Gunsmithing Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

[rookie7]

I've got a Remington 700 sps tac in .223 that I put in a B & C varmint/tactical medalist.

It drops in fine, and sits in the stock fine. Lots of wiggle room - I know it needs to be bedded.

However, when I tighten down the action screw right behind the recoil lug the barrel actually rises out of the stock channel just a bit to where it is pointing maybe a degree or two up compared to the stock channel.

I snug both action screws first then start torquing down the recoil lug one then the one at the tang.

Is this normal on a loose fit prior to bedding, or is there some other issue I need to look for?

Thanks

 

[Dr. Vette]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

Likely loose prior to bedding. I would suggest that you're wasting your time with it the way it is now, so go ahead and bed it. Just be sure nothing is interfering or pressing on it before you bed.

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

It's a classic case of a miss-matched fit between a receiver and an aluminum bedding block stock. It's a prime example of why aluminum bedding block stocks need to be skim bedded. Dont fight it, just bed it and move on. Your accuracy will greatly benifit from it.

 

[rookie7]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

Thank you for the input. I will bed the stock. Years ago I did about 8 wooden stocks (not all at once) with Brownells bedding kit.

I know folks are using different things now, but what is recommended that I can pick up at a local hardware store? Release agent?

Edit: I just took a look at the bedding project thread after typing this response. However, someone has screwed with the pictures and added stupid stuff where pictures of the project should be.

Edit #2: I read some pages at the end of the thread and found where everyone knew about the pics being screwed. Okay. Also found some answers to my questions there.

I do have 2 more questions though if someone would like to contribute:

1. Back in the day I did not tape the front sides and bottom of the recoil lug. These rifles shoot fine (all in wood stocks), but what are the potential problems if one doesn't?

2. Do you score the stock with a dremel tool on a fiberglass/aluminum block stock as you would a wooden one for a better bond?

Thanks

 

[Beef82]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

Taping the front and sides of the recoil lug is done solely to make disassembly and reassembly easier by having just a bit of clearance. I'd rough the stock up just a little.

 

[rookie7]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

I haven't had this rifle long, so I have been wanting to shoot it.

Even though I know I need to bed it I took it out to the range yesterday.

I shot 10 rounds of factory target ammo to get on paper.

I took 20 handloads with me. 10 were 69gr Barnes hpbt match, and 10 were 75gr hornady hpbt match. Remington 6 1/2 primers and 22.2grs of H335.

I am very happy with what this rifle has done so far. The trigger is awful. I have the xmark adjusted as light as it will go by adjusting the external trigger. I just sold a remington 700 sps varmint on here with an xmark trigger (pre-external adjustment though) and it was light years better than this one. Ordered a timney last night.

Here are some pics of my groups. 100 yards shooting off of caldwell sandbags.

BTW, I looked at Lowes yesterday for marine tex and the devcon mentioned in the bedding thread, not there. Will check Home Depot, and if they don't have it I will have to order it.

69gr barnes

 

[rookie7]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

75gr hornady - which is still just under an inch, but is going to need some attention to shoot as good as the barnes.

 

[Beef82]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

Marinetex is easily sourced thru marine supply stores. Devcon has a whole line of industrial and home epoxies, usually its at the home improvement places but in the little dual cylinder syringes (possibly enough for skim bedding), for larger quantities go to an automotive or industrial supply shop. There are other epoxies and bedding specific products also availible.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

Stores that carry industrial bearings and supplies should have devcon. You want 10110. Expect to pay +/- $40 a pound for it. Marinetex is about the same price but found in the marine supply stores as mentioned.

 

[rookie7]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

I just found a local supply for Marine Tex. They have 12oz for $42.99 I believe. They have 2 oz for $12.99.

I am assuming all of the choices in epoxy out there are just different applications for achieving the same result? I.e. one is not better than the other, or is that inaccurate?

I saw concrete epoxy by Loctite at Lowes that had a tensile strength of 3200lbs. It looked like it would work well, but was in the small double syringe.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

Marine tex, devcon and jb weld are proven performers. It's a balancing act between strength, shrink and working consistency. There are lots of ways to skin the cat....these are just the better tradeoffs.

 

[RobG]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

The 2oz Marine Tex gray is plenty to skim bed and bed lug. Its easy to mix, easy to use, and easy to clean up. Both of my BC stocks needed it.

 

[rookie7]

Re: Question about mating a Rem 700 to a B & C stock

I appreciate everyone's input. We have Grainger industrial supply locally too, so I'm going to check out what they have. I'll pick something up this weekend.

Next step is going to be to go to Fastenal to find a longer substitute for action screws.

Then I'll take my time - do a dry run - and then go from there.

Got an email yesterday from JoeBob's that my timney trigger shipped. Looking forward to getting it.

Never thought I would want/need bottom metal and a detachable magazine. However, after shooting last Saturday I can see where it would be more convenient and efficient to have it. That will be down the road though. Although looking at the price of them and extra mags where in the world would it make sense to buy one other than it's a "want" for a recreational shooter.

Why doesn't someone manufacture a DBM that is ar-15 mag compatible? Maybe they do, and I haven't seen it.