Mysterious Cause - Barrel Misalignment in Stock

[Phil3]

I built a rifle using a Savage Precision Target Action (right bolt, left port), a custom chambered Brux barrel, barrel nut, and recoil lug. The heavy barrel definitely sits more to the left in the fore end vs the right. It is somewhat of a close fit, but that close fit makes left/right barrel clearance more noticeable. Nothing from action forward touching, but I cleaned up the H-S Precision PSV-106 stock (same one used by Savage for LRPV rifle), removing any over spray, burrs, etc, and ensured no interference. All good, but barrel still sits left. It even seems to want to sit that way if pushed down into bedding block with NO action screws installed. If the barrel is held in place (centered) and any action screw tightened, you can feel the barrel move to the left under your hand

I returned the stock to H-S Precision as they suggested, after seeing pics of the misalignment. They say they use certified equipment to test for proper fitment. The stock checked out fine, and even sent me photos showing that the "barrel" on their equipment aligned perfectly in my stock.

The only thing I can think of is that the action bore is crooked, the threads are slightly cocked, or the barrel is out of whack. How would I test to see if the barrel and action are in-line with one another? Is there anything I can do at home to check this?

Phil

 

[clowdis]

If it's off that much you should be able to eyeball it. If you can't see any misalignment with your eye then chuck the action in your lathe and use a live center in the muzzle and turn the assembly by hand while measuring the runout in the middle with a dial indicator. While not a perfect setup it will give you an idea how much the barrelled action is out of alignment.

 

[Shawnba67]

Is your recoil lug by chance misaligned and pushing it off to the side?

 

[Matt P]

Turn the barrel 1/2 a turn and see if it points the other way, if it does it's the barrel. If it stays the same it's the action, recoil lug.
Matt P

 

[primer popper]

Check for clearance between stock & tang. Savages shoot better if tang is free floated(from my experience). Usually if the barrel is pointing left, the tang is hard against the stock on the left side. If that is not the problem, try removing trigger assy., it may be hitting stock.

 

[boltfluter]

Check the lug to make sure it is actually flat and parallel. Rotate the barrel 1/4 turn, tighten the nut and check fit in the stock to see if anything changed. This is only for a test. Be sure and set correct head space before shooting the rifle. Good luck.

Paul

 

[#40Fan]

I have recently seen this myself. Not to place blame on anyone, but it is an easy fix. Wrap the barrel with anything that will center it in the barrel channel and then bed the action.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I have recently seen this myself. Not to place blame on anyone, but it is an easy fix. Wrap the barrel with anything that will center it in the barrel channel and then bed the action.

but what was the actual issue? we know the stock is straight- what is the issue with this one? I know id want to know

 

[Ggmac]

Action screws drilled off center ? Receiver face not true ? Recoil lug ?
Mount barrel in v blocks and rotate if you don't have a lathe .

 

[carlsbad]

Barrel tenon may not be true. Who machined it?

I say this because the mandrel that the vendor uses to check the stock should check all aspects of stock to action alignment so it seems likely the problem is in action to barrel alignment--or the barrel isn't straight.

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

All good insight about the action, lug etc. First thing I would look at is the screw holes in the stock as that sets placement of the barreled action.

 

[Ggmac]

No response from op . Oh well

 

[natdscott]

No response from op . Oh well

Easy. It's only been a day, and he's been a member since 2008. He may not live on internet time.

 

[Ggmac]

Easy. It's only been a day, and he's been a member since 2008. He may not live on internet time.

Didn't mean it other than he's probably trying suggestions .

 

[alphapygmy]

I've had this issue with 2 HS Precision stocks... No problem with anybody else. You might check over at the Savage Shooter site I think I remember there being posts on the issue of HS stocks. IIRC

 

[#40Fan]

but what was the actual issue? we know the stock is straight- what is the issue with this one? I know id want to know

I just didn't want everyone shitting on Savage and their barrel nutted barrels.

It was the barrel in my case. The action had been bedded to the this stock and had 3 or 4 barrels swapped into action over the years without issues. Recently bought a 6.5 Creedmoor Criterion barrel and it didn't sit straight. Rebedded and I believe it is doing alright!

 

[Phil3]

I am OP. Will respond more on developments with stock, but daughter having baby, so a little busy of late. Hope to comment later today. On a phone right now. Hate typing on this thing!

Phil

 

[NorCalMikie]

Congratulations a little ahead of time Grandpa.

 

[Phil3]

I am the OP, and said I would reply after my daughter had her baby. Well, that happened yesterday, so let me possibly embarrass myself on the barrel misalignment issue.

When I used an action wrench (Northland Shooter Supply), I decided to apply a layer of electrical tape to the inside of the wrench in the hopes of minimize any marring of the action. I tightened down the barrel nut, and as mentioned, the barrel was cocked off to one side. I remember upon taking the barreled action out of the stock, there appeared to be a slight gap between the recoil lug and action face on the right side. I am not sure, but THINK it was the right side. Stupid me, I did not pay much attention to it. I decided to remove the barrel from the action to check for anything that might be causing the misalignment since H-S Precision said the stock is fine. When I separated the barrel, lug, and action, a small sliver of mashed electrical tape appeared. I believe it was mashed between the action and recoil lug and was responsible for the gap I mentioned earlier. I measured a piece of electrical tape and it is .008" thick. The action is 1.35" in diameter as I recall. I do not how far it is from the lug to the end of the stock (stock not back from H-S Precision yet), but if that distance is say 18", that is about 0.100" movement. I will not know for sure if the tape caused this until I refit the stock.

My lesson? PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS!!! Especially if something appears amiss! I am normally very careful and a perfectionist, but apparently, on that day, those attributes took a vacation. Argh!

I hope I did not tweak anything by torquing down against the tape, but will check all carefully when I reassemble. Sorry for not following up sooner, but kind of unavoidable. Thanks for your suggestions and will perform those if the barrel is still misaligned. No matter what, I will report back on outcome. In answer to the question on the barrel (Brux), the tenon was machined by Sin-Arms (I know, a mistake, which I will not repeat).

Sorry for not following up sooner, but kind of unavoidable.

Phil

 

[carlsbad]

I said above it was between the barrel and the action. Good job fixing it. Lesson learned is to take it apart before you "embarrass" yourself. DAMHIK.

Congrats on the new baby.
--Jerry