Gun project Update may 22 2012

[onelastshot]

I think it's safe to say that based upon the number of posts I've made in the past couple of weeks looking for help and advise, a fair number of Accurate Shooter. Com members know I'm putting together my first custom bench rifle and, I'm also trying to complete a fair amount of work myself. The barreled action is a mauser 98 in 6mm AI with a 25" Shilen # 7 contour barrel and a 1-10 twist.

Today I finished sanding the stock and actually got a chance to put a light coat of stain on the black walnut.
Soon it will be time to do the glass bedding. From those who have experience with the process, what product do you recommend? The second issue is a bit more complicated. The action needs to be drilled and tapped for the scope. I am leaning towards purchasing a NF 32x56 or, 42x56. With that in mind should I consider having a rail installed?

Last, if anyone knows of a competent gun smith in or close to Connecticut I would appreciate the person's name and number.

Thanks again to everyone willing to share their experience and know how.

 

[Preacher]

Most folks use Devcon for bedding chores, and it's as easy as it gets..
MarineTex, and Accuglas are also good choices, with the latter having more shrinkage than the other, but I doubt it could be measured without some really hi-tech tooling.
I like it if i plan on staining the compound, other wise Devcon works for me..
Who ever you get to do the drilling and tapping, make 100% sure they either use a jig, or a mill, a drill press and a eyeball won't cut it...
Adding a rail will give you a lot of wiggle room for proper eye relief...

 

[onelastshot]

Most folks use Devcon for bedding chores, and it's as easy as it gets..
MarineTex, and Accuglas are also good choices, with the latter having more shrinkage than the other, but I doubt it could be measured without some really hi-tech tooling.
I like it if i plan on staining the compound, other wise Devcon works for me..
Who ever you get to do the drilling and tapping, make 100% sure they either use a jig, or a mill, a drill press and a eyeball won't cut it...
Adding a rail will give you a lot of wiggle room for proper eye relief...

Update June 2, 2012

I followed Preacher's advise and picked up some Devcon yesterday. By this time next weekend I hope to be working on the finishing touches. Yesterday I also purchased a Limbsaver recoil pad, it's the type you grind to fit. I was somewhat skeptic based upon mixed reviews but I have to say the finished project surprised me. I simply made a wooden form the dimension of the stock end and used a belt sander. I inverted the belt sander, clamped it to a vice and used 100 grit paper. The key was going slow allowing the sander to do the work while making sure you keep a constant angle. All-in-all it took less than an hour.

 

[Preacher]

Good for going slow on the limbsaver pad, other wise you would have ended up with a sticky gooey mess that would attract every little thing it came in contact with..