Scope Rail Bedding Material Options

[Brillo]

I don’t really want to extend this already long post, but what is tge advantage of bedding a scope rail? Surely if it fits, it fits.

[Popsbengo]

21 minutes ago, Brillo said:

I don’t really want to extend this already long post, but what is tge advantage of bedding a scope rail? Surely if it fits, it fits.

If it fits without distortion I would think there's no advantage. 

[gruntus]

In my case its an old Parker Hale 1200 (Mauser action) with an aluminum rail. When fitting the rail you can easily run paper underneath the lugs.

Not having a machined face to face finish to start isn't ideal. This could potentially affect (distort) the rail when pulling down to the correct torque if there are only a few contact points, additionally having a large heavy scope interacting under recoil stresses on top of this doesn't feel right either given the size of the screws used and minimal contact area.

Fitting with a bedding material provides a large contact area perfectly matched to the profile of the rail and the action hence spreading the load evenly across a larger surface area when the screws are torqued down. Ultimately this should prevent/reduce any unwanted movement or undue stresses on single points of contact. 

Will I notice a difference? Who knows?  Will I feel better knowing its "right"? Absolutely! 😊

Also meant to mention that the Kiwi clear polish worked a treat and Edi's advice on using WD40 on a cotton bud for wiping off the excess worked a treat!

All the best

G 😊

 

[Blue Haze]

On 5/17/2019 at 9:01 AM, gruntus said:

Thanks Edi, Looks like two coats of clear kiwi it is then!!! 👍

Just to confirm, 1 X  application of clear kiwi, a buff off and then a second application without polishing the second layer?

I know I'm making this harder than it probably need to be, I just don't want to c**k it up or permanently fix it to the action! 😉 😁

ATB

G

No, 1 coat and leave to dry. 2nd coat over the top allow to dry - then apply your bedding. 

[ejg223]

You can very lightly buff off the second layer. Don't over do it. I sometimes just leave the second layer as is. Of course no lumps of wax.

Sometimes to ease the mind one can do a test on some scrap pieces of metal.

edi