[pinetree64]

I have a Rem 700 BDL that was rebarreled with a heavy, larger diameter barrel. Though it fit, the wood seems to be in contact with the barrel.

o I assume I should free float the barrel by sanding the wood away. Is this correct?
o What bedding, is this needed?
o Would an after market stack like and HS Precision save me any weight vs my wood bdl stock?

Thanks,
tjg

[Art Eatman]

SFAIK, it's pretty much a wash between the wood stock and a quality synthetic, as to weight.

In general, accuracy is best if the barrel does not touch the wood of the forearm. The wood and steel heat at different rates, thus changing the pressure on the barrel--which affects the "tuning fork" behavior and degrades accuracy.

I have a screwdriver-looking gizmo which uses a sharp-edged, slightly cup-shaped "blade". It's used like a draw knife, cutting curved shavings from the channel of the forearm. To get initial clearance, it's faster than just using sandpaper. Might be available from Brownell's. (?)

Depending on the quality of the barrel, some benefit from a shim out at the tip of the forearm. About a five-pound pull to separate the barrel and forearm for insertion...

Unless the fit is rather poor, I'd save glass-bedding for last. See how the rifle shoots after free-floating. Yes, glass- or pillar-bedding is commonly beneficial, but it's possible it might not be necessary.

Recent issues of Guns&Ammo have had extensive coverage on accurizing rifles, by some pretty good gunsmiths...

Art

[sasnofear]

I agree with Art here. make sure theres enough space between barrel & stock to fit a folded piece of paper through. bedding is defiantly something I'd have but thats because i need all the accuracy i can get @ 1000. but depending on the ranges your shooting, i would go with arts advice and see how well it shoots and if your happy with the level of accuracy good, you have saved yourself money on bedding. if not you can always get bedding done anyway. though i'd save the bedding for a gunsmith to do.


best of luck,


Adam

[Badger Arms]

Brownells has an excellent tool for this. It leaves the finish smooth and only requiring a bit of linseed oil to finish. It's worth the investment, in my opinion, if you only plan on using them once.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=6796
http://www.brownells.com/Images/Products/364700500.jpg