Mod 70 Win action bedding

[KMart]

I am about to bed the action on a Mod 70 Winchester push feed action. The recoil lug is part of the action. Should the recoil lug be taped so the bottom of lug does not make contact with the bedding?

Ken

 

[watercam]

The back (rear) of the lug and the bottom of the action (flat part) behind the lug should be bedded for sure. The lug takes the load of the recoil of the action into the stock. That is the part you want consistently solid. In addition, on a match rifle for example, the sides of the action as far back as is practical and the rest of the flat bottom would be bedded as well. I bed the tang on the sides but not the rear as there is always a bit of stock flex with heavier cartridges and a small amount of play to the rear of the tang will always happen. The sides and front of the recoil lug are usually left clear of bedding compound. There is some controversy regarding the first couple of inches of the barrel. I used to bed one to two inches just forward of the action but do not any more on advice of some very prominent match rifle 'smiths and have some very accurate rifles with 100 % floated barrels.
I always use a release agent from Brownell's or Pam cooking spray (distant 2nd choice). I used to try paste wax (on advice from a friend) and always had trouble breaking the action clear of the stock. Also, if using the stock screws to hold the action into the bedding while it cures, loosen them a full turn every hour or so and then retighten the same in case some bedding compound is in contact with them (screws should be sprayed with release agent).
You might consider pillars as well as they make an even more solid base for the gun. Pillars will be easier if installed first but can be added later.
Good luck, have fun!

 

[KMart]

Thanks. This action is going into an HS Precision stock with the bedding block. I just wasn't sure about the botton side of the front lug.

Ken