Bedding a Model 7 - Free float?

[Brendan]

I'm going to bed my 7mm-08 model 7, should I free float the barrel? The wood stock has a purposly made pressure point where the forearm swivel stud is. The barrel make contact at this point with the stock.

I'm having a consistency problem: sight in and practice in warmer temps, then hunt in cold weather- rifle shoots way high.

Anyone bed a model seven before? tips...

Thanks

 

[NCsmitty]

How does it shoot now? As I have stated many times, I have never seen a rifle that did not shoot better groups after free floating the barrel. It's your call. If you read the info on Remington's website about their 40-X target rifle, they state the barrel is free floated. I don't know why they still use the pressure points in their hunting stocks.

NCsmitty

 

[MinnMooney]

If you shoot with a sling, you'll pull your POA way off course. Free float it.

 

[ThomasT]

I have bedded and floated the barrel on both of my model 7s. I did this before shooting either first. They will now shoot 1-1.25" three shot groups without any load developement.

Floating does not mean it will be more accurate but will be consistant in its grouping. On the other hand a badly done pressure point or change in stock pressure will drive you nuts with a moving POI.

A trigger job is very easy to do on these rifles also. That will help with your grouping.

 

[Brendan]

Accuracy is acceptable, though I always thought it could be better. Its just the the problem I stated above, lost a decent 8 point to a rifle that was suddenly shooting high. I couldn't trace a problem to anything else; scope, mounts, stock screws, ammo, but the temperature/humidity difference between sighting in and hunting and quite large.

I don't use a sling when shooting and most shots are at less than 150 yards, typically 75.

 

[Tarvis]

I don't use a sling when shooting and most shots are at less than 150 yards, typically 75

If your shots are at 75, what kind of POI shift are we talking about here, like 1-2 inches? More? I've heard of Ruger No. 1's using the same sort of screw that actually makes them more accurate, and won't shoot as well if they are bedded. I read that in an article in some magazine, but it may not be correct for all No. 1's and probably has zero to do with Rem mod 7's; just food for thought.

 

[Brendan]

OK, I'll free float it. If that doesn't help I'll get a good synthetic stock for next year and use my CZ 550. Its over kill to be sure but I had it professionally bedded when I got it and trust it completely. Knock on wood

 

[dakotasin]

Float it all the way to the receiver, properly prep the stock for bedding, bed from where the shoulder of the case would be all the way back to the tang, and you'll be in good shape.

Bedding is easy to do and easy to screw up. Take your time and be patient - it will turn out fine.

 

[NCsmitty]

Don't forget to seal the wood after you float it.

NCsmitty

 

[JNewell]

Shoot it first. You may be surprised.

Every light and sporter weight barrel bolt action I've ever had (quite a few) shot better with a pressure pad than they did free-floated. I free floated several and every one had to have a pressure pad put back (with bedding material) to shoot its best.

But, it's your rifle, have at it...

 

[NCsmitty]

JNewell, his problem was that his stock was moving around due to weather changes giving him different POI. Your stocks were probably more stable than his, so floating his was a more viable option rather than the expense of another stock.

NCsmitty