With all the talk of bedding Omegas with composite stocks, I now have an interest in doing the same with the Apex. I was think about doing that in a two step process which I will describe. If any spot a potential problem, please remark so that mistakes can be avoided.

Step 1

This step involves floating the barrel. I notice the apex barrel beds against the stock and the barrel does not float freely. So first I thought would shim the barrel. I was thinking I would use masking tape as a shim and was thinking I would use two layers (20 mils). Basically would attach the shims longitudinally on the barrel so that the shims contact the stock yielding space between barrel and stock for a free float. Then using the bedding compound and appropriate release agent, I would bed both of the two recoil lugs to the stockapplying equal torque to both screw. Then lift the barrel when bed is set and remove the tape shims from the barrel.

When this step is done, I will have a freely floating barrel whose POIwon't be so dependent on lug screw tension.

Step 2:

I probably don't need this step, so what ever comments one may have about the pros and cons of doing it are welcome and appreciated. For this step I thought I wouldbed the barrel and stock from the muzzle recoil lug to just behind the breech side recoil lug. I have two reasons for wanting to do this.First, I thought it would just provide a better platform for the barrel, letting the stock bed carry some support of the barrel for the high recoil loads I intend to shoot in it. Second, I would like to add a little more weight to the rifle for reducing the recoil of the large (up to 435 grains) saboted conical loads I plan to shoot in it.

This step just involves bedding the barrel to the free float condition. So thatits like a free floating barrel that'sbedded all at the same time.

I've been taking notes. I notice Roskoe likes the slow set jbweld for bed compound so I thought I would get it. Also I've used WD-40 for arelease agent on projects which were not gunsmithing related. Is it an appropriate release agent or should I get something else? I certainly want to do this right so any and all help is appreciated.