Gunsmithing How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

[427Cobra]

Tools/Supplies
Drill
3/4 bit of some sort, I used a 3/4 HS Counterbore with #21 drill bit as a pilot
1/4 inch drill bit
Tape
Not pctured, glue
Allen wrenches
BT17 Rail from our own Kasey
BT1517 fastener set from Kasey
And of course the Atlas Bipod

I removed the bipod stud that McM installed, temp installed the rail, centered it up and tapped it place, I used the rail as a guide and backed drilled a #21 hole from the gelcoat in

I flipped the stock around, using the 3/4 counterbore with the #21 bit installed I drilled into the filler slowly until the screw had about 1/8 inch of threads showing inside the hole, I then opened ou the hole from 5/32(#21) to 1/4 inch, again from the gelcoat side.

A little 5 minute epoxyin the hole, then install the T-nut in the hole, and torque down the screw in the aftside of the rail, don't get retarded, but snug is GTG.

Install Kasey's awsome bipod

Enjoy!

 

[USMCj]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Good work!



EDIT: Almost missed the POOL PORN!!!!!!!!

 

[chpprguy]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Nice work!
I love the "remove before flight tag..."

 

[427Cobra]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chpprguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice work!
I love the "remove before flight tag..."

</div></div>

I'm thinking about making some for sale, all the profits going to a noted charity like AmericanSnipers.ORG or Wounded Warriors, stay tuned.

 

[prossound]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chpprguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice work!
I love the "remove before flight tag..."

</div></div>

I'm thinking about making some for sale, all the profits going to a noted charity like AmericanSnipers.ORG or Wounded Warriors, stay tuned. </div></div>

make it say "remove before fight" and I'm in

 

[Ghogs Nightmare]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: prossound</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chpprguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice work!
I love the "remove before flight tag..."

</div></div>

I'm thinking about making some for sale, all the profits going to a noted charity like AmericanSnipers.ORG or Wounded Warriors, stay tuned. </div></div>

make it say "remove before fight" and I'm in </div></div>

+1 for AS or WW..

 

[96C]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Great job, good post!
How do you like the Atlas bipod compared to the Harris?
I'm keen but the price is holding me back at the minute.

 

[deadly0311]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

96C i was the same way as you about dropping the coin on something i had no idea about the quality. I will tell you this now that i have a set of the Atlas bipods they are leaps and bounds better than the Harris that used to run. I would recommend getting a set you wont be disappointed

 

[Wild_Bill]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

hi i have a rock, Atlas and heaps of Harris bipods. the Rock is a great bipod for a big rifle and is set aside for my 338 long range build. the harris bipods are thrown as far as i can into the bottom of the cupboard, the Atlas is amasing i can not give them any more praise the extra time kasey took to send out prototypes and adjust the models to perfect them before their release made the best bipod i have ever used period.
Hope this helps.

 

[reewik]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Thanks for this info. i just ordered everything today!!!! What kind of Glue / epoxy do you recommend?

 

[deadly0311]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

i used Gorilla wood glue, but then again i didnt do it like 427 did, i had a pic rail around here and drilled two pilot holes then screwed some wood screws in with gorilla wood glue on the threads and let it sit overnight

 

[reewik]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Wow, you are kidding right?

 

[deadly0311]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

kidding about what?

 

[reewik]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

drilled two pilot holes then screwed some wood screws in with gorilla wood glue on the threads and let it sit overnight


that's awesome!!!!

 

[deadly0311]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

yep dead serious, never had a problem out of it either. It was about as solid as solid gets

 

[reewik]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Man, I have to wait two weeks for the bipod.. oh well, good things come to those that wait, right?

 

[427Cobra]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">yep dead serious, never had a problem out of it either. It was about as solid as solid gets </div></div>

if I didn't have the right tools that is exactly how I would have done it

 

[reewik]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

Thanks for the directions, mine is now installed the same way

 

[PSYOPS]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i used Gorilla wood glue, but then again i didnt do it like 427 did, i had a pic rail around here and drilled two pilot holes then screwed some wood screws in with gorilla wood glue on the threads and let it sit overnight</div></div>

Pardon my ignorance, but will any picatinny rail do for an Atlas? I have a small one that I have laying around here. Thanks for the help.

 

[jasonk]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PSYOPS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i used Gorilla wood glue, but then again i didnt do it like 427 did, i had a pic rail around here and drilled two pilot holes then screwed some wood screws in with gorilla wood glue on the threads and let it sit overnight</div></div>

Pardon my ignorance, but will any picatinny rail do for an Atlas? I have a small one that I have laying around here. Thanks for the help.</div></div>

Should be fine.

J

 

[PSYOPS]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PSYOPS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i used Gorilla wood glue, but then again i didnt do it like 427 did, i had a pic rail around here and drilled two pilot holes then screwed some wood screws in with gorilla wood glue on the threads and let it sit overnight</div></div>

Pardon my ignorance, but will any picatinny rail do for an Atlas? I have a small one that I have laying around here. Thanks for the help.</div></div>

Should be fine.

J</div></div>

Outstanding! I think I'm ready for an Atlas...

 

[ubet]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

Thanks for this! I am buying a rifle and want to get an atlas for it, but it only has one stud. Glad I found this to know how to put on the rail, thanks 427!

 

[Falar]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

I wonder if McMillan will do this or offer it as an option someday?

 

[cgriff]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

Great how-to instructions. As soon as I win my Atlas from the raffle, I'll install using these instructions.

 

[macman2564]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

TAG

 

[koz]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

Thanks for sharing.

 

[GardDog]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

I searched this site looking for help with installing a bipod rail on my A4. I find this thread and it's spot on what I was looking for. So I PM'ed 427Cobra and thanked him for setting up this picture tutorial. So then what does he do? He offers to send me the two bits needed to drill the holes and install the rail. Then, Kasey gets me the much needed short rail and hardware to do the install.

Here's what I did:

I followed 427Cobra's plan and removed the swivel, attached the rail and drilled the pilot hole on the gelcoat side:

I then used the counterbore to open the hole up to 3/4". Removing a little at a time, so I that I didn't go too deep. I dabbed a little epoxy on the anchor and tapped it into place. I then opened up the hole through the gelcoat to correct size for the rail fastener:

I let it sit for a few minutes, then snugged up my new rail:

Now my V8 Atlas is finally installed, thanks to Brian and Kasey.

It should be noted that 427Cobra refused any payment for the use of the bits. I contacted him and got his blessing to start a "Pay it Forward" style agreement with his hardware. So, whoever needs to do this work on their McMillian stock, contact me via PM and I will send the two bits to them. They will then be the keeper of the flame, sending it on to the next needy shooter.

I can't thank Kasey and Brian enough. I could not have done it without their help.

 

[GardDog]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in Mc

PM received from macman2564 for the use of the bits. They'll be mailed tomorrow. This is how a shooting community should work.

 

[ROBW223]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Hi Bill, do you know where, or who would have these in stock in OZ?
Regards Rob<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wild_Bill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hi i have a rock, Atlas and heaps of Harris bipods. the Rock is a great bipod for a big rifle and is set aside for my 338 long range build. the harris bipods are thrown as far as i can into the bottom of the cupboard, the Atlas is amasing i can not give them any more praise the extra time kasey took to send out prototypes and adjust the models to perfect them before their release made the best bipod i have ever used period.
Hope this helps.

</div></div>

 

[jeffersonv]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

I used this post to do my (A3) rifle too. Came out perfect after sticking to the instructions. Thanks to the OP.

 

[macman2564]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

I now have 427Cobra's bits. I should be done with them in a few days.

 

[macman2564]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Well I am done with the bits for whoever needs them next. Just send me a PM and I will get them out to you. Thanks alot for doing this for us 427Cobra.

I will get some pics up of my install later today.

Jeremy

 

[427Cobra]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

You must post pictures

 

[macman2564]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Pics of the install. It was very easy. Thanks alot 427Cobra!!

 

[tuckner]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

I could use the bits. I put in an order for the fastener set directly from his website, no joy on a shipping confirmation though. They are really cheap, can I pick up the equivalent at my local hardware store?

 

[macman2564]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Returned your PM Tuckner. You got them next.

 

[koobs84]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Well I took the plunge and purchased my first atlas from Triad Tactical. Im broke now so Im gonna have to order the rail on my next paycheck.

I'll be following this thread so I can get the drill bits from the next person once I have all my parts. Can't wait and nervous at the same time. Would hate to ruin my A5 by screwing up... but this thread makes it look easy. Kinda like taking my first plunge at bedding my rifle (which came out great IMO)

Looks like my Harris bipod will be up for sale!!

 

[427Cobra]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Please post pics, this helps everybody out who may want to buy one but are scared to drill holes, and it helps Kasey sell more of his excellent products, Kasey is good people

 

[tuckner]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Got the bits in the mail today. Plan on having it done tonight hopefully, I might have to do it tomorrow. PM for dibs on the bits if you need them and I will send them along as soon as I am done.

 

[crumpmd]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

I did mine a while back. After I finished I filled in the countersunk hole with epoxy and sanded smooth and painted it black. The bipod don't care, but when I take the action out the stock looks pristine down the channel.
A little OCD, but I like it.

 

[tuckner]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

I just finished up doing the Atlas install. The bits were awesome and they are ready for whoever needs them next. Send me a PM if you are ready for them, otherwise I will just hang onto them until someone lets me know.

People wanted pics, so here they are. I'm not a photographer, sorry for the blur and crap shots. I hope they give confidence to those who are nervous about doing it. I'm an ignoramous and I got it done so you can too.

I followed the exact steps from above.

Prior to install.

Pilot hole drilled from outside in using pic rail for guide.

Making the counterbore drill... Yikes!!

Ready for the T-nut

Epoxy down, T-nut in

All done.

 

[madd0c]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

DAMIT CrumpMD!

I followed these directions and things turned out great, used some JB weld over the fasteners after doing the drilling and counter sinking.

NOW, here comes Crump and says he painted it black over the channel because of his OCD, and I now can't get this out of my OCD head. I feel like I left something undone.

Anyone considering this and having any amount of abilty with a drill press or steady hands and a hand drill will have no problems if they follow the directions. I do admit it makes for sweaty hands drilling into a $500 stock, but once the first hole is started, it gets easier because you know there is no turning back.

Looks like I will be painting mine this weekend.

madd0c

 

[Barney88PDC]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Would the BT15 or BT17 Rail be best for a McM A5?

 

[deadly0311]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Barney88PDC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would the BT15 or BT17 Rail be best for a McM A5? </div></div>

If you only have one sling stud up front, then either one will work. The 3.5" model (BT15) is for if you have two sling studs, and the 4" model (BT17) is if the spacing of the 2 sling studs is 4" apart. Either one will work for you and its completely up to you, i prefer the look of the BT17 myself

 

[427Cobra]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

I put the BT17 on because it also has a flushcup hole

 

[jaychris]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

Anyone using the flushcup hole on the BT17 and can recommend a good sling swivel or swivel stud that fits? I was looking at GroveTec GT push buttons here GroveTec GT Push Button Swivels , but I wasn't able to find any dimensions or anything to make sure they fit before buying.

I also saw that at one point, McMillan had a swivel stud, but I don't find it for sale anywhere.

 

[tuckner]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

I still have the bits for anybody that may need them. Let me know and I can get them sent out.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jaychris</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone using the flushcup hole on the BT17 and can recommend a good sling swivel or swivel stud that fits? I was looking at GroveTec GT push buttons here GroveTec GT Push Button Swivels , but I wasn't able to find any dimensions or anything to make sure they fit before buying.

I also saw that at one point, McMillan had a swivel stud, but I don't find it for sale anywhere. </div></div>

Hey welcome to The Hide

I use a TAB sling on my rifle, Tony's slings come with whatever system you want for attachment, his flush cup swivels work perfect in the BT17, http://www.triadtactical.com/TAB-Gear-Sling.html

 

[jaychris]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Hey welcome to The Hide
</div></div>

Thanks! Awesome forum here. I hang out on 6mmBr a lot and finally saw enough mentions of this forum to check it out. Great information on this site.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I use a TAB sling on my rifle, Tony's slings come with whatever system you want for attachment, his flush cup swivels work perfect in the BT17, http://www.triadtactical.com/TAB-Gear-Sling.html </div></div>

Thanks for URL! I have an Atlas on order so I'm anxiously awaiting. I ordered the BT15 for my McMillan HTG stock (btw, the BT15 looks a lot like the BT17 now and comes with a flush cup hole) and got it mounted up so all I am awaiting is the actual bipod.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: How To Install BT17 Rail for Atlas Bipod in McM A5

If you could post pics of your rail install would be nice so others can learn, what kind of stock, tools used, and so on