It has to do with accuracy especially at long range. How do you think things are learned? MattUthink Uknow said:People who would measure the flex in an action and then write about it need to find something important to do.
Larryh128 said:If the aluminum bases were made out of 7000 series aluminum, I would use them every time. Most of the aluminum bases are extruded which puts you into the 6000 series which is still good but not up to steel strength.
If you look at a Remington with the big cutout on top and you hang a 30 inch 1.250 or so barrel on it. Now the action which is bedded to the stock is hanging the barrel from the front of it. Any vibrations heat or other forces are applied when firing. If you have a one piece scope base screwed fast on both ends it is like a truss or bridge. If you think it makes no difference why are some of the most accurate guns taking the action out of the equation by putting the barrel in a block. Look at the rail guns and the heavy guns in 1000 yard shooting. MattM-61 said:I am a bit lost on this. Once the lugs from the bolt are locked in the front of the action to me that is the end of any stress or flexing, or need for additional support. To go one step further say in a Blaser or Heym in which the lugs (or their version) lock in the barrel I would think the action could be made of plastic as it is merely a guide for the bolt. In an American type action what is happening to the action or bolt aft of the locked lugs? My question is what am I not understanding here?