Instructions for Mauser Bedding

Mauser bedding is a challenging process.

The process of rifle bedding relates to the procedure of filling the gaps between the action and the stock of a rifle, creating a precise fit for the contact surfaces. Epoxy-based materials perform the bedding, but when it comes to Mauser bedding there are numerous other factors to look after. The procedure itself is challenging and has to be conducted precisely and according to the manufacturer's strict specifications.

Things You'll Need

• Very thin gasket paper
• Aluminum sheet
• Linseed oil
• Small drill tool with coarse sander band
• Metal-filled epoxy
• Popsicle stick
• Cotton swabs
• Kerosene

Instructions

1. Add a piece of a thin gasket paper in the barrel channel just behind the bayonet lug. The barrel needs to have contact with the resilient material to dampen the vibrations.

2. Apply alternate pressure upon the recoil lug by placing a thumb at the tang and the front of the barrel, in order to create "rocking effect" of the barreled action. If the action produces seesawing, the end of the tang needs to be shimmed to remove this effect. This is achieved with aluminum sheet or roof flashing, available in various thickness.

3. Shim the front of the trigger guard if there is a contact between a magazine box and the receiver. If the contact exists, the receiver is not being clamped tightly into the stock, and there should be clearance of 1/64 inch. Create the clearance by shimming the front of the trigger guard.

4. Put the linseed oil on the threads of the guard screws and the lock screws. The oil will coagulate enough to keep them from loosening, but you will still be able to remove those without much effort.

5. Use a small drill tool such as a Dremel with a coarse sander band to remove the material from the inside of the upper band where it makes contact with the barrel. "No movement" signals that the barrel is squeezed between the stock and the upper band.

6. Hold the barreled action ahead of the stock and hang it in a vise. Using a Popsicle stick, put a thin coat of metal-filled, heavy-duty structural epoxy such as Marine-Tex all over the action and the barrel. Turn the action upright in the vise and add the epoxy into the barrel channel.

7. Place the guard screws into the stock and pull up the stock to the barreled action. Clench one of the guard screws. This will let the excess of epoxy to flow out. After five minutes, reverse the step.

Tips & Warnings

• The forward part of the stock channel must bear lightly upward in relation to barrel.

• The recoil lug must fit the stock tightly and must bear firmly against the recoil cross bolt on the stock.

• The bayonet lug should clear the barrel by exactly 0.2 mm.

References

• Mausershooters: K98k Shooting Clinic "Part II"