Glass bedding question

[tbrady]

Hi All-

I did my first bedding job this weekend and have a question about whether the barrel should be touching the bedding at all.  I bedded a Sako A7 with a Bell and Carlson stock (aluminum block) using devcon.

There is an area just forward of the recoil lug where about 1/2" of the barrel formed an impression in the epoxy.  Before the bedding job the barrel was completely free floating, all the way to the action.

So... is this ok or should I grind this part out?  I've looked at dozens of pictures/videos online and I have seen a lot with the same barrel impression but also several where it looks like they cut it out.

Any thoughts much appreciated!

tim

[Magnum_Willys]

I like to see an inch or so past the recoil lug - under the barrel -
 bedded for a sporter contour.  Yours sounds fine. 

[Biggerhammer]

I like to see an inch or so past the recoil lug - under the barrel -
 bedded for a sporter contour.  Yours sounds fine.

Yep. 👍👍👍👍👍

[tbrady]

Thx guys!!

[j_h_nimrod]

I usually bed up about 3” on the barrel on most of my rifles, creating a stable, solid mounting platform is your goal and the most stable point of the barrel mated to the action reduces strain on mounting screws and reduces torque and strain on the rest of the system.  I have played both sides n heard pros n cons and this has always worked well. My opinion.

[Okanagan]

Shoot it to see what it does.

Depending on the barrel length, I aim to bed the first 2 ½ to 2 ¾ inches and free float the rest.  3 inches used to be favored, and lately more shooters I know are free floating full length.  I trim off unevenly extruded bedding compound to eyeball symmetrical, hoping for symmetrical support/contact under the bedded section of barrel. 

There may be better ways.  My home grown bedding has improved all but one of a half dozen rifles and that one shot the same, not worse.  Two improved dramatically.  Shoot a group with it before finessing the bedding to see if you have lucked into a sweet spot for accuracy.

 

[b23]

For me, I don't ever want anything touching the barrel.

[mountainman]

Shoot it to see what it does.

Depending on the barrel length, I aim to bed the first 2 ½ to 2 ¾ inches and free float the rest.  3 inches used to be favored, and lately more shooters I know are free floating full length.  I trim off unevenly extruded bedding compound to eyeball symmetrical, hoping for symmetrical support/contact under the bedded section of barrel. 

There may be better ways.  My home grown bedding has improved all but one of a half dozen rifles and that one shot the same, not worse.  Two improved dramatically.  Shoot a group with it before finessing the bedding it to see if you have lucked into a sweet spot for accuracy.

 

Shoot it and look for improvement. You can always dremel it out later if needed.  I've seen improvement both ways..

[Biggerhammer]

A proper no stress bedding job will always improve accuracy. I bed the tang and the lug. Make sure the rear of the lug is bedded and the front of the lug is free. You will be good to go.👍