Gunsmithing Barrel channel question

[MTAR15]

First, I'm not a gunsmith. Just a guy that's a gun nut and someone who likes to work on his own stuff (when it makes sense).

I'm putting a barreled action into a composite stock, the barrel profile is slightly larger than the stock was intended for. I've carefully taken round stock and sand paper to open the barrel channel about .20". The barrel is now floated very well and fits great. But at the breech end of the barrel the channel is tight, when I put the barreled action into the stock I can see slight rub marks on the sides of the barrel for the first inch. It's not super tight, but there is a nice even pinch on the first inch.

My intention is to bed the tang area, recoil lug area and the first 1" of the barrel. So my question is, should I open this breech area so there is zero pinch? Or is a slight amout of pressure on the right and left of the barrel in this area good? The area below the barrel is free from stock contact all the way down to the channel.

Opening the channel up at the breech end is easy, but I didn't know if I was going to be better off bedding as is.

Thanks

 

[xs hedspace]

I think that the rub will do no harm, if it is not causing the sides of the action screws to contact the stock holes, or otherwise force side stress on the action. Safest to open up the barrel channel, and let the action inletting/epoxy bedding determine the final fit. I wrap teflon plumbers tape, 3 layers around the action screws to center them in the stock holes, while the epoxy sets. And just barely tighten the screws while epoxy sets, so as to not stress the action. Release agent is your best friend.....unless you want a glue-in.

 

[MTAR15]

Thanks, I opened it up just to be safe.

Next on to bedding.