel. I have some loc tite 242 (red) and may have to purchase a different type.

Recommendations on placing the rail, coating under the rail, loc tite series, tips, etc?

Thanks everyone and good shooting!
michael

 

[nashlaw]

Re: Proper Mount of a 20 MOA Picatinny NF rail

Welcome to the 'Hide, Michael.

Bedding the rail is a good idea. If you look through the gunsmithing section, there is at least one thread on beddng bases.

On loctite, DO NOT USE RED. Blue is as strong as you want. Degrease the screws and holes(use a q-tip) with acetone, let it dry and apply loctite sparingly.

Again, good to see you here. There is a lot of free info and comraderie to be found on this site.

David

 

[jeo556]

Re: Proper Mount of a 20 MOA Picatinny NF rail

I guess it all depends on how the base fits the action as is.

I started with a EGW base and a Savage long action and when I torqued the front base screws down there was a visable gap between the base and the rear of my action. That is why i decided to bed the base to alleviate any stress in the base when I torqued down the rear base screws.

I followed M. Gordon's Post and everything went fine
I used neutral kiwi shoe polish as my release agent and devcon liquid from the small tubes as the bedding material. You will have to plug the hole in the base & action to prevent the bedding material from getting in there.

After waiting for the bedding material to properly cure I decided to use blue loctite on both the base screws and along the interface of the base and action to keep out any moisture once installed.

good luck with your setup.