Re: Savage MKII Build, ?'s on parts, Technique
On the topic of bedding your rifle:
I used Devcon Steel Bed compound. I first used a Dremmel to open up the area where the actions rests. I took about 1/8th of an inch or more of wood out of the stock all around the action inlet and I opened up the area in front and in back of where the recoil lug fits in the stock. I inlet the stock about 1 inch forward of the recoil lug, which is where the action tapers into the barrel. I then tape the barrel make sure that I don't apply compound forward of the action. This basically floats the barrel in the stock. I then taped up the action, and trigger in areas where I didn't want the devcon bedding compound to make contact. Pay special attention to the front side of the recoil lug. I first wrapped the entire lug with about 6 strips of tape. I then used an exacto knife cut the tape off the back half of the lug. This creates a buffer space in front of the recoil lug. I then mask off all areas of the stock where I don't want bedding compound to make contact. If there are voids in the stock where it has been inleted around the trigger you can use modeling clay to create a dam to keep the bedding compound from running into the trigger area when you press the stock and action together. You can also use the modeling clay to keep compound out of the action screw areas.
So far I have had good luck using Pam cooking spray as a release agent when bedding. I've done 4 rifles with it so far and have not had an issue. I simply spray the action, action screws, and bottom metal with the Pam and make sure that it's has a good coating on it wherever it's going to make contact with the bedding compound.
Mix up the bedding compound and apply to the inleted area that you have opened up with your Dremmel. Pay special attention to the recoil lug! You only want bedding compound on the back side of the recoil lug and not on the front side. I also applied compound to the tang area of the stock so that the rear of the receiver would rest snugly in a bedded section of the stock. It does not take a lot of bedding compound to do this job, so if you have compound running and dripping from the stock you're going about it wrong. Obviously, you don't want the compound to get into the trigger assembly or to completely surround the recoil lug. If this happens your going to be in for some problems when it comes time to remove your action from the stock.
After you have applied the bedding compound simply press the action and barrel into the stock. Then insert the action screws and tighten them down. Don't wrench the action screws in tight, you just want them to be snug, with an even amount of torque on each screw so that the action sits even and true in the stock.
After about 45 min, take an exacto knife and trim the bedding compound that has squished up around the action. It will be semi pliable and should trim off with little effort. That will leave you with a nice clean looking bedding job.
Let the compound dry overnight before attempting to remove it. If you have been careful and have done a good job the action will pop right out of the stock with a bit of effort. Clean the Pam of the action and reassemble. My groups shrank considerably after I bedded my Savage Mark II.
