Glass bedding your rifle stock, whether synthetic or wood, is a significant upgrade for accuracy. It eliminates inconsistencies in the stock's fit to the receiver, resulting in a more stable and consistent shooting platform. While often associated with wooden stocks, glass bedding a synthetic stock offers similar, and sometimes even more significant, benefits. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, highlighting key considerations specific to synthetic stocks.
Why Glass Bed a Synthetic Stock?
Synthetic stocks, while durable and weather-resistant, aren't always perfectly matched to the rifle's receiver. Slight variations in manufacturing can lead to points of contact that are uneven or inconsistent, causing shifts in point of impact and affecting accuracy. Glass bedding creates a solid, uniform interface between the receiver and the stock, eliminating these inconsistencies. This is particularly beneficial for:
- Improved Accuracy: The most significant advantage. A solid bedding job reduces flex and vibration, leading to tighter groups.
- Consistent Point of Impact: Eliminates shifts in point of impact caused by variations in stock pressure.
- Enhanced Rifle Stability: A rigid connection between receiver and stock improves overall stability, especially beneficial for precision shooting.
Preparing Your Synthetic Stock for Glass Bedding
Before you begin, gather the necessary materials. This includes:
- Glass bedding compound: Choose a high-quality compound designed for firearms.
- Release agent: Prevents the bedding compound from bonding to unwanted areas. Use a high-quality silicone-based release agent specifically designed for firearms.
- Mixing tools: A clean container and mixing sticks are crucial for a consistent mix.
- Scrapers and knives: For cleaning and shaping the bedding compound.
- Acetone or denatured alcohol: For cleaning the stock and receiver.
- Appropriate safety gear: Gloves, eye protection, and a respirator are essential.
- Masking tape: To precisely mask areas you don't want to bed.
Cleaning and Preparation
- Thoroughly clean the receiver and the stock's bedding area: Remove any grease, oil, or debris using acetone or denatured alcohol. Pay close attention to the areas where the action will contact the stock.
- Apply release agent: Liberally apply the release agent to all areas of the stock except where the bedding compound will be applied. This prevents the bedding compound from bonding to unwanted areas.
- Mask off areas: Use masking tape to precisely mask off any areas that should not be bedded. This ensures a clean, professional finish.
Bedding the Synthetic Stock: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Precise placement: Carefully position the action into the stock, ensuring it's aligned correctly. Use shims (if necessary) to achieve the desired fit and alignment.
- Mixing the bedding compound: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Inconsistent mixing can lead to a weak or uneven bed.
- Applying the bedding compound: Apply the compound evenly to the designated bedding areas, working quickly but carefully.
- Installing the action: Carefully place the action back into the stock, ensuring it's firmly seated and aligned.
- Curing the compound: Allow the compound to cure completely according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This typically takes several hours, or even overnight.
- Removing excess compound: Once cured, carefully remove the excess bedding compound using scrapers and knives.
- Final cleaning: Clean any remaining residue and excess compound using acetone or denatured alcohol.
Post-Bedding Considerations
After the bedding compound has fully cured, you may need to perform minor adjustments to the stock for a perfect fit. This might involve some careful sanding or additional work to refine the bedding's contours. Remember, patience is key!
Conclusion: Enhanced Accuracy Through Precision
Glass bedding your synthetic rifle stock is an investment in accuracy and overall rifle performance. While it requires precision and careful attention to detail, the rewards are substantial. By following this detailed guide and exercising patience, you can significantly improve your rifle's accuracy and shooting experience. Remember to always consult your rifle's manual and follow all safety precautions when working on firearms.
