Complete professional guide to Remington 700 action bedding techniques, materials, and procedures. Expert gunsmith methods for precision stock work and accuracy enhancement.
Action bedding represents one of the most critical accuracy-enhancing modifications for the Remington 700 platform. Proper bedding creates consistent action-to-stock contact, eliminates stress points, and provides a stable foundation for precision shooting. This comprehensive guide covers professional bedding techniques used by verified gunsmiths for optimal results.
The Remington 700's receiver design, while robust, relies heavily on proper stock interface for accuracy potential. Factory bedding often exhibits inconsistent contact points, particularly in the tang area and forward receiver ring. Professional bedding addresses these deficiencies through controlled material application and precise fitting procedures.
Bedding Material Selection
Material choice significantly impacts bedding durability and performance characteristics. Professional-grade compounds offer superior adhesion, thermal stability, and machinability compared to consumer alternatives.
Marine-Tex remains the industry standard for action bedding applications. Its 24-hour cure cycle allows extended working time while achieving exceptional bond strength. The material's thermal expansion coefficient closely matches steel, preventing stress concentration during temperature variations.
Devcon 10110 Aluminum Putty provides excellent machinability and dimensional stability. Its aluminum content offers thermal conductivity benefits while maintaining structural integrity under recoil stress. The 45-minute pot life requires efficient application techniques but delivers superior surface finish.
Steel-Bed represents the premium option for competition applications. Its steel powder content provides exceptional durability and the highest compressive strength of any bedding compound. The 30-minute working time demands rapid, efficient application but produces a surface that machines cleanly for pillar fitting and inletting adjustments.
Pillar Bedding Fundamentals
Pillar bedding installs aluminum or steel pillars in the stock's action screw holes, creating solid metal columns that prevent stock compression under torque. Without pillars, wood and synthetic stocks compress when guard screws are tightened, causing the action to shift as the stock expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes.
Drill the existing action screw holes to the pillar OD using a pillar drilling fixture that keeps the bore perpendicular to the bedding surface. Most pillars measure 0.410"-0.430" OD. Epoxy the pillars in place after verifying the action screws pass freely and the pillar tops are level with the stock's bedding surface. Allow full cure before fitting the action.
Bedding Procedure
Prepare the stock by removing material from the action inlet to create clearance for bedding compound—typically 0.050"-0.080" around the sides and rear of the action. This clearance allows the compound to flow and create full contact with the action's bottom metal. Use a Dremel or chisels for wood stocks; a die grinder with carbide burr for synthetic stocks.
Mix bedding compound per manufacturer instructions and apply to the stock inlet. Lower the action into the stock carefully, starting from the front guard screw and working rearward. Tighten guard screws to approximately 40 in-lbs—enough to seat the action but not so tight as to cause distortion. Tape over any gaps to prevent compound migration onto the barrel channel.
Allow full cure per the compound's specifications—typically 24 hours for Marine-Tex, 4–6 hours for Devcon 10110. Remove the action immediately after cure before the bond strengthens further. Light tapping with a non-marring mallet assists removal. If the action resists, do not force it—apply a thin stream of acetone around the perimeter and wait 15 minutes.
| Compound | Pot Life | Full Cure | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine-Tex | 45 min | 24 hr | General gunsmith bedding |
| Devcon 10110 | 45 min | 12 hr | Precision bedding, machinable |
| Steel-Bed | 30 min | 4–6 hr | Competition, premium work |
| Acraglas | 25 min | 12–24 hr | Traditional gunsmithing work |
Post-Bedding Inspection and Finishing
After removing the action, inspect the cured bedding surface for voids, bubbles, or incomplete contact. Voids appear as shiny depressions and must be filled with additional compound. The completed bedding should show uniform color and contact across the full action footprint. Use layout fluid on the action bottom to verify contact pattern—compound should transfer evenly across the recoil lug, front ring, and tang areas.