Ensuring custom rifle accuracy?

[Squeaky 135]

Hello Folks:

In a previous post, I announced I am getting components to build a bolt-action .308 rifle using McMillan's A-4 gunstock. My question is once I get all the parts, what operations need to be done by a gunsmith to ensure fit and accuracy?

I know one needs to test the chamber with go/no-go gauges.

I've heard of trueing/blueprinting a receiver. Are these synonymous terms or are they different operations? Is it really necessary?

I intend to do a glass bedding job to. What exactly gets bedded? Just the receiver? I assume with a free-floating barrel you don't glass bed the barrel.

I've also heard of pillaring. What does that involve? My bottom metal will come with two pillars and screws for fitting it under the receiver. Is that what folks are referring to when they "pillar" a rifle?

Should both glass bedding and pillaring be done to enhance accuracy?

Anything else?

I just don't want to leave out anything and have my gunsmith assume I didn't want something done because I didn't know to request it, and go to the range and have disappointing accuracy after spending lots of $$$ on a rifle build.

Thanks guys.

 

 

[YOT 3,743]

This explains a lot. I'd imagine a better explanation that most could reiterate. 

https://rifleshooter.com/2014/12/blueprinting-truing-a-remington-700-action/

and...

Later on I can google up some stuff on pillaring and bedding for you. 

[gunfun 3,931]

19 hours ago, Squeaky said:

I've heard of trueing/blueprinting a receiver. Are these synonymous terms or are they different operations? Is it really necessary?

 

There is a small difference. Blue printing is making the whole receiver precisely conform to the dimensions as claimed in the drawings. Since you can't add material, this is generally at the small end of the dimensional tolerance allowed.

 

Truing would be a part of that, but not necessarily the whole thing. Generally truing means getting something straight or square. In the case of rifle truing, that's generally getting the barrel on axis with the reciever, and making sure it is fully supported by contact with all the bearing surfaces, which are also either concentric or perpendicular to the line of the bore. Usually also the bolt face and lugs. So you could get the areas that matter, and ignore the other spots. Possibly supporting contact with crooked metal by inletting the stock to fit, or using glass filled epoxy to match whatever irregular shape it happens to be.

[coperlio 0]

Improperly loaded shells can damage your shotgun in several ways. Mismatched projectiles or excessive weight can create excess pressure, leading to barrel bulges, cracks, or even catastrophic failure. Objects not designed as shotgun ammunition can have unpredictable flight paths, making them inaccurate and dangerous. Some materials like metal ball bearings from TBS Bearings can ricochet off surfaces, posing a serious risk to yourself and others around you.

Edited April 9 by coperlio

[IndyArms 10,189]

If you're having a gunsmith assemble your parts into a final firearm. If they're worth the money you are paying them, they will know exactly what needs to be done with the parts you give them to make it as accurate as possible with the parts they have. Shouldn't be any more complicated than that. 

[user496 0]

On 7/23/2019 at 8:20 AM, Squeaky said:

Hello Folks:

In a previous post, I announced I am getting components to build a bolt-action .308 rifle using McMillan's A-4 gunstock. My question is once I get all the parts, what operations need to be done by a gunsmith to ensure fit and accuracy?

I know one needs to test the chamber with go/no-go gauges.

I've heard of trueing/blueprinting a receiver. Are these synonymous terms or are they different operations? Is it really necessary?

I intend to do a glass bedding job to. What exactly gets bedded? Just the receiver? I assume with a free-floating barrel you don't glass bed the barrel.

I've also heard of pillaring. What does that involve? My bottom metal will come with two pillars and screws for fitting it under the receiver. Is that what folks are referring to when they "pillar" a rifle?

Should both glass bedding and pillaring be done to enhance accuracy?

Anything else?

I just don't want to leave out anything and have my gunsmith assume I didn't want something done because I didn't know to request it, and go to the range and have disappointing accuracy after spending lots of $$$ on a rifle build.

Thanks guys.

 

 

Sounds like an exciting build! You're on the right track with your questions. To address a few points:

Trueing/Blueprinting the Receiver: These terms are often used interchangeably and refer to the process of ensuring that the receiver is perfectly aligned and that all critical surfaces are square. It’s not always necessary, but for a precision rifle build, it can help with long-term accuracy and consistency.

Glass Bedding: You’re correct—glass bedding typically involves bedding the receiver to ensure it sits perfectly in the stock. With a free-floating barrel, you generally don't bed the barrel, as the goal is to allow it to resonate freely.

Pillaring: Yes, pillaring refers to installing metal pillars between the receiver and stock to ensure consistent torque on the screws, reducing the chance of stock compression over time. Doing both glass bedding and pillaring is a great combination for enhancing accuracy, especially with high-end builds.

Definitely communicate everything you want with your gunsmith to avoid any surprises. It’s always better to be thorough. Good luck with the build, and I hope you get that sub-MOA accuracy you’re aiming for!