Re: bedding the M1A
The M1903 and the A3 were designed so the tip of the stock barrel channel (there is a raised area) exerted upward force on the bottom of the barrel. This was accomplished by adjusting the depth of the stock mortise for the receiver recoil lug. When you grasp the stock/barrel and push up on the bottom of the barrel with the thumb and let go the barrel will spring back down.
I believe the TM called for 5-7 lbf barrel bedding force but the guys who built "poor man's match rifles" went for 15 lbf. When they shot issued rifles and drew one with no barrel bedding pressure SOP was to insert a piece of matchbook cover or other card stock between the barrel and stock barrel channel at the tip.
They also opened up the front band so there was no barrel contact.
There are several other details re: accurizing Springfields. They could be made to shoot real well with hand fitting. The war production guns did not get that sort of care.
The M1903 and the A3 were designed so the tip of the stock barrel channel (there is a raised area) exerted upward force on the bottom of the barrel. This was accomplished by adjusting the depth of the stock mortise for the receiver recoil lug. When you grasp the stock/barrel and push up on the bottom of the barrel with the thumb and let go the barrel will spring back down.
I believe the TM called for 5-7 lbf barrel bedding force but the guys who built "poor man's match rifles" went for 15 lbf. When they shot issued rifles and drew one with no barrel bedding pressure SOP was to insert a piece of matchbook cover or other card stock between the barrel and stock barrel channel at the tip.
They also opened up the front band so there was no barrel contact.
There are several other details re: accurizing Springfields. They could be made to shoot real well with hand fitting. The war production guns did not get that sort of care.
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