One of the locals had an itch to shoot F-class at 600 from the bench. Not really a registered class but at the local range they call it Geazer Class (G-Class) as in a bunch of Geazers get together and make their own rules. Basically he had a Light Varmint Tapered barrel at 28", a Tikka T-3 action, and a .243 Reamer and dies. He also had a big Richards micro fit stock... Without trying to step on any toes... From what I've seen, "99% Micro fit" really means (in the ballpark). So he wanted to mount this Big Barrel on this little action. He also had the worry of only being able to use the supplied Tikka rings. This rifle will be a shooter during the summer months for matches, yet has to transform back to being a .308 Winchester Deer rifle for the fall. I had him leave the rifle with me and told him I would get to it in time.... You all know how that goes.
He left me the rifle last July, his only concern was that it be ready this spring so he could compete with it in the G-Class at the club. I had it ready for him in early to mid January. I started on it in December.... I had most of the year to consider just how I would tackle this job.
Without showing the pictures, first let me explain, He now has a rifle that has the action completely free floated except where the functioning detachable box magazine rides, He now has a barrel that is in a block for 4 inches, he now has a Picatinny rail with 10 minutes down taper that is solid to the barrel block, and the Barrel block is bedded in the stock for 10 inches (glued and screwed). The entire Bedding block except where the barrel contacts the block (4 inches) and where the glue (devcon aluminum)holds, I painted Cerakote black (baked on). I just had to shoot it before I gave it back so I went to another range where they have an indoor shooting shed that you open the windows to shoot 200 yards in the winter. The day I got out there is was 20+ mph wind, the temps were -4 F, and it hurt just to go hang targets at 200 as I trudged through 1 1/2 feet of snow. There and back is 400 yards. We built a fire inside in the Franklin stove and warmed up before we were ready to brave opening the window to shoot. Since it was a .243 Winchester Standard Chamber, and because I don't reload for .243, I bough store ammo for deer hunting. Federal Premium with 100 gr sierra GK's, and a box of Hornady Custom 95 grain SST's. The Hornady shot the best with a clover leaf group at about .750 at 200, while the Federals sucked with about a .900 group in a smiley face at 200. actually for the conditions, and the fact that these rounds aren't tailored to this chamber, the rifle did remarkable. The complete rifle is 14 pounds 8 ounces without the but plate (he was going to install) or the clear coat. With the scope it will be well under 17 pounds. It has a 3 inch forend, and a trigger with a safety, and a detachable box magazine that works. It should fit into F class, or 600 BR rules should he want to compete that way. I think he will just be a local club shooter in G class, too bad, cause the rifle is a worthy competitor.
I am considering selling these "Barrel Bedding Blocks" as a kit, everything will be ready for you to glue it into your stock of choice, a 1.200 barrel shank will be needed , and preferably you have that size for 4 inches. The kit will have the Picatinny rail with 0, 10 or 20 minutes of taper. The whole kit will be unfinished 6061 aluminum so you can finish it any color you want or just pollish it.
I'm going to go to PhotoBucket now and get you some pics. Stay tuned (or in tune).
He left me the rifle last July, his only concern was that it be ready this spring so he could compete with it in the G-Class at the club. I had it ready for him in early to mid January. I started on it in December.... I had most of the year to consider just how I would tackle this job.
Without showing the pictures, first let me explain, He now has a rifle that has the action completely free floated except where the functioning detachable box magazine rides, He now has a barrel that is in a block for 4 inches, he now has a Picatinny rail with 10 minutes down taper that is solid to the barrel block, and the Barrel block is bedded in the stock for 10 inches (glued and screwed). The entire Bedding block except where the barrel contacts the block (4 inches) and where the glue (devcon aluminum)holds, I painted Cerakote black (baked on). I just had to shoot it before I gave it back so I went to another range where they have an indoor shooting shed that you open the windows to shoot 200 yards in the winter. The day I got out there is was 20+ mph wind, the temps were -4 F, and it hurt just to go hang targets at 200 as I trudged through 1 1/2 feet of snow. There and back is 400 yards. We built a fire inside in the Franklin stove and warmed up before we were ready to brave opening the window to shoot. Since it was a .243 Winchester Standard Chamber, and because I don't reload for .243, I bough store ammo for deer hunting. Federal Premium with 100 gr sierra GK's, and a box of Hornady Custom 95 grain SST's. The Hornady shot the best with a clover leaf group at about .750 at 200, while the Federals sucked with about a .900 group in a smiley face at 200. actually for the conditions, and the fact that these rounds aren't tailored to this chamber, the rifle did remarkable. The complete rifle is 14 pounds 8 ounces without the but plate (he was going to install) or the clear coat. With the scope it will be well under 17 pounds. It has a 3 inch forend, and a trigger with a safety, and a detachable box magazine that works. It should fit into F class, or 600 BR rules should he want to compete that way. I think he will just be a local club shooter in G class, too bad, cause the rifle is a worthy competitor.
I am considering selling these "Barrel Bedding Blocks" as a kit, everything will be ready for you to glue it into your stock of choice, a 1.200 barrel shank will be needed , and preferably you have that size for 4 inches. The kit will have the Picatinny rail with 0, 10 or 20 minutes of taper. The whole kit will be unfinished 6061 aluminum so you can finish it any color you want or just pollish it.
I'm going to go to PhotoBucket now and get you some pics. Stay tuned (or in tune).
