Need Gunsmith Recommendation - Bedding

[Phil3]

I am putting together a new rifle build, and one thing I will likely need is a local experienced source to bed a rifle. This is for a stock with an aluminum bedding block and a Howa action. Both have presented obstacles to some, hence my asking here.

Some have said they will pillar bed, but do not work with stocks with aluminum bedding blocks. I have also been refused due to the Howa action, which has a flat bottom and integral recoil lug into which the front action screw threads into.

I don't know much of anything about bedding, with zero experience, but surely someone can do this. I will drive 200 miles out from my San Francisco bay area if need be, making it a small day trip with wife.

Thanks.

Phil

[bug_eyedmonster]

Hi Phil, give Marc a shout at Spartan Rifles. He's in San Jose and should be able to bed this for you. Send me a PM if you are interested, and I can send you his email/contact information.

Jerry

[W.R.Buchanan]

Uh why do you need to "Bed" anything? you just bolt the action into the stock as long as the bedding block in the stock is made for that action. If not then you have other problems.

All you need to make sure of after the action is in the stock is that the barrel is free floated.

Randy

[bug_eyedmonster]

Uh why do you need to "Bed" anything? you just bolt the action into the stock as long as the bedding block in the stock is made for that action. If not then you have other problems.

All you need to make sure of after the action is in the stock is that the barrel is free floated.

Randy

It is my understanding that even with aluminum action blocks within stocks, bedding, or skim bedding will still increase accuracy. Action blocks are still better than without, but with bedding, there is still improvements in most systems. Is it necessary? Maybe not depending on the level of accuracy you expect to achieve.

Jerry

[sigstroker]

Maybe. Maybe not. MPA chassis rifles come with a 3/8ths moa accuracy guarantee and they're not bedded.

What accuracy problem are you trying to solve?

[NorCalFocus]

Bedding a rifle rarely adds to its accuracy. What it does do is increase its consistency.

[fish45]

Bedding a rifle will take more than a day because of epoxy dry time, so you'll probably have to leave it there and drive back. Matt at Hustons Custom Guns in Stockton will probably do it for you, just don't drive there during commute hours cause traffic sucks.

[Phil3]

To various posters...

Thanks for the tip on Marc at Spartan Rifles. I know of him and appreciate the reminder.

While simply bolting the action in would be nice, my previous experience with a Bell & Carslon with aluminum bedding block was anything bur drop-in. The recoil lug stood 1/16" - 3/32" clear of the aluminum bedding block face, the rear tang was taking all the recoil, and the front action hole was so badly misaligned with the action, the action screw could not even be engaged. I had a gunsmith fix it. My H-S Precision stock with aluminum bedding block does have the barrel centered. I sent it back to H-S and they sent me photos of my stock with their certified test rig in place showing the stock was dead straight. Maybe the Savage action? Who knows, but it seems to me bedding is the only way to ensure a precise fit and resting place for the action. Whether that makes any difference in accuracy, I have no conclusive proof one way or the other.

Thanks for the tip on Hustons Customs Guns. Yes, traffic heading east on 580 in the afternoon is beyond horrific.

Phil

[LynnJr]

Phil
You can also give Jim Ketchum a call at 707-762-3014 and see how busy he is. He is in Petaluma and works out of his home.

[stilts75]

Hi Phil, give Marc a shout at Spartan Rifles. He's in San Jose and should be able to bed this for you. Send me a PM if you are interested, and I can send you his email/contact information.

Jerry

I second that! Spartan does quality work and it will be done correctly and neatly the first time.