Miles Gilbert™ Bedrock™ Instructions

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of Miles Gilbert™ Bedrock™ bedding compound. Bedrock™ is a two-part
epoxy product, specially formulated for optimum curing time and shock resistance. It is prepared by mixing the
Resin and the Hardener in equal amounts. Bedrock™ is a unique glass-bedding product, as it can be used as
mixed or converted to a peanut butter consistency, by adding a small quantity of Microballoons, (See Glossary,
Appendix B) which are included in the kit. Bedrock™ was designed to make glass-bedding of solid wood,
laminated wood or synthetic (fiberglass and plastic) stocks quick, clean, and simple. Because of Bedrock™ ’s
tremendous adhesive qualities, you will find it extremely useful for projects other than bedding. It can be used
for all kinds of stock work, such as gluing on recoil pads and forend tips, repairing cracks and filling deep dents.
It can also be used for the assembly and repair of all kinds of wood products such as furniture, picture frames,
construction projects, and the like. Bedrock™ will bond to fiberglass and many other synthetic products,
making it effective for repair of watercraft, motor homes, and similar applications. Bedrock™ also bonds to
aluminum and steel, and can be used to create temporary fixtures.

The fit of a rifle’s barreled action to its stock is critical to obtaining optimum, consistent accuracy. It has long
been established that epoxy bedding can improve the accuracy of most rifles, by providing an improved fit
between the stock and the barreled action. A properly bedded stock is also essential to its own longevity, as a
loosely fitting stock can easily split from the shock of recoil.

In a typical bolt-action rifle, there are six distinct areas that can be glass-bedded. These are listed below in what
we believe are the order of popularity. Most people will bed one or two areas at a time. It is not necessary that
the entire barreled action be glass-bedded. Very few glass-bedding jobs include all six areas.

1. Front Receiver Ring and Recoil lug --This is easily the most important opportunity to improve
the bedding, as the front receiver ring and recoil lug need to remain stationary from shot to shot.

The recoil lug transfers the recoil

impulse to the stock.
2. Rear Receiver Tang – Most bedding jobs (though not all) include bedding this area along with
the area #1 above. Bedding these two areas effectively establishes the permanent axis of the
receiver.

The recoil lug and the rear of the

tang represent the basic areas of
bedding.

3. Chamber area of barrel (1st two inches) -- This area is simply a slight extension of the bedding
areas in #1 above, and is normally performed after bedding the front ring and rear tang. It
creates a larger support area for the front portion of the barreled action.

Bedding the chamber area can help

to support the barrel.

4. Sides of Receiver -- Normally only done as part of a complete upper receiver bedding (Front
Receiver Ring and Recoil Lug and the Rear Upper Tang Area), the primary purposes are to
provide additional strength and stiffness to the stock, prevent side-to-side movement of the
receiver, and to seal the receiver area of the stock from mo isture.

Bedding the sides of the receiver can

add rigidity.
 5. Entire length of barrel channel -- Bedding this area increases the stiffness of the forend and
seals it from moisture.

Bedding the barrel channel can

reduce effects of temperature and
humidity.

6. Trigger guard--Used in conjunction with #1 and #2 above, this allows the guard screws to hold
a more consistent torque, and aids in sealing the stock from moisture.

Bedding the bottom metal can help to

support those components in the
stock.

You must determine which areas of the stock to bed prior to making any cuts in the stock or mixing the
Bedrock™.

Dealing with Different Variations of Bolt-Action Rifles: (See Appendix A)

While most bolt-action rifles follow the basic pattern established by the Mauser design, specifically the M98,
enough differences in external configuration exist that no one set of instructions can cover all applications. For
the purposes of continuity, the instructions that follow, and the accompanying photographs, will feature the
Remington® M700 BDL. The Remington® is a popular commercial rifle, and most of the areas of potential
“application” of bedding apply to it.

There are, of course, many other bolt-action rifles available to the sportsman today, including commercial and
military models. We will attempt to show some of the differences in these models and how that can affect the
application of glass-bedding techniques.

Glossary of Terms: (See Appendix B)

Many terms used in the firearms industry may not be established in every-day usage. The Glossary offers easy-
to-understand explanations of many unfamiliar terms.
Steps to Glass-bedding a Bolt Action Rifle

1. Disassemble the rifle

2. Prepare the stock (mostly remova l of wood)

3. Prepare the metal (primarily applying Release Agent)

4. Mix the Bedrock™

5. Add Microballoons (optional, to turn Bedrock™ a thicker consistency)

6. Add dye (optional)

7. Apply the Bedrock™ to the stock

8. Assemble the barreled action and stock

9. Allow the Bedrock™ to cure

10. Separate the barreled action from the stock

11. Inspect

12. Clean- up

13. Reassemble

14. Test-fire

Before you begin:

Make Sure you have all the Components of Your Bedrock™ Kit:

Components of the Bedrock™ Kit

1. Bedrock™ Resin

2. Bedrock™ Hardener

3. Brown and Black dye for wood or synthetic stocks

4. Microballoons

5. Mixing Cups
 6. Mixing/Applicator Sticks

7. Plastic Measuring Spoons (1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 tablespoon)

8. Release Agent

9. Ring Daubers (for application of Release Agent)

10. Surgical Tubing

11. Modeling Clay

Tools and supplies needed in addition to Bedrock™:

Tools:

Tools essential for glass-bedding

• Disassembly Tools (screw drivers, Allen wrenches)

• ¼” wood chisel
• Dremel Tool, or similar product

• Safety glasses

• 12” long wooden dowel (approximately 5/8” in diameter)

• Dust Mask

• Barrel channel tool or scraper

• Padded vise

• X-acto® or other sharp trimming knife

Supplies:

Supplies needed for glass-bedding

 • Masking Tape

• Scotch Tape ®

• Paper Towels

• Plastic electrician’s or duct tape

• Vinyl gloves

• Felt marking pen

• Pencil

• Inletting Magic Black or White

• Action Proving Dummies or dummy cartridges (cartridges with no powder or primer for testing the
function of your rifle’s feeding and ejection systems)

Safety Tips:
a. Make sure the rifle is unloaded before disassembly.

b. Use care in relieving inletting. Chisels and power tools can cause severe injury.

c. Use vinyl gloves to protect skin from possible irritation or allergic reaction to any chemical.

d. Avoid inhalation of Microballoons; always wear a dust mask.

e. Wear safety glasses.

Glass-Bedding a Bolt Action Rifle Stock

Step 1. Disassemble the Rifle
1. If the rifle is scoped, remove the scope and rings. Bases can stay in place.

2. If the rifle has a sling, remove it.

3. Separate barreled action from stock

4. Remove the trigger

5. Remove the magazine box, if possible, if it is attached to the receiver.

Step 2. Prepare the Stock

An Overview
The following instructions cover all six possible areas to glass-bed. Remember that you can
choose one or all of them. It is suggested that beginners do one area at a time. Keep in mind that
glass-bedding is a two-step process. First, stock material must be removed to provide space for
the Bedrock™ to occupy, and second, the Bedrock™ is applied to replace the stock material
removed. Simply adding Bedrock™ to the inletted areas of a stock and then forcing the barreled
action into place is not appropriate, as the barreled action will sit higher in the stock than before
and will not provide the full benefits of Bedrock. Dimensions for relief cuts are suggested as
“approximate.” A certain amount of tolerance is acceptable.

Note: The top edge of most properly inletted stocks will almost always align with the
centerline of the receiver and the barrel. An exception would include the post-1964
Winchester® M70 which is designed to sit .070” high in the stock. This is the reason that a
portion of the original contact area between the metal and the wood must be preserved, so
the barreled action can seat to its original depth after the Bedrock™ is applied, and the
rifle is reassembled.

The area of the stock between the recoil lug and the magazine box should not be relieved, at least
not in its entirety. The bottom of the receiver bears against this area and it determines the
vertical position of the barreled action within the stock.

The barreled action “sitting high” or the barrel angling upward from the stock after glass
bedding, is the mark of poor work. This misalignment may cause difficulties with cartridge
feeding or proper functioning of the trigger and safety. Make the parallel relationship of the
centerline of the barreled action and the top edge of the stock the highest priority in planning and
making clearance cuts in your stock.

Synthetic stocks can also take advantage of the benefits of Bedrock™. In general, the
instructions that apply to the use of Bedrock™ with wood and laminated stocks will also apply to
synthetic stocks. Stocks made of synthetic materials often resist the use of a chisel, so rotary
type power tools, such as those offered by Dremel®, can be useful. Some synthetic stocks are
molded of materials, such as polypropylene, that frequently do not bond well with any
commercial bedding compound. These stocks can be successfully bedded by making relief cuts
in such a way as to provide a mechanical lock by adding undercuts to the relieved areas so that
he bedding compound flows into those areas. Warning: Fiberglass and Kevlar dust can be
very irritating to the lungs. Always wear a dust mask when working with these materials.
Many synthetic stocks feature barrel channels, and other areas, molded in an “egg crate” pattern,
with significant empty space. While these areas can be “filled” with bedding compound to
increase strength and rigidity, doing so may add significant weight with little extra benefit.

Excessive stock removal or uncontrolled altering of inletted surfaces will cause the barreled
action to shift in its relationship with the stock, which will result in improper magazine box
location, misalignment with guard-screw holes, etc.

If the receiver is allowed to shift

during bedding, misalignment can
occur.
Front Receiver Ring, Recoil Lug

a. Note: Bedding this area generally requires 1 tsp. of resin, with an equal amount of hardener.

b. Allow 30 minutes to complete this step.

c. Use a felt marking pen to mark a line between 1/8” (.125”) and 1/4” (.250”) behind the recoil lug
recess and parallel to it.

Marking the area to be relieved.

d. It is recommended that the newly cut recess not extend across the entire width of the original
inletted surface, but only about the center three-quarters. The remaining stock material will keep
the barreled action from shifting out of position, rearward. Use the marker to cover the areas of
recoil lug contact that you want to preserve.

Coloring the preserved area.

 e. Use a 1/4” wood chisel, or a Dremel™ type tool with a 1/8” to 3/16” bit to remove stock material
from the desired area, all the way to the bottom of the lug recess.

Properly relieved lug recess.

f. Use a caliper or toothpick to compare the depth of the recess to the vertical dimension of the
recoil lug. If necessary, remove material from the bottom of the recess to obtain “free space”
between 1/16” (.062) and 1/8” (.125).

g. Attach masking tape to the top edge of the stock, adjacent to the receiver, in the area to be
bedded. Tape will preve nt Bedrock™ squeezed out in the bedding process from making contact
with the exterior of the stock, and makes cleanup easier.

Masking tape will keep Bedrock™ off

the surface of the stock.

Rear Receiver Tang Area

a. Note: Bedding this area requires 1/4 tsp. of Resin, with an equal amount of Hardener.

b. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to complete this step.

 c. Using the same chisel, or rotary tool, relieve the area immediately surrounding the rear tang
screw hole to a depth of 1/8” (.125”).

Relieve area immediately around The Remington M700 offers a wider

screw hole. tang area than the M98 Mauser.

The diameter of the area to relieve is determined by the design and width of the tang. For
example, the tang of a M98 Mauser is significantly narrower than a Remington M700. Bedding
should not extend beyond the width of the tang.

Chamber Area of Barrel

a. Note: Bedding this area usually requires1 tsp. of Resin, and an equal amount of Hardener.

b. Allow 30 minutes to complete this step.

c. Note: Perform this step even if you plan to glass-bed the entire barrel channel. The support
gained by bedding this portion will aid in the relief of the rest of the barrel channel.

d. The barrel channel is usually round-bottomed, so a Dremel® Tool works well to perform this
relief.

e. Because the support provided by glass-bedding this area is of most importance immediately
under the barrel, it is not necessary to relieve the channel from edge to edge. Two-thirds to
three-quarters is usually sufficient. Note: Many factory-stocked rifles are already inletted
rather generously in this area, and relief cuts may not be necessary. If so, skip steps f.
through h. The temptation is to just fill this area with bedding compound without making
any preparations. Because Bedrock™ may not adequately adhere to many modern finishes,
you must, at the minimum, remove all traces of the factory finish, so that the Bedrock™ is
applied to bare wood.
f. Use a felt marking pen and draw a line on each side of the channel parallel to the top of the
stock line, approximately ¼” down. Extend these lines approximately 2” forward of the
receiver ring.

Lines show borders of relief area.

g. Color the areas from the top of the stock to the lines with the marker.

Coloring the preserved area.

h. Relieve the area between these colored areas to a depth of 1/8” (.125”).

Properly relieved chamber area.

i. Attach masking tape on each side, along the top of the stock adjacent to the relieved area.
Sides of the Receiver

a. Note: Bedding this area requires 1 tsp. of Resin, with an equal amount of Hardener.

b. Allow 45 minutes to complete this step.

c. While bedding the sides of the receiver can help in strengthening the corresponding area
of the stock, many actions, such as the Mauser M98 and the Ruger M77 are flat-sided,
which makes it difficult to achieve any gain. However, if the Bedrock™ is properly
dyed, bedding the sides of the receiver can sometimes be used cosmetically to cover gaps
or improper inletting. (See Appendix A)

d. For round-bottomed receivers, such as the Remington M700, use a pen or pencil to draw
a line in the left side of the receiver inletting, 1/16” (.0625”) down from the top edge of
the stock. Extend the lines forward to the barrel channel, and rearward to within ¼”
(.250”) of where the tang area begins (where the stock begins to slope down and to the
rear).

Lines show limit of relief.

Use the marker to cover the area between the top of the stock and the line. Because the
stock line is lowered on the right side to clear the ejection port, drawing the lines is
limited to the areas adjacent to the front and rear receiver rings.

e. Using a ¼” chisel or Dremel® Tool, relieve the area below the colored area to a depth of
1/8” (.0625”) approximately ¼” (.250”) wide.

Properly relieved side.

Do not cut into the edge of the magazine well or out the rear of the inletting where the
glass bedding would show.
Complete Barrel Channel

a. Note: Bedding this area typically requires 1 Tbs. Resin, with an equal amount of Hardener.

b. Allow at least one hour to complete this step. The time frame is variable, depending on the amount
of clearance desired. Option: It is possible to bed the barrel channel without having the
bedding compound be visible. This is achieved by carefully maintaining the integrity of the
stock material along the edge of the barrel channel, immediately adjacent to the barrel. This is
an advanced application, and is difficult to perform without some practice. It is achieved by
drawing a narrow line with the felt marking pen along the top edge of the barrel channel
inletting, and being careful not to cut into it. All relief of the barrel channel will, in effect, be
“undercut” and invisible when completed and the barreled action is in place.

c. It is impossible to determine beforehand whether a particular barrel will shoot better with contact
points (a.k.a. pressure points) between it and the stock, or if it is better left free-floating. One
advantage in using glass-bedding compound is that if testing is initiated with a free- floating barrel,
then pressure points, or even full- length contact, can be added later. The stock-strengthening, and
sealing benefits of full- length barrel channel bedding can also be obtained, while retaining a free-
floating barrel, by adding a layer of plastic electrical tape to the underside of the barrel, relieving the
channel to accommodate the tape, and then removing the tape aft er bedding. (See step i. below)

d. In order to properly glass-bed the entire barrel channel it is first necessary to bed the recoil lug, and
the rear tang. (See procedures described above.) If the chamber area of the barrel channel has been
bedded previously, do not attempt to remove that bedded portion. It will serve as an aid to depth and
alignment of the barrel in the channel. The bedding should be done in sequence with the barrel
channel being the last step.

e. To glass-bed the entire barrel channel, the barrel must first be “free- floating.” In other words, there
can be no contact between the stock and the entire length of the barrel forward of the chamber area.
The relief of the channel is best accomplished using a barrel channel tool or a scraper, and Inletting
Magic, either Black or White. (See Glossary, Appendix B)

f. With the stock held in a padded vise, apply Inletting Magic to the underside of the barrel, thoroughly
coating the area that will fit into the existing barrel channel.

Applying inletting black.

g. Carefully place the barreled action into the stock and then remove it. The Inletting Magic will have
transferred to the stock at points of contact.

Inletting black transfers to contact

points.

h. Using a barrel- inletting tool, cut away only the blackened contact points.

Removing high spots.

i. Repeat this process until no black is transferred to the stock. At this point, the barrel is free- floated.

j. If you wish to glass-bed the barrel channel, but maintain a free- floating barrel, apply three layers of
plastic electrical or duct tape to the underside of the barrel.

Adding tape in order to free float

barrel.

Make sure the tape extends above the centerline of the barrel.
 k. Apply inletting black to the taped portion, and continue the process described in f. through h., until
no black is transferred to the stock. Remove two layers of the tape prior to performing the bedding
operation.

l. Apply masking tape to the top edge of the forend, adjacent to the barrel channel.

Top edges of stock taped to protect

finish.

Trigger Guard

a. Note: Bedding this area generally requires 1/4 tsp. of Resin, with an equal amount of Hardener.

b. Allow 15 – 20 minutes to complete this step.

c. Glass-bedding the trigger guard aids in maintaining the position of the bottom metal and allows the
guard screws to hold a more consistent torque.

d. The differing styles of fabrication designs of trigger guards and bottom metal will affect the
technique of relieving the corresponding inletting. One method that works well is to “outline” the
bottom of the inletting around the front and rear guard screws by cutting a groove with the Dremel®
Tool and a 1/8” bit to a depth of 3/16” (.1875”).

Outline relieved under trigger guard. Guard screw holes enlarged.

Another method is to use the same technique as the rear tang screw, by enlarging the stock guard
screw holes using a Dremel® Tool, to about ½” (.500”) diameter , and a depth of approximately
3/16” (.1875”).
Step 3. Prepare the Metal

Note: It is critically important that Bedrock™ not be allowed to migrate into holes and recesses in the
action or barrel. If this happens, the barreled action will become mechanically locked to the stock.
Separating the stock from the barreled action then becomes extremely difficult, and may result in
damage to the stock. Areas of concern are those around the trigger, cross-pin holes, where the sear
passes through the bottom of the receiver, bolt release, and magazine box attachment points. Use the
enclosed Modeling Clay to prevent this problem.

a. Allow 30 minutes for this step.

b. Fill holes and openings on the underside of action with modeling clay or cover with ordinary Scotch
Tape® tape to keep Bedrock™ compound out of the receiver. The modeling clay should protrude
past the surface of the metal surrounding the hole or opening as an added measure of safety. Failure
to adequately fill these holes may result in a barreled action “locked” in the stock.

Plugging or covering holes will keep

Bedrock™ from entering the receiver.

c. Apply two layers of plastic electrician’s or duct tape to the front, sides, and bottom of the recoil lug.
Use the Exacto ® Knife to trim the tape to fit the lug. Once the bedding is cured and this tape is
removed, the clearance provided will aid in future assembly and disassembly of the rifle. Note: Do
not apply tape to the rear side of the recoil lug, as you want to maintain firm contact between it
and its recess in the stock.

Tape all sides of recoil lug except for

the rear.
d. Once the holes are blocked off and the recoil lug taped, the Release Agent must be applied. This is
a critical step. Since Bedrock™ provides an extremely strong adhesive bond, Release Agent must
be applied to all areas where Bedrock™ will contact the metal components.

Apply Release Agent liberally to all

surfaces of the barreled action.

Because you want Bedrock™ to bond to the stock, so do not, under any circumstances, apply
Release Agent to any interior portion of the stock.

e. Open the jar of Release Agent and, with the ring dauber, apply Release Agent to all areas of the
barreled action that will make contact with the stock. In areas adjacent to where Bedrock™ will be
applied, extend the coating well above the stock line. As with b. above, be especially thorough when
applying Release Agent. Failure to do so may result in a barreled action that is “locked” into the
stock. Make sure all surfaces are coated, including all exposed surfaces of Modeling Clay or tape.

Apply Release Agent to the taped and

plugged holes.
 f. Coat the threads and shank of the guard screws and the underside of the guard screw heads.

Apply Release Agent to screw

threads.

g. Inspect the Release Agent application carefully. Do not attempt to “build up” a thick coating of
Release Agent, but make sure that all areas are coated. Carefully set aside to await the bedding step.

Step 4. Mix the Bedrock™

Note: Do not alter the mixing ratio of Bedrock™ in an attempt to speed up or slow down its curing
properties. Deviations from the one -to-one ratio may result in the mixture failing to properly cure.

a. Allow 10 minutes for this step.

b. Determine the amount of Bedrock™ to be mixed, as indicated above for each area to be bedded.
c. For most applications within the context of these instructions, one “spoonful” of each component
will be sufficient to perform the step in question, however, for larger applications or when it is
determined that several areas may be bedded at one time, and additional spoonfuls of Resin and
Hardener will be required, we suggest that you write this number down on a piece of paper in order
to keep track of your mixing ratio.

d. Open the jar of Hardener, then fill and transfer the desired number of spoons of Hardener to a
mixing dish, making a mark on the piece of paper for each spoon filled and transferred.

Note: Use one of the applicator sticks to scrape the remaining Hardener out of the spoon and into
the dish each time.

e. When finished, wipe off the stick and the measuring spoon and save for future use. Replace the lid
on the jar of Hardener.

f. Open the jar of Resin and, using a the cleaned applicator stick and spoon, fill an equal number of
spoons with Resin and transfer to the Mixing Dish, making a mark on the piece of paper for each
spoon filled and transferred. Note: Use the applicator stick to scrape the remaining Hardener out of
the spoon and into the dish each time.

g. When finished, wipe off the measuring spoon with a paper towel, and save for future use. Wipe the
applicator stick clean. Replace the lid on the jar of Resin.

h. Using the same stick with which you just finished, stir the Resin and Hardener together for two
minutes, until thoroughly blended. The Bedrock™ is now ready to use. You have approximately 20
minutes before it begins to set up.
 i. If a thicker consistency is desired, add Microballoons (See step 5 below).

j. If you want to color the Bedrock™ either brown or black (See step 6 below).

k. If you do not wish to add either product, skip to Step 7.

Step 5. Add Microballoons (optional)

Microballoons are used to thicken up Bedrock™. For many glass-bedding applications, it is advantageous that
the viscosity of the Bedrock™ be thicker than the mixture of only Resin and Hardener. A thicker viscosity is
especially useful when bedding the receiver area, so Bedrock™ does not run into the magazine well or trigger
assembly recess. When repairing broken or split stocks, or using Bedrock™ as a “glue,” a thinner consistency is
preferred, so no Microballoons should be added. Adding Microballoons allows you to customize the
consistency. A consistency similar to warm peanut butter works well for the receiver area, and can be achieved
by mixing the Resin, Hardener, and Microballoons in a 1:1:1 ratio. The MAXIMUM amount of Microballoons
that can be added is equal to the mixed volume of the Resin and Hardener (1:1:2). For example, if you
combined one teaspoon each of Resin and Hardener, you can safely add two teaspoons of Microballoons.
Adding Microballoons up to this maximum will not compromise the strength of Bedrock™.

a. After mixing Bedrock™ Resin and Hardener, add Microballoons in the amount desired.

b. Stir the Microballoons thoroughly into the mix (approximately 30 seconds) and determine if the
consistency is appropriate. Continue to add Microballoons until the desired consistency is reached,
up to a 1:1:2 ratio of Resin, Hardener, and Microballoons.

Step 6. Add Dye (optional)

Now is the time to add the brown or black dyes, if desired. Adding Dye does not compromise either the
strength or function of Bedrock™. Bedding is generally not visible from outside the stock; some prefer their
bedding to be brown or black for the sake of neatness. Tear open one end of the plastic pack containing the
color dye you wish to add. Squeeze out a drop of the desired color into the mixed Bedrock™ and stir for one
minute or until the color is uniform throughout the mixture.

Note: For purposes of contrast and visual clarity in our accompanying photos, we have
added no stain to the Bedrock™.

Step 7. Apply Bedrock™ to the Stock

Allow 5 minutes to complete this step. Using a mixing stick, transfer the mixed Bedrock™ to the relieved areas
of the stock.

Transfer Bedrock™ carefully to the

relieved areas.
Remember, you are only replacing the stock material you removed. A small excess of material is not
undesirable, as the excess will be squeezed out between the stock and the metal components. An excessive
amount may make it difficult to seat the barreled action completely into the stock. This can result in the
barreled action “riding high” in the stock and causing proble ms with magazine box or trigger alignment. Again,
apply only an amount of Bedrock equal to or slightly greater than the amount of stock material that was
removed.

Step 8. Assemble the Barreled Action to the Stock

a. Allow 5 minutes to complete this step.

b. Secure the prepared stock secured in a padded vise. Position it so that vise pressure is applied to the
area of the stock forward of the magazine well, and so access to the guard screws is clear. Carefully
set the barreled action into the stock.

Carefully lower barreled action into

stock.

Press the barreled action fully into position, making sure the barreled action is seated fully rearward,
and the recoil lug is bearing against the corresponding portion of the stock.

c. Install the bottom metal and turn in the guard screws. When bedding the areas within the receiver,
do not tighten the screws fully, stopping about a half- turn short. The screws serve primarily to align
the barreled action within the stock, and you want to avoid stressing the stock to “conform” to the
barreled action. (If you are bedding the entire barrel channel and the lug and rear tang have already
been properly bedded, tighten the guard screws completely, so that the barrel is drawn fully into
position.)

d. An ideal method of assembling the stock to the barreled action, wit hout inducing stress, is to turn the
guard screws in sufficiently to align the components, and then wrap the stock and action area with
surgical tubing. Properly wrapped, the action cannot shift in the stock.

e. Carefully and thoroughly wipe off any Bedrock™ that has found its way onto the stock.

f. Set the rifle aside for the Bedrock™ to cure.

g. After 8 hours, back out the guard screws approximately one turn, and then back in one turn.

Step 9. Allow Bedrock™ 24 hours to Cure

Step 10. Separate the Barreled Action from the Stock

a. Allow 5 minutes to complete this step.

b. Carefully remove the guard screws and the bottom metal.

c. Because of the close fit Bedrock™ now provides, the barreled action may be difficult to remove.
Place rifle in a padded vise. Re move the barreled action from the stock by lifting straight up. You
can place an appropriate size wooden dowel, about 12 inches long, into the rear of the receiver, and
use it as a handle to lift the barreled action out of the stock while simultaneously lifting up on the
barrel.

Lift the barreled action straight up

and out of the stock.

What to do if you cannot separate the barreled action from the stock.
1. The barreled action and stock are now very closely fitted together and may resist
separation. Closely inspect the bedding, looking for any excess Bedrock™ that
may have flowed into the magazine well, or into any recess in the receiver that
could be locking the components together. If that is the case, you must carefully
trim or remove the excess to allow the separation.

2. If no mechanical lock is found, and lifting by the barrel and a dowel does not
separate the components, replace the bolt into the action and use a brass punch
through the magazine well bearing against the underside of the bolt to knock the
receiver loose from the stock. When a small amount of separation is achieved,
allow the barreled action to return to its position and lift again by the barrel and the
dowel.

3. If this small amount of force is not sufficient, place the rifle into a deep freeze, or
other sub- freezing environment, and leave for 24 hours. This is usually sufficient to
separate “stuck” components.

4. If these steps are not sufficient to separate the barreled action from the stock, we
recommend that you seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith.

Step 11. Inspection

a. Inspection time is variable. Expect to spend from 5 to 60 minutes.

 b. Inspect the bedded areas. Except for color and texture variations, Bedrock™ will blend in
dimensionally with the rest of the inletting.

Properly bedded action.

c. Small voids are generally of no consequence, however, if large pockets of air were trapped,
compromising the strength of the application, it will be necessary to mix up a small quantity of
Bedrock™ to fill these areas. Repeat the mixing, (1/4 teaspoon each of Resin and Hardener are
recommended), release agent, and application process.

d. It is extremely important not to add an excessive amount of Bedrock™ to any voids that you are
filling, because there is no place for the excess material to go. An excess of Bedrock™ will keep the
barreled action from seating completely. Always stop short of completely filling voids.

e. Carefully examine the trigger and magazine box areas for an excess of material that may cause
difficulty in assembly or function.

Step 12. Clean Up

a. Allow 5 to 10 minutes.

b. Wipe off the Release Agent remaining on the barreled action, using any gun cleaning solvent.

c. Remove any modeling clay or tape you used to keep the Bedrock™ from entering the receiver.

Step 13. Reassembly

a. Reattach trigger, safety, and other fire control and magazine components to the barreled action.

b. Reassemble the barreled action to the stock. Check for any excess Bedrock™ within the stock that
may interfere with functioning, especially the trigger or safety assembly. Use a chisel or other tools
to remove any excess.

c. Using action-proving dummies, or dummy cartridges, test feeding, extraction, ejection, and trigger
and safety functions.

Step 14. Test Fire

Appendix A: Dealing with Different Models of Bolt-Action Rifles

Remington® M700 ADL (and other rifles with blind magazines):

The Remington® M700 ADL and other brands of rifles with blind magazines (including the Savage® M10 and
M110 series, and some Winchester® M70’s) have a few features that must be considered separately. The front
guard screw passes through an escutcheon that is pressed semi-permanently into the stock.

Front guard screw escutcheon of

blind magazine rifles

Any reference to bedding the trigger- guard/bottom metal will not apply to this screw. In addition, a third
“guard screw” which serves to secure the front of the trigger guard to the receiver is present.

Center screw of ADL serves only to

hold the trigger guard in place

The portion of the stock through which this screw passes must be considered in the bedding planning, but only
after the recoil lug and rear tang areas are bedded. Just as with the BDL models, the recoil lug area and the rear
tang are the primary bedding points, but if there is not firm contact support between the bottom of the receiver
and the stock in the area of the third screw, then tightening of the screw can cause springing of the receiver. If
there is not firm contact, then the solution is to relieve that area of the stock, and replace with Bedrock™ to
assure complete support, in the same manner as the rear tang. When you assemble the rifle for glass-bedding,
do not over tighten this screw – secure the trigger guard to the stock, but do not tighten the screw as much as
you tightened the front and rear screws.
Mauser Rifles:
Mauser rifles, whether the small ring series, such as the M93 and M96, or the large ring M98, offer significant
challenges to glass-bedding. The sides and bottom of the receiver are flat, and the front guard screw threads
directly into the bottom of the recoil lug.

Mauser receiver inletting is flat on

bottom and sides

Care must be taken to avoid filling the guard screw hole with bedding compound.

Mauser front guard screw threads

into bottom of recoil lug

The rear tang is very narrow and offers little area for bedding support.

Narrow tang of Mauser rifles

The military barrel is stepped, and if not replaced, it is somewhat difficult to enlarge the barrel channel for full-
length bedding.

Military Mauser barrels are stepped,

and not tapered

Most military stocks feature a steel cross-bolt supporting the recoil lug.

Military Mauser stock cannot be

bedded conventionally in recoil lug
area

Glass-bedding the cross-bolt in a military rifle stock requires that stock material be removed both behind and
underneath it, so that it is supported on two sides by the bedding compound. A custom, or aftermarket, stock
will usually not feature a crossbolt, so all reference to bedding this area made in the main instructions will
apply. The original Mauser stocks also utilize a steel, supporting sleeve surrounding the rear guard screw. This
sleeve literally connects the bottom of the rear tang with the rear of the trigger guard. Properly installed in
either the original or aftermarket stock, it precludes the need for any glass-bedding support. The sleeve can be
salvaged from the original military stock for use in an aftermarket stock by driving it out with a properly sized
punch. New sleeves can be fabricated from 3/8” (.375”) OD, 9/32” (.281”) ID seamless tubing. Nominal
length is 1-1/4” (1.25”). When properly fitted, there should be approximately .010” clearance between the walls
of the magazine box and the bottom of the receiver.
Besides this sleeve, which sets the spacing at the rear of the receiver, the Mauser trigger- guard/bottom- metal
utilizes a “column” of steel surrounding the front screw that makes hard contact with the underside of the recoil
lug.

Military Mausers have metal to metal

contact from trigger guard to
receiver

Any bedding done involving the recoil lug must allow for, and not interfere with, this contact. The magazine
box is integral with the trigger- guard/bottom- metal. The box features a lip at its upper rear, which fits into a
recess at the corresponding point on the underside of the receiver.

Magazine box lip fits into recess on

underside of receiver

Ruger ®M77 and M77MKII:

Ruger bolt-action rifle receivers are flat on the sides and bottom.

Ruger® M77 receiver inletting is flat

on bottom and sides
The front guard screw on the M77 models is sharply angled.

Ruger® M77 has distinctive angled

front guard screw

The reasoning for the design is that tightening the screw draws the barreled action both down and rearward,
making for a very secure connection to the stock. The screw threads into the rear bottom edge of the recoil lug,
and the boss surrounding the hole occupies a lot of area.

Front guard screw threads into rear

of recoil lug

Any relief of material from the corresponding area of the stock must be done very carefully, and as was
mentioned in the main text, a portion of the original contact point must be left intact as a reference point. If the
lug is left unsupported from the rear, tightening the screw will cause the barreled action to shift significantly
rearward, out of alignment. The original M77 featured the safety mounted on the extended rear tang. Any
addition of glass-bedding in this area must not be allowed to interfere with the safety linkage. Traditionally, the
barrel channels of Ruger rifles are inletted in such a way as to exert a great deal of upward pressure on the
barrel. Free-floating the barrel usually involves the removal of a significant amount of stock material.
Winchester® M70:
The M70 receiver is flat-bottomed, and offers only a slight radius on the sides, which does not allow for
bedding support along the sides of the inletting.

Winchester® M70 receiver inletting

is flat on the bottom and only slightly
rounded on the sides

The front guard screw threads into a flat area between the recoil lug and the magazine box which should make
bedding the lug a straightforward operation. However, the current US Repeating Arms® rifles feature a
“factory synthetic” bedding contact area in the recoil lug recess. Besides the bedding behind the lug, a variable
quantity of the compound will be apparent on top of the flat between the lug and the magazine box. This
indicates that this area of the stock inletting does not make firm contact with the corresponding area of the
receiver. The vertical position of the barreled action is determined by contact between the barrel and the barrel
channel. The appropriate approach is to remove the factory bedding compound (it is soft and easily removed),
and replace it with Bedrock™. A “dam” of modeling clay or layers of plastic electrician’s tape can be created
to keep the Bedrock™ from migrating to the magazine box.

Dam in place to stop Bedrock™

migration
The original barrel channel inletting must be maintained during this step to assure proper vertical positioning.
Once the recoil lug and the rear tang are bedded, then the barrel channel can be bedded, if desired.
The rear tang is thick and wide and features a “lug” where the rear screw threads in. On post-WWII M70
rifles, the rear of the receiver features a flared “shroud” above and behind the rear lug. The underside of this
flare covers a portion of the stock behind the inletting proper.

Underside of receiver should not

contact stock at this point

The current factory inletting process uses the contact between the underside of this flared portion and the top of
the stock to determine the vertical position of the receiver. In most cases the lug (or rail) on the underside of the
receiver, where the rear guard screw attaches, actually floats above the inletting. To fill this area between the
lug and the stock inletting with bedding compound is difficult because there is little room between it and the
trigger assembly.

Rear guard screw is very close to

trigger assembly

However, if the trigger assembly is removed and a modeling clay dam is formed to fill the slot in the stock, then
the space between the rear receiver lug and its corresponding relief in the stock can be bedded, allowing for
increased support at the rear of the receiver. This is the preferred method. No additional relief of the stock is
necessary at that point, but be sure to remove any factory finish to ensure good adhesion. Be sure to use clay or
tape to plug or cover the holes and recesses left after the trigger assembly is removed.
An alternative approach to improve the support is to just relieve the stock in the area covered by the flared
shroud and fill it with Bedrock™. This is best done at the same time the area behind the lug is relieved and
bedded.

The standard M70 hinged floorplate is a two-piece affair with a “third” guard screw serving to hold the front of
the trigger guard. As with the ADL version of the Remington® M700, firm contact between the stock and the
corresponding point on the bottom of the receiver where the screw threads in, must be maintained. Again, this
is accomplished after the recoil lug and rear tang areas are first bedded. The Winchester® stock inletting at that
point features a slot about .400” wide, so the relief must be done on each side of the slot to a depth of
approximately 1/8” (.125”).

Savage® M10 and M110 series:

The receivers of these actions are essentially tubular, like the Remington® M700, and also utilize the same sort
of recoil lug, which is sandwiched between the front of the receiver and the barrel. A major difference is the
location of the rear guard screw, which is actually the front trigger guard screw, and it threads into the receiver
between the rear of the magazine box and the trigger assembly.

Rear guard screw of the Savage®

M110 is the front trigger guard screw
The rear trigger guard screw is actually a wood screw that serves to secure the trigger guard to the stock.
Bedding the rear of the trigger guard generally serves no purpose other than to correct a problem with the
position of its depth.

Rear trigger guard screw serves only

to hold the trigger guard to the stock

The two primary stock screws are relatively close together, which allows for a stiff and sturdy bedding
application. At the point in the stock where the rear screw threads into the receiver, there is only minimal
surface contacting the receiver.

Bedding is added forward

of the rear screw

This requires that the relief be made fo rward of the screw. The Savage® magazine box is “staked” or
“crimped” in place and is not readily removable. The rear tang of the Savage® receiver extends rearward and
includes the safety button. The factory stock is designed to provide clearance between it and the rear of the
tang. The tang “floats” slightly above the stock, and this clearance should not be eliminated.
The Savage is designed with a barrel nut that secures the barrel to the receiver.

Slots in barrel nut must be filled if

chamber area of barrel is bedded

It is manufactured with a series of slots around its periphery, which are points of purchase for the wrench used
in manufacture. If the chamber area of the Savage is to be glass-bedded, these slots must be packed with a filler,
such as modeling clay, to preclude the bedding compound from entering these slots and mechanically locking
the barreled action and the stock together.

Appendix B: Glossary of Terms.

1. Action – The Action is normally considered to be the heart of a firearm. With the addition of a Stock
Assembly and a Barrel Assembly, the Action becomes a complete firearm. The Action consists of the
Receiver, the Bolt Assembly, the Trigger Assembly, the Trigger Guard Assembly and the Magazine
Assembly. A Recoil Lug is necessary and may be integral or non- integral. (Not on .22 caliber rifles)

2. Action Proving Dummies – Inert ammunition manufactured to standard specifications of

dimension and weight. Used to function test feeding, extraction, and ejection.

3. Barrel – That portion of a firearm that contains the cartridge, or powder and projectile, during firing.
In the case of a rifle barrel, it also imparts a stabilizing spin to the projectile.

4. Barrel Assembly – The Barrel and any parts that are normally attached to it, such as sights.

5. Barrel Channel Tool – Handheld device with circular scrapers in varying diameters, used to enlarge
the barrel channel in a rifle stock.

6. Barrel Recoil Lug – A protrusion from the bottom of the barrel that fits into a slot in the stock and
helps prevent the Action from moving backward under recoil. Normally, Barrel Recoil Lugs are used in
addition to the regular Recoil Lug on heavy Magnum rifles. See also Recoil Lug.

7. Bedding – The fit between the contact points of the barreled action and the stock.

8. Bedding Points – Those critical areas of the Barreled Action that are in contact with the stock.

9. Blind Magazine – A Magazine Assembly that is not accessible from the bottom, and cartridges can
only be loaded and removed from the top. This is both a cost savings and lightening feature.
10. Bottom Metal – A word used by some in place of Trigger Guard Assembly. Bottom metal may also
include provision for a detachable magazine, or a hinged or detachable floor-plate

11. Chamber – The rear most portion of the Barrel, which contains the cartridge.

12. Detachable Box Magazine – A Magazine Assembly that can be readily removed from the firearm.

13. Floor Plate – A plate on the bottom of the Trigger Guard Assembly that allows for the cartridges in
the Magazine to be removed from the bottom. This plate may be detachable or hinged. See also Blind
Magazine and Hinged Floor Plate

14. Front Receiver Ring – That portion of the receiver in front of the Magazine area that contains the
rearmost portion of the barrel. It may also include the Recoil Lug.

15. Hinged Floor Plate – A “hinged” pla te on the bottom of the Magazine that allows for the cartridges
in the Magazine to be removed from the bottom.

16. Inletting Black – Colored transfer agent applied to metal components of firearms to indicate contact
points with the stock.

17. Microballoons – also known as fume silica; added to Bedrock ™ to thicken its consistency.

18. Magazine, a.k.a. Magazine Box -- A fabricated box traditionally situated just below the center of
the Action that holds extra cartridges that can be fed into the Chamber on repeating type firearms.

19. Pillars – Metal spacers about 3/8” in diameter around the Trigger Guard Screws that provide for a
stable distance between the Trigger Guard Assembly and the Receiver. In use, the Pillars protrude beyond
the surface of the stock so that the Action and Trigger Guard Assembly are seated on the pillars.

20. Pillar Bedded -- A gun, Action or stock is said to be Pillar Bedded when Pillars are used to bed the
Action in the stock.

21. Rear Receiver Ring -- That portion of the receiver that completely encircles the bolt, just behind the
Magazine area.

22. Rear Tang – A protrusion on the rear of the action beyond the Rear Receiver Ring. This protrusion
normally contains the rear Trigger Guard Screw on bolt-action center- fire rifles.

23. Receiver, a.k.a. Stripped Action – A housing that contains the Bolt and has provisions for
attaching the Barrel Assembly, the Trigger Assembly, the Magazine Assembly, the Trigger Guard
Assembly, and possibly a Bolt Release Assembly. The Receiver normally has Bolt Locking Lug Re cesses
that allow the Bolt Locking Lugs to “lock” into position when the gun is ready to fire. There is normally a
Cocking Piece Raceway in the rear most portion of the receiver that allows the Cocking Piece to move fore
and aft, and prevents it from turning when the bolt is lifted so that the gun is “recocked”

24. Recoil Lug – An integral or non- integral protrusion downward from the Front Receiver Ring that fits
into a slot in the stock and prevents the rearward movement of the Action during firing. See also Barrel
Recoil Lug.
25. Safety – A devise designed to help prevent accidental discharge of the firearm. The Safety might be
attached to the Bolt Shroud (Mauser), the Receiver (Ruger 77 MKII), wherein it secures the Cocking Piece;
or it may be part of the Trigger Assembly (Remington 700), wherein it secures the trigger.

26. Stock -- In the simplest terms, the Stock is the handle that allows the shooter to hold onto the barrel and
action while using the firearm.

27. Trigger Assembly –A series of levers and fulcrums designed to allow the user to conveniently
release the Firing Pin.

28. Trigger Guard Assembly – In its simplest form, the Trigger Guard Assembly consists of a
protective bow, covering the exposed portion of the trigger, and two attaching screws. More complicated
Trigger Guard Assemblies might include a Hinged Floor Plate, to provide access to the cartridges in the
Magazine Box Assembly, or a frame to accommodate a Detachable Box Magazine

29. Trigger Guard Screws, a.k.a. Guard Screws – Those screws used to attach the Trigger Guard
Assembly to the stock or the Action.