Bedding Military stocks

[JeffC]

What level of improvement can I expect from bedding a surplus rifle? Can the barrel be floated on a rifle with upper handguards? Is it practical?

I have a 91/30 that needs some help. I can tell from tightening the screws down that the action is being put in a bind, would just inletting the stock help?

 

[stans]

Fastest way to improve groups with a military Mauser is to remove the handguard. At least that has been my experience, your mileage may vary.

 

[M2HMGHB]

My M39 nagant came with a floated barrel, you can see where wood was scraped away. It also shoots well. For the M91/30 first I'd say slug the bore and see if it's counterbored, an oversize bore or the rifle being counterbored can affect accuracy.

 

[JeffC]

stans, I definitely want to keep the handguards on, I'd rather look for other internal fixes and keep the G.I. appearance.

M2HMGHB, I've heard the Finn Nagants are much more accurate than the Russian ones. I'm curious about your barrel being floated, is the upper handguard also clearanced?

I like the thicker stocks of the m39 too, they look very nice.

I think I'll try checking the clearances (inletting and floating) first and go back to the range before I try to bed the stock.

One final question, is it a good or bad idea to coat the inside of the stock with linseed oil after floating?