Bedding scope base

[John Novosel]

I'm just getting into long range shooting and I wondering what is the advantage of bedding the scope base?

 

[cuznguido]

The advantage of bedding the base is making sure it never, ever moves. The disadvantage is ever taking it off. It can be taken off, but sometimes causes more damage than it is worth.

 

[bugman]

"Bedding" a base is done mostly to increase contact area between the receiver's top surface and the bottom surface of a base that, unfortunately, doesn't mate very well. Often, a separator is applied to the receiver so the bedding material doesn't stick to it. Base screws usually are adequate.

Removing bedding material from the bottom of a base is usually not a problem. Heat is your friend.

Glueing is a different animal, and usually means a last resort.

Having said all this, the "fit" of a base to a custom action is rarely a problem. There usually is no a need for bedding a quality base to a quality action.

 

[bobinpa]

I'm just getting into long range shooting and I wondering what is the advantage of bedding the scope base?

In my opinion, the advantage is having a stress free base, which leads to a stress free scope. Not all actions are the same. I have used several Ken Farrell bases, but the same base may not sit the same on all Remington 700 actions. When you have your gun in a vice and you sit the base on the action, sometimes if you put pressure on the front or the rear only, the opposite end may lift a few thousandths. If this happens, the rings will not be on the same coplanar with each other which could put stress on the scope. In order to correct this, I bed my bases to the action. I usually snug one screw in the front or rear to see which end is higher, then use bedding material under the opposite end to "fill the gap". I use JB Weld as a bedding material. I coat the top of the action with a good paste wax to act as a release agent, apply the bedding material to the base and install and snug the same screw that I used to determine if the base needed to be bedded. Once the bedding material cures take the base off, clean out the holes, remove the wax then put it back on and you're good to go. I hope this helps.
Bob
Edit to add a link that I found with a video showing what I explained. It's a good video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6RopWI0-GE

 

[savagedasher]

Anything someone does that helps elimate problem's is good. Bending the bases is good. Put the release agent on the action . You will have no problem taking them off.
Larry

 

[walkertown]

great video!!

 

[Lapua40X]

... link that I found with a video showing what I explained. It's a good video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6RopWI0-GE

IMO this may be the single best video on this subject. I've made it a part of my library to use whenever someone asks "how do I bed a scope base". Pleased to see that others agree with its value as an instructional tool.

 

[1shot]

I found a product from Locktite, #680 that was designed to hold roller bearing races in place. This is really good stuff that provides a 100% mating surface, but will come off if you want to remove the base. I have included a link below.
Lloyd

http://na.henkel-adhesives.com/industrial/product-search-1554.htm?nodeid=8797928521729&msdsLanguage=EN_US&selectedTab=technical