Action bedding and free-floating rifle barrels

The action is the part of the rifle that attaches the barrel to the stock and, if properly mounted or bedded, will minimise barrel movement during the recoil of firing.

Bedding the action and free floating the barrel so that it does not come into contact with the forend, allows the barrel to harmonically vibrate freely and consistently upon firing.

The action screws that hold the action to the stock must also be torqued to the correct weight. If either screw is too loose or too tight, it can cause incorrect tension that can be detrimental to accuracy.

Bedding and floating should be done by a professional gunsmith or gun stock maker. A qualified gunsmith will be able to recommend what work should be carried out on your rifle to gain the best accuracy. Remember some rifles cannot be bedded and/or free floated.