Bedding on my 303

[20series]

All

I have a 1950 Fazakerley No4 mk1/2 .303 and I'm not happy with the bedding on it, the barrel flaps about like the gear stick on an 30 year old transit van

Now I will admit that I've had a play with the bedding screw and pillar spacer but I'm not sure if I've made it worse :cool2:

Can anyone point me at someone who I might be able to go and have a chat with and hopefully get them to wave a magic wand over my rifle.

for any help
Alan

[tackb]

All

I have a 1950 Fazakerley No4 mk1/2 .303 and I'm not happy with the bedding on it, the barrel flaps about like the gear stick on an 30 year old transit van

Now I will admit that I've had a play with the bedding screw and pillar spacer but I'm not sure if I've made it worse :cool2:

Can anyone point me at someone who I might be able to go and have a chat with and hopefully get them to wave a magic wand over my rifle.

for any help
Alan

the barrel is supposed to 'float about' at the muzzle end , how does it shoot?

[20series]

my understanding is there should only be a bit of up/down movement under approx 4ls of pressure, well mine seems to flap about a lot in all directions

It wont hold much of a group, certainly not compared to some 303's i've seen at our range

[RWSENG]

The barrel should not "float about" at the muzzle on a No4, it should bear in the centre of the muzzle bearing block at the front of the forend with an even pressure. There are many areas within the forend wood which govern the bearing at this point and without being able to look at where yours is touching it is difficult to advise without the danger of making matters worse. It would be worth dropping it out of the wood to check that the forward bedding block is still in place and that no one has tried to glass bed it in the past.... If it is stringing the shots vertically that would suggest a bedding/bearing issue.

[20series]

The barrel should not "float about" at the muzzle on a No4, it should bear in the centre of the muzzle bearing block at the front of the forend with an even pressure. There are many areas within the forend wood which govern the bearing at this point and without being able to look at where yours is touching it is difficult to advise without the danger of making matters worse. It would be worth dropping it out of the wood to check that the forward bedding block is still in place and that no one has tried to glass bed it in the past.... If it is stringing the shots vertically that would suggest a bedding/bearing issue.

Many thanks, I'll take it apart when I get home :cheers:

Alan

[saddler]

Many thanks, I'll take it apart when I get home :cheers:

Alan

Probably the best idea - as taking apart before you get home may result in your being kicked off the short bus & having to walk home from the day-center

[Gaz]

Worth checking if it's been centre-bedded as well, which would cause the barrel to float at the muzzle end. If it has you'll find a raised block of wood (or epoxy) halfway down the forend when you take it apart.

[meles meles]

If it does need tweaking, I'd happily recommend either Paul at Thames Valley Guns ( http://www.thamesvalleyguns.co.uk ) or Richard Stork (http://www.thedevizesgunsmith.co.uk)

Both provide excellent service and really know how to get the best from classic rifles.

[20series]

well having taken it apart I think I have discovered the issue is the bedding screw threads are chewed up and it doesnt tighten up properly.

My mate has a spare which he's going to drop off, I'll report back when I have it fitted

Many thanks for all the input (even Saddler :55: )

Alan

[Sim G]

Many thanks for all the input (even Saddler :55: )

He gets that a lot........!
bigteeth