Hi All,

I have aRuger Mark II in 300 WM. It has three action screws. The center screw when tighted (not excessively)will make is such that the magazine plate won't shut. So I believe that the screw isstressing the action. Does this mean that I need fill that void by bedding it?

I've been having problems with groups moving on it. It is the model with the stainless barrel and laminate stock.

Let me know what you guys think on this one.

Tom

With the info given it sounds like theres movement. i would like to know if it holds a zero, or do shots wonder. If anything, dont think you could go wrong by having a smith look at it

Holds zero and then the shot wanders to another zero. It won't cool down either. So I can only replicate this pattern on different days.

Tom

re stocking it could be an option as opposed ta bedding

early

Well, you answered the question yourself. Any action should sit in a stock uniformly. Any kinda pull or tug, its not bedded correctly. Clearly, there is torquing in this case. Go to brownells and get you an accraglass bedding kit or have a smith do it. When you tighten down the action screws, don't do it very hard. You want the glass to fill the void causing the torque, not push it out. Even better, if you like this rifle, is install pillars.

77's are kind of goofy when it comes to bedding. Great rifles but that forward screw being at an angle can cause problems.
When I bed a 77 I stress the forward and middle screw, and tighten the rear screw just enough to hold the trigger guard in place. This especially helps on the old 77's with tang safeties.

I'm going to have it bedded by a smith. I was told not to attempt this for the first time on a ruger. I think the smith is only charging $60 anyway.

Should I have the first 1-2" of the barrel channel bedded?

Tom

If you want the barrel floated, and I always suggest it, yes. Get the first inch or two of the barrel bedded. But stop the bedding before the taper starts.

I have read that the order of tightening the screws is important. You should tighten up the front one, tighten up the rear one, and then just tighten the center one enough so it doesnt fall out

I think he needs it bedded at the least, maybe a new stock if theres that much movement. just a thought