Bedding replacement stock

[x-hunter]

I purchased a factory take off stock for a Browning A-bolt rifle. The rifle had a synthetic stock, Browning beds the stocks at the recoil lug. It took some effort to remove the stock and putting the action back into the wood stock (which had also been bedded ) also took some effort as the fit was very precise. Surprisingly tight. I tightened the screws down snug but have not been out to shoot the gun. Question---What should I have done differently ? I have read that most factory stocks are not bedded at all and this is an extra step that Browning takes. When I say it fit in tight I mean I didn't think I was going to get it in. My guess is that it is more than adequate for a hunting rifle but we are accuracy junkies so I have re bedded it or not? Thanks for your help.

 

['Freak]

If you have a dial indicator and magnetic base, stick the base to the barrel and read off the bottom and side of the forend out near the tip. Stood upright on the butt stock, loosen and retighten the forward action screw watching the indicator for how much stock movement there is relative to the barreled action. The barrel needs to be in a full float or stock contact along the barrel channel can lift the receiver up from the inletting. If’n you’re really lucky a stock bedded to some other barreled action will fit yours well enough to keep the needle from moving more than a couple thousandths. If there’s more movement then tightening the action screws is bending something into conforming to the shapes of something it don’t fit well enough, re-bed the thing.

If no indicator, lay a finger tip on the gap between the barrel and forend tip while messing with the action screws. If’n you feel and/or see any movement, it don’t fit well enough and forcing the issue is induced stress.

edit: Trashed the dribble 'bout the rear action screw, need to ponder that one a bit... No doubt though, messing with the front action screw is most telling.

 

[x-hunter]

Thanks, does it matter that the barrel is " free floated " and not in contact with the stock forend? When a barrel is free floated can tightening the action screws create enough stress on the barreled action to create movement in the barrel? I guess the answer is, that's the whole reason for bedding in the first place so it won't happen.