Gunsmith Part 5: Mastering the Art of Bolt Action Rifle Bedding

Introduction

Welcome back, firearm enthusiasts, to *Gunsmith Part 5*. We’ve journeyed through the world of firearm maintenance and modification together, exploring various aspects of the craft. If you’re new to the series, consider revisiting the previous parts where we covered everything from basic cleaning and maintenance to trigger work and minor repairs. Now, in this installment, we’re diving deep into a critical aspect of achieving optimal accuracy in bolt-action rifles: the art of bedding.

Bedding a bolt-action rifle is the process of creating a precise and stable interface between the rifle’s action and the stock. This seemingly simple procedure can dramatically improve accuracy, reduce the effects of environmental changes, and enhance the overall performance of your rifle. Mastering bedding is a fundamental skill for any aspiring or established gunsmith. This article will guide you through the essential steps, techniques, and considerations involved in achieving a perfect bed, setting the stage for a rifle that performs at its best. This *Gunsmith Part 5* article is dedicated to expanding your gunsmithing skillset.

Setting the Foundation: Understanding the Importance of Rifle Bedding

Before we get into the process, let’s explore *why* bedding is so crucial. In a bolt-action rifle, the action (the heart of the firearm, housing the bolt, trigger, and firing mechanism) and the barrel are under significant stress during firing. The forces generated by the expanding gases can cause the action to flex and vibrate. If the action isn’t properly supported by the stock, these movements can lead to inconsistent shot placement, commonly referred to as accuracy problems.

A well-bedded rifle provides a rigid and consistent platform for the action. The bedding material fills any gaps and imperfections between the action and the stock, ensuring that the action sits firmly and consistently in the same position every time the rifle is fired. This consistency is the key to accuracy. Moreover, good bedding helps minimize the effects of changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause the stock material (typically wood or composite) to expand or contract, potentially altering the action’s position. Bedding is one of those foundational gunsmithing skills.

Preparing for Precision: Gathering the Right Tools and Materials

Proper bedding requires specialized tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Rifle: Naturally. The bolt-action rifle you’re working on. Ensure it’s properly disassembled.
• Stock: The stock of your choice (wood, composite, etc.).
• Bedding Compound: This is the core material. The most popular choice is a two-part epoxy resin designed specifically for bedding firearms. Brands like Brownells Acraglas, Marine Tex, or Devcon are often used. Choose a bedding compound known for its strength, low shrinkage, and machinability.
• Release Agent: To prevent the bedding compound from bonding permanently to the action. This is a critical component. Brownells Release Agent is a standard choice. You can also use paste wax (Johnson’s Paste Wax is common) applied thinly and evenly.
• Clay or Modeling Clay: For damming off areas where you don’t want the bedding compound to flow.
• Modeling Clay Tools: Sculpting tools or popsicle sticks can be helpful for working with the clay.
• Tape: Masking tape or painter’s tape to protect areas of the stock and action from excess bedding compound.
• Dremel Tool or Rotary Tool: For minor stock adjustments, if needed, and for cleanup.
• Grinding Stone: For the Dremel tool, used to slightly rough the stock’s contact surfaces (if wood)
• Small Drill and Bits: For opening up action screw holes in the stock, if needed.
• Toothpicks or Small Dowels: To apply the release agent and bedding compound into the areas where they must be accessed.
• Clean Rags and Solvent: For cleaning up any spills or excess compound. Denatured alcohol works well.
• Gloves: To protect your hands from the epoxy resin.
• Mixing Cups and Stir Sticks: Disposable containers for mixing the bedding compound.
• Level: To make certain your rifle is as level as possible when applying the bedding compound.

Precise Placement: A Step-by-Step Bedding Procedure

The following steps provide a general guide to the bedding process. Specific requirements may vary depending on the rifle’s design and the bedding compound used. Always carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen bedding compound.

A. Preparation of the Action

1. Cleaning the Action: Thoroughly clean the action with solvent to remove all traces of oil, grease, and old bedding material. Remove the bolt, trigger, and any other detachable components.
2. Preparing the Action Surface: Apply release agent to all areas of the action that *should not* be bonded to the bedding compound. This includes the external surfaces and any areas that should move freely.
3. Blocking Screw Holes: Insert the action screws into their holes in the action. Apply release agent to the threads of the action screws.
4. Protecting the Barrel: The barrel should be free-floated, meaning it has no contact with the stock from the receiver forward. Check that you have adequate clearance before beginning bedding work. If not, you will need to do some stock modifications before the bedding process.

B. Preparing the Stock

1. Inletting Preparation: If the stock is wood, slightly roughen the areas where the bedding compound will be applied. Use a Dremel tool with a grinding stone or a rasp to remove any high spots or imperfections that could prevent proper contact. The goal is to create a slightly rough surface for the bedding compound to adhere to.
2. Relieving the Stock: Using a Dremel tool, slightly relieve the recoil lug mortise in the stock if necessary. This is particularly important if the recoil lug sits flush or even slightly proud of the receiver. The bedding compound needs room around the recoil lug to create a solid lock.
3. Creating Damming: Apply modeling clay to the sides of the action, around the trigger, and in any other areas where you don’t want the bedding compound to flow. Form the clay to create a neat and well-defined bed.
4. Sealing the Stock: Protect the stock from any spills of the bedding compound.

C. Bedding Compound Application

1. Mixing the Compound: Carefully mix the bedding compound according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Measure the two parts accurately, and mix them thoroughly until the mixture is uniform in color and consistency. Work quickly, as most bedding compounds have a limited working time.
2. Applying the Compound: Apply the bedding compound to the prepared areas of the stock, paying particular attention to the recoil lug area and the sides and bottom of the action. Apply a generous amount, ensuring that all gaps are filled.
3. Inserting the Action: Carefully lower the action into the stock, ensuring that it aligns properly with the action screw holes. Tighten the action screws *finger tight* to hold the action in place and allow the bedding compound to conform to the action’s shape. Do *not* overtighten the screws.
4. Checking for Alignment: Use a level to make sure the action is seated evenly in the stock, and the rifle is level in the vise or resting place. If there is a misalignment, you must correct it *immediately* before the compound sets.

D. Curing and Removal

1. Curing Time: Allow the bedding compound to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. Avoid disturbing the rifle during the curing process.
2. Removing the Action: Once the compound is fully cured, carefully remove the action screws. Gently separate the action from the stock.
3. Clean-Up: Remove the clay dams. Remove any excess bedding compound that may have oozed out from the bed.
4. Fine Tuning: If there are minor imperfections, use a Dremel tool or a file to make adjustments.

E. Inspection and Assembly

1. Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the bed for any voids or imperfections. Ensure that the action sits snugly and consistently in the stock.
2. Assembly: Reassemble the rifle, tightening the action screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
3. Testing: Test-fire the rifle to evaluate the bedding’s effectiveness. The rifle should consistently hit the target at the same point.

Maintaining Precision: Troubleshooting and Common Problems

Even with careful preparation, problems can sometimes arise. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Voids or Air Pockets: If you see air pockets in the bedding, the likely cause is that the action was not pressed into the stock firmly enough, or not level. Remove any remaining bedding. Re-bed the rifle.
• Poor Accuracy: The bedding may have failed to provide the desired accuracy. Re-bed the rifle, paying attention to details like compound mixing and application, especially the recoil lug area.
• Action Won’t Separate: If the action gets stuck in the stock, it’s likely that the release agent failed or that the bedding compound bonded to the action. Try gently tapping on the action. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to carefully chisel away the excess compound, and re-bed the rifle.
• Stock Issues: If the stock has issues like being too soft or having internal flaws, the bedding won’t be as effective. Try strengthening the stock or replacing it.

The Right Fit: Considerations for Different Rifle Types

While the general bedding process remains the same, there are some considerations based on the type of bolt-action rifle:

• Classic Hunting Rifles: These often have traditional wood stocks. Pay extra attention to sealing the wood to prevent it from absorbing moisture, which can affect the bedding.
• Tactical Rifles: Usually employ synthetic stocks. The bedding process is generally more straightforward with these stocks.

Legal Boundaries

Be sure to familiarize yourself with your local and national laws. Always store firearms safely and transport them in accordance with the local laws.

Conclusion: Accuracy Redefined

Bedding a bolt-action rifle is a demanding but rewarding process. By following the steps outlined in *Gunsmith Part 5*, you can create a stable and accurate platform for your firearm. This will greatly improve the rifle’s performance. Remember to take your time, pay close attention to detail, and prioritize safety. This *Gunsmith Part 5* article will help you achieve your goals.

Bedding is a cornerstone of precision shooting, and it is one of those foundational skills. With practice, you’ll be able to create a bed that maximizes your rifle’s potential. Continue to hone your skills, seek advice from experienced gunsmiths, and never stop learning. The world of gunsmithing offers endless opportunities for refinement and improvement.

For further research, consult reputable gunsmithing books, online resources, and the manufacturers of the bedding compounds.