Sofia Martinez
Bedding a rifle involves filling the stock with a strong resin, such as epoxy, to create a mirror image of the action. This process improves the accuracy of the rifle by stabilising the barrelled action within the stock. The only point of contact should be the bedding under the barrel, closest to the chamber, to ensure that the action does not hold the weight of the system. To bed a plastic stock, you must first disassemble the gun and examine the previous bedding job. Next, you should mix the bedding compound, applying a thin layer to the recoil lug area and the rear screw area. Finally, screw the rifle together and set it in a cradle to let the epoxy set.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve the accuracy of a rifle by ensuring a better fit and stability of the metal work in relation to the stock of the firearm |
| Materials | Epoxy resin, release agent, denatured alcohol, cotton balls, disposable rubber gloves, popsicle stick, dye, modelling clay, metal epoxy, sandpaper, bead blasting cabinet, Dremel or Foredom tools, structured tooth carbide bit |
| Process | Disassemble the gun, examine the previous bedding job, mix the bedding compound, apply the mixture with a popsicle stick, dry fit the stock, screw the rifle together, wipe off excess epoxy, degrease the rifle, put everything back together and test |
| Tips | Do not whip the mixture to avoid air bubbles, cover your work area with newspapers and elevate the stock with vise grips, always maintain a gap between the stock and the firearm, use sandpaper to rough up the stock so the epoxy will stick, do not put the stock or barrel in a vise during the curing process |
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What You'll Learn
Disassemble the rifle and examine the previous bedding job
Disassembling a rifle and examining the previous bedding job is an important step in the process of bedding a rifle's stock. This step ensures that you can properly assess the condition of the existing bedding and determine the best approach for the new bedding job. Here's a step-by-step guide to disassembling the rifle and examining the previous bedding:
Begin by taking the rifle apart. Remove the action from the stock, as this will give you clear access to the bedding area. The action is the part of the rifle that loads, fires, and ejects the cartridge, and it is important to handle it with care. Remove the small parts of the rifle, including the magazine and trigger, setting them aside safely.
With the rifle disassembled, it's time to inspect the existing bedding job. Look closely at where the epoxy was applied and how the stock was bedded. Pay attention to the condition of the bedding material. If the epoxy is cracked, excessively worn, or softened, it indicates that a new bedding method should be considered. In some cases, you may find that the rifle has been bedded previously but is still inaccurate, which could mean that it needs to be re-bedded with better attention to detail.
During your examination, it's important to note the areas that require bedding. For example, the recoil lug, back of the tang, and the areas around the guard screws are common points for bedding. Additionally, if you notice any voids or pinholes in the bedding surface, make a mental note to address these issues during the new bedding process.
Finally, before proceeding, it's crucial to determine if the previous bedding job was successful. A well-bedded rifle will have a layer of resin that appears as a mirror imprint of the action. This mirror image ensures a precise bedding platform, allowing the action to recoil and return to battery with each shot.
By carefully disassembling the rifle and examining the previous bedding job, you can gather valuable information that will guide your approach to the new bedding process, helping to improve the accuracy and stability of the rifle.
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Mix the bedding compound
To mix the bedding compound, you will need a non-waxed plastic cup and a popsicle stick. Place equal parts resin and hardener into the cup using the popsicle stick. Add dye to the mixture to match the colour of the stock. Stir the mixture with the popsicle stick until it has a peanut butter-like consistency. Be sure not to whip the mixture to avoid air bubbles.
The resin used in bedding is typically an epoxy resin, which can be mixed with a hardener to create a strong and stable compound. This compound is used to coat the interior of the stock, improving the fit and stability of the metal parts in relation to the stock. The process of bedding a rifle involves filling the stock with this resin, creating a precise mirror image of the action when dry.
It is important to note that the bedding compound should not be whipped, as this can introduce air bubbles. Instead, stir the mixture gently until it reaches the desired consistency. Additionally, always follow the instructions on the product for the best results.
Before mixing the bedding compound, it is recommended to disassemble the gun and examine the previous bedding job. If the bedding is in good condition, you can follow the same method. However, if the bedding is cracked, worn, or softened, you may need to consider alternative bedding methods.
When mixing the compound, it is crucial to use the correct ratio of resin to hardener. This will ensure that the compound cures properly and provides the necessary stability for the rifle. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek advice from a professional gunsmith if you are unsure.
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Apply the bedding compound to the rifle
To apply the bedding compound to your rifle, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure your rifle is unloaded and remove the two stock screws and the bolt. Disassemble the gun and examine the previous bedding job. Take out the action and remove the small parts, such as the magazine and trigger. Note the previous epoxy placement and how the stock was bedded. If the bedding is in good condition, you can follow the same method. If it is cracked, worn, or softened, consider an alternative method.
Next, prepare your workspace. Cover your work area with newspapers and elevate the stock with vise grips to secure it in place and prevent rotation. If you don't have vise grips, use a gun holder.
Now, it's time to mix your bedding compound. Use a non-waxed plastic cup and a popsicle stick to mix equal parts resin and hardener. Add dye to match the colour of the stock. Stir until you achieve a peanut butter-like consistency, being careful not to whip the mixture to avoid air bubbles.
Before applying the compound, scrape out the stock material where the bedding will go to ensure a sufficient gap and no stock-to-metal contact. Rough up the stock with sandpaper to help the epoxy adhere better.
Put on disposable rubber gloves and use a popsicle stick to apply a dime-sized amount of the compound. Start by coating the recoil lug area and the rear screw area with a thin, even layer. You can also bed the rifle at three additional points: the back of the tang and around the two guard screws underneath the rifle at the trigger guard.
After applying the epoxy, screw the rifle together carefully, just enough to snug it up. Set the rifle in a cradle to allow the epoxy to set, ensuring the stock remains stress-free. Leave it overnight to cure.
Once cured, disassemble the rifle and inspect the bedding surface for any imperfections. Use the appropriate tools to grind off any excess epoxy and degrease the rifle. Finally, reassemble the rifle and test its function, ensuring all safety mechanisms are operational.
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Let the compound cure
After applying the bedding compound, the next step is to let the compound cure. The curing process involves letting the compound harden and reach its full cure. This typically takes around 48 hours at an ideal temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature during the curing process to ensure the compound cures evenly.
During the curing process, it is essential to monitor the compound and ensure that it does not cure too quickly or unevenly. One way to control the curing process is to use hot water bottles, swapping them out once they cool down. This helps to maintain the ideal curing temperature and prevent fluctuations.
It is crucial to avoid applying too much heat during the curing process, as this can cause the compound to cure prematurely. If using a heat gun to strafe the compound, it is important to use it sparingly to avoid over-curing. The compound should be allowed to cure slowly and evenly to ensure the best results.
In addition to temperature control, it is important to prepare the surface properly before applying the bedding compound. This includes roughing up the surface and creating keyed areas or drilled holes for the compound to adhere to. This process ensures a strong bond between the compound and the stock, resulting in a more durable and effective finish.
Once the compound has reached its full cure, it will be both hard and tough, providing a stable and accurate platform for the rifle. The curing process is a critical step in the bedding compound application, as it ensures the compound's strength and durability.
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Test the rifle
Once you've bedded your rifle, you'll want to test it out to ensure it's working as it should. Here are some steps and tips to help you test your newly bedded rifle:
Check for Binding:
Before taking your rifle to the range, perform a simple test to check for binding in the action area. Place your finger between the barrel and the floor plate, and slowly loosen the front guard screw. If the barrel springs back away from the stock, it indicates binding in the action area. This issue can cause the action to be "bent" when screws are tightened down.
Test Fire:
After ensuring there is no binding, it's time to head to the rifle range. Start by working up loads and firing a few rounds to get a feel for the rifle's performance. Observe the groups your rifle shoots at various distances, such as 100 yards. Compare the accuracy and consistency of your shots with and without bedding.
Observe Barrel Movement:
Pay close attention to the movement of the barrel relative to the stock. A properly bedded rifle should allow the barrel to float freely, vibrating independently as the bullet travels down the bore. This ensures that the action can recoil and return to battery with each shot, contributing to improved accuracy.
Check for Pressure Point Bedding:
Examine your rifle to identify any pressure points that may force the barrel upwards at the tip of the forend. Pressure point bedding can negatively impact accuracy, especially when firing multiple shots, as the barrel heats up and moves upwards due to the force of these pressure points.
Evaluate Accuracy:
Analyze the accuracy of your shots by examining the grouping of your shots at different ranges. A typical production rifle with pressure point bedding may achieve groups of 1.5 to 3 inches at 100 yards. Compare these results with the expected accuracy based on the type of bedding and the specific rifle characteristics.
Remember, bedding your rifle should improve accuracy and consistency. By following these steps and comparing the performance of your rifle before and after bedding, you can ensure that the bedding process has been successful and that your rifle is performing as expected.
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Frequently asked questions
Bedding is the process of coating the stock's interior with an epoxy resin. This improves the fit and stability of the metalwork in relation to the stock of your firearm.
The accuracy of your rifle depends on the fit and stability of the metalwork in relation to the stock. Bedding ensures that the action does not have to hold all the weight of the system.
First, disassemble the gun and examine the previous bedding job. Then, mix the bedding compound and apply it to the stock. Finally, dry fit the stock to ensure the parts fit.
One popular method is block bedding, which involves surrounding the recoil lug of the rifle with a giant block of solid steel. This is accomplished by filling in the structural chambers in front of and behind the recoil lug.
It is important to ensure that there is no stock-to-metal contact. Always maintain a gap between the stock and the firearm, and be careful not to screw the rifle together too tightly when bedding.
