How To Pillar Bed A Rifle

Published on September 13, 2017
Duration: 38:30

This comprehensive guide details the process of pillar bedding a rifle stock, specifically a CZ 455 with an integrated suppressor. Ray, a professional gunsmith from Moss Pawn and Gun, demonstrates the use of the Brownells Master Bedding Kit and Steel-Bed epoxy. The technique involves machining custom pillars, preparing the stock and action, precise epoxy application, and careful curing and finishing for improved rifle stability and accuracy, especially in wooden stocks sensitive to humidity.

Quick Summary

Pillar bedding enhances rifle accuracy, especially with wooden stocks, by using rigid pillars for consistent action-to-stock contact. The process involves machining pillars, preparing the stock and action, applying release agent, mixing and applying Steel-Bed epoxy, and allowing a 24-48 hour cure time. Proper technique prevents wood compression and humidity-related accuracy shifts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Glass Bedding
  2. 00:27Brownells Master Bedding Kit Components
  3. 01:16Cleaning and Preparation Tools
  4. 02:13Steel-Bed and Specialized Components
  5. 04:05Project Overview: CZ 455 Pillar Bedding
  6. 04:51Machining the Stock for Pillars
  7. 08:13Action Preparation and Damming
  8. 12:53Mixing and Applying Steel-Bed
  9. 17:24Setting the Action and Cleanup
  10. 19:21Final Fitting and Finishing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pillar bedding and why is it important for wooden rifle stocks?

Pillar bedding involves inserting rigid pillars into the stock that action screws pass through. This is crucial for wooden stocks because they can compress and be affected by humidity, leading to accuracy issues. Pillars provide a solid, consistent interface, enhancing stability and accuracy.

What are the key components of the Brownells Master Bedding Kit shown in the video?

The Brownells Master Bedding Kit includes essential items like mixing cups, masking tape, mixing sticks, brushes for release agent, Plastalina for filling gaps, and various epoxy formulations such as Acra-Quick (5-minute set) and Acra-20 (20-minute set).

How do you prevent bedding epoxy from sticking to the rifle action?

A critical step is applying a liquid or aerosol release agent to all metal surfaces of the rifle action before introducing the bedding epoxy. This ensures the epoxy does not bond permanently, allowing for easy separation after curing.

What is Steel-Bed epoxy and when should it be used?

Steel-Bed is a robust, stainless steel-filled epoxy designed for heavy-duty bedding applications. It's ideal when a very strong, durable, and thick bedding material is required, offering excellent mechanical locking and resistance to compression.

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