Forend Barrel Bedding System Installation

A number of different methods of improving rifle accuracy by reducing barrel harmonics are used. Full forend barrel bedding is sometimes effective but will vary from one gun to the next and is subject to changes within the stock, showing up as bullet pointof-impact problems. Other barrel tuning methods are used, including a device attached to the front of the barrel like the Winchester/ Browning BOSS (Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System).

Here, an adjustable collar screwed onto the muzzle is used to tune-in accuracy. I have used several of these barrelmounted tuning systems with varying degrees of success. Another barrel tuning method not attached directly to the barrel Below center: These were the forend bedding units described, varying only by the addition of escutcheon collars. Carefully mark and recheck stock holes before drilling. involves a pair of triangularly-positioned stock screws installed in the stock forend from below.

My first experience with this method of barrel tuning included three of my Model 40X Remington target rifles. In working up some very accurate target loads, I was indeed able to control and sometimes improve accuracy. This is accomplished by altering tension of the two adjustable screws against the barrel. Accuracy wasn’t always improved, but it definitely improved in many cases depending on the barrel and load used.

The devices were effective enough for me to later install them on a Sako Model L57 target rifle, a Model 504 Remington rimfire target rifle, and a Model 70 Winchester target rifle. I could readily demonstrate accuracy improvement with the use of this bedding device on the 504 Remington with most of the ammunition I used. The remainder of this treatise will cover installation of such a bedding device on a Winchester Model 70 target rifle with a walnut stock.

The method of application on other rifles would be very similar. We’ll be making and installing the M70 screw-style barrel bedding system. This barrel tuning device is permanently attached to the stock forend and will require precise stock hole drilling for installation of threaded tuning sleeves. A close look through Brownells catalog showed no such devices available and their technical support personnel did not know of any.

These barrel bedding sleeves are made from 3/8 inch brass rod stock or aluminum for fully threaded size 10-32 slotted or socket head screws. Appropriate lengths of brass rod stock were used for these tuning devices. Depending on the length needed for the stock (target or standard weight), a

Above center: Completed installation of sleeves for an adjustable forend barrel bedding system. Screws will fit into countersunk holes. through the sleeve body. The other half of the sleeve is drilled out as a recess for the adjusting screw head as it is used during adjustment. Roughening of the sides of the adjusting sleeves for better bonding in the stock is recommended. With a little extra time involved divided between aesthetics and strength, I installed bilateral escutcheons to help support the sleeves.

These were not really needed but may enhance your skills and add a bit of challenge to the task as well as class. The escutcheons are permanently bonded to the adjustment sleeves and later set in as each unit is installed. These escutcheonlike collars can, however, be lathe turned as an integral part of the collar. They are later shaped to fit stock configuration.

It is important to carefully mark the stock where the triangularly-positioned screw sleeves will be positioned for proper pressure application to the barrel radius. As a means of holding the stock in the milling machine vise, I left the barreled action assembled. The barrel was then held in the padded vise for exact stock positioning. From there, I used a drill piloted countersink to make holes to proper depth.

An inside view of the stock shows proper positioning of bedding devices which are permanently bonded into position. I used J-B Weld for bonding. The adjusting screws are then carefully cut to length and squared off at the barrel From left, the Model 70 Winchester as described in the article, Model L57 Sako rifle, Model 504 Remington .22 target rifle, and Model 40X Remington target rifle. These bedding devices were installed by author except the Model 40X Remington rifle. contact surfaces.

Some stock refinishing may be required depending on one’s installation skills. Using The Barrel Tuning System With a proper wrench, carefully adjust either screw until barrel contact is felt. A thin feeler gauge or piece of paper between the adjusting screw and barrel may be helpful. Then adjust the other screw in the same manner. From these initial screw positions, adjust each bedding screw the exact same amount. The rifle is now ready to test for accuracy.

Screw pressure will elevate group position on target as well as change in accuracy in many cases. The key is to monitor accuracy differences as they may occur. If no changes

in accuracy are noted, the barrel may be properly bedded without help from bedding screws. Seldom will these triangularly-positioned bedding screws degrade accuracy. As tests are completed, record best accuracy relative to screw positioning. This will permit returning the screws to zero or remain as adjusted. As a rifle is used in hunting, always check zero first. Bedding screws will change scope sight-in.

Installation and proper use of forend bedding screws can make a surprising The lower row of four groups were all shot without forend screw pressure. The four upper corresponding groups were shot with varying bedding pressure, causing each group to rise. From upper left, one full screw turn (0.031"), one half screw turn (0.016"), and two on right with one-quarter turn screw pressure (0.008"). Accuracy of the last two groups showed improvement with optimal forend screw bedding adjustment.

Finally, a quarter minute-of-angle group ensued, demonstrating the effects of a properly used forend bedding system. Some experimentation is necessary to determine if this bedding device will help on your rifle. difference in reducing barrel harmonics, thereby improving accuracy. This is most beneficial in target shooting where pin-point accuracy is required. As in any gunsmithing endeavor, true precision and craftsmanship are the key elements during installation. AG