Bedding - Flat Bottom, Bedding Block

[Phil3]

I have never done any bedding, but am getting some pushback from a few gunsmiths on doing a bedding job, and wanted to know if there were obstacles I am unaware of.

First, do flat bottom actions present any kind of challenge? I am using a Howa action. One thing different about it is that it has an integral recoil lug and the front action screw threads into a hole in the bottom of the recoil lug. The FRONT side of the lug is tapered, as are the sides, while the back of course is flat and vertical.

Secondly, does bedding in a stock with an aluminum bedding block present a problem? I have seen some hesitancy with doing this. Don't know if it is a Howa action issue or not, but it seemed like some did not want to mess with a bedding block.

If anyone knows a competent, reputable person who can do this, please do let me know.

Thanks,

Phil

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Seems like your choice just doesnt want to mess with the howa. Thats understandable if hes a busy guy- you can spend an 8hr day on a $100 bed job and may have to re-do it again if it doesnt turn out so theres 2 days. This is why a lot of more busy gunsmiths specialize and know exactly what pitfalls are coming and can be efficient. I learned this many many years ago replacing a latch spring on a single barrel shotgun. After a few hours or more finding the $5 part, paying $15 to get it shipped, a few hours building fixtures to replace the spring and internals, then tallied up the bill on that $68 shotgun. Of course i looked to the ground and figured out im gonna lose money bigtime on this so i revamped the bill. The guy got mad at me for the $45 charge so i told him to just take it for free since i learned so much and am a firm believer in how costly education is.

 

[Phil3]

I agree. Just wondering WHAT was seen that caused any reluctance to do the work? I actually am thankful the gunsmiths would refuse the work if they did not feel comfortable doing it. - Phil

 

[shortgrass]

I can help you out, Phil. I've bedded a bunch of flat bottom actions, including the Howa/ Weatherby Vanguard. Just send me a PM if you're interested. And Dusty, I won't work on that $68 shotgun.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

And Dusty, I won't work on that $68 shotgun.

Im glad i learned that over 20yrs ago. Caused a lot of hard feelings by friends- the “but youre a gunsmith” type stuff

 

[shortgrass]

Ya', I hear ya', Dusty. "Just what kind of a gunsmith are you that won't work on my POS that's worn out beyond repair?". "All ya' gotta' do is...……….." Give 'um an estimate of what it's really gonna' cost and they generally change their minds!

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Ya', I hear ya', Dusty. "Just what kind of a gunsmith are you that won't work on my POS that's worn out beyond repair?". "All ya' gotta' do is...……….." Give 'um an estimate of what it's really gonna' cost and they generally change their minds!

No they get butt hurt and i usually do it for free to not hurt feelings if i actually charged them

 

[1shot]

Im glad i learned that over 20yrs ago. Caused a lot of hard feelings by friends- the “but youre a gunsmith” type stuff

I had this exact conversation on Monday. The guy couldn't understand why I was selective about what work I take in.

Lloyd

 

[shortgrass]

I have good friends, and I know it. They have all insisted on some compensation for my work, and some of the tips they give, I truely appreciate. They want me to "be here" when they have a problem, and they value friendship. There's a VERY good reason why I went back to machining full time and only 'smith part time. I can pick and choose what gunsmith work I am willing to do, and I don't have to deal with Bubba. Yes, education is expensive. I have paid for mine in my $$$ (MCC grad of '93) and my time. Yet, we seem to give it away every day on the forums, usually to someone who is unwilling to think for themselves. The reason I don't post much, anymore.

 

[swd]

It's real easy to have more time in gunsmithing than you can charge for. But if bedding flat bottom Howa's, Winchester's, Mauser's and Ruger's is too hard that gunsmith ain't worth a sh...

 

[Phil3]

I can help you out, Phil. I've bedded a bunch of flat bottom actions, including the Howa/ Weatherby Vanguard. Just send me a PM if you're interested. And Dusty, I won't work on that $68 shotgun.

Hi. I sent you a PM. Thank you for your generous offer. - Phil