6mm arc build Howa Mini or buy complete

[hereinaz]

View attachment 823958View attachment 823964
My process:
• Remove barreled action
• Remove bolt, trigger assembly, and bolt stop from action.
• Tape off EVERYTHING on the stock that could get epoxy ooze on it.
• Spray action and screws with 3 coats of One-Shot, drying in between for a minute
• Place epoxy as illustrated
• I put none around either hole for the action screws, & none in the voids where the green asterisks are.
• Gently slid front action screw into hole from bottom while lowering action from the top
Favoring action as far forward as possible, while dropping onto waiting screw just starting threads
• Before tightening at all, inserted rear action screw and start threads
• Alternated tightened screws until quite snug.
Then backed off until just barely tensioned, while pressing firmly rearward on the action at all times
• Re-torqued firmly and released a couple times as in previous step to help “move epoxy”
Leaving screws lightly firmed but not much torque
• Leave for about 12 hours
• Remove screws, firm ( not crazy ) hand whack on bottom of barrel in front of stock
• Gentle back and forth wiggling to get it apart, it was / is a nice firm snug fit.
• Remove tape and excess epoxy (I waited another 12 is hours to clean stock of epoxy to allow it to harden further without disturbance

Not telling anyone what to do.
Not any kind of expert, this was my first attempt.
I did two stocks at the same time. Both came out the same.
Looks ok to me, but happy to have constructive suggestions on what looks out of whack, and needs to be re-addressed, or a better way to simpler / superior results.

Great process.

My variation is to cut the heads off of extra long bolts and put wraps of blue tape around them to keep them more centered in the stock holes. That keeps the threads clean and has other benefits as seen later.

I can put bedding material so it squeezes everywhere with no voids.

After dropping the action down in the bedding, guiding the screws, I then use a wide tape with stretch like electrical tape. I wrap the action/stock with some firm pressure into the bedding.

The long action screws with tape keeps the action centered. And helps avoid any possible “tilt.”

When it is cured, I can hit/sharp crack/tap the action screws with a hammer, alternating screws to break it out. Using extra long ones means they stick out an inch or more so I am clear of the stock. Don’t get crazy with the hammer, but as long as you have full thread engagement you shouldn’t damage the action.

Makes removal a little easier.

 

[The Guide]

I have been using vertical grip exclusively and long enough that a hunter stock now feels unnatural. I think it’s a personal thing influenced by many factors.

It isn't all VG type stocks for me, just the Stockys that I have. Might just be my big hands but something to consider.

Jay

 

[hereinaz]

It isn't all VG type stocks for me, just the Stockys that I have. Might just be my big hands but something to consider.

Jay

Yeah, could be. It only take a little change to make things feel wonky.

 

[General RE LEE]

I bought a new “bottom plastic” on eBay off a guy that took it off his Mini. I put it on and my rifle proceeded to shoot lights out yesterday.

Could be it was just a good day at the range or it could be my original bottom plastic was wonky. I did some relieve sanding on the original for a Timney that didn’t work out so figured I’ll buy a new bottom plastic for cheap.

Now I’m having second thoughts bedding and just leaving it as is.

 

[hereinaz]

I bought a new “bottom plastic” on eBay off a guy that took it off his Mini. I put it on and my rifle proceeded to shoot lights out yesterday.

Could be it was just a good day at the range or it could be my original bottom plastic was wonky. I did some relieve sanding on the original for a Timney that didn’t work out so figured I’ll buy a new bottom plastic for cheap.

Now I’m having second thoughts bedding and just leaving it as is.

I had that happen working in a bunch of my buddy’s new Howas when taking them in and out of stocks as we were upgrading and moving. I found out I was adding torque to the action by tightening the front screw in the recoil lug too much first, like I did to seat the lug in REM 700,Savage style.

In the Howa, I think that tilted the action up, then tightening the rear added stress. I actually saw one action tilt, and that’s when I got the idea it could be a problem.

That particular 6.5 creed went from shooting 1 moa to shooting like crap and back 1 moa.

 

[Lentuk]

Nice, did you do just the recoil lug?

Yes, I guess I have not full bedded a rifle since the last wood stock rifle I bought many years ago.

 

[General RE LEE]

Yes, I guess I have not full bedded a rifle since the last wood stock rifle I bought many years ago.

That’ll work. Some do the tang as well but I’ve done just the lug before.