Model 7 floated..now what?

[Ken14]

I free floated my Remington Model 7 stainless synthetic in .308. It was a 3 to 3 1/2" grouper before floating...now it's solidly under 1" with good handloads. The question is...do I go ahead and glass bed it or keep it like it is??? Dont believe that bedding will hurt anything...but just want to ask for further opinions. Thanks in advance.

[Slim-Zippy]

I've never owned a model 7, but I've read enough posts on different forums that say a 1" group is very good. I would leave it alone, but glass bedding won't hurt anything, your choice.

[thirty06]

gidday Ken

If you are getting 1" groups from a model 7 stainless synthetic you are doing pretty well. Mine will do 2 1/2 to 3" at best. The problem is the stock is too soft and moves too much apparently. I don't know how true this is but I heard it from a gunsmith who has a reputation for building tack drivers so I am tending to believe it.

I am trying to track down a laminated stock on the second hand market here as they want your first born and the salary for the next 5 years for spare parts out here. The laminated stock is a lot harder and will hold the rifle more rigidly. Harvey (the gunsmith) tells me that glass bedding will not substantially change the situation as the base to which it is attached is still soft and unstable. The best option is to get a laminated stock as it is inherently hard and stable.

I love the rifle as it is so handy and has droppped everything I have shot at with it but I don't feel confident taking the longer shots (over 200 metres) with it although the calibre (260 rem) is more than up to the task. I will feel alot better when I get the laminated stock.

I wonder whether anyone else has had these problems?

[TreeDoc]

Might I suggest a Hogue Overmolded stock with full CNC machined bedding to solve your "soft stock" problem. This simple addition to my Ruger M77 with a laminated stock brought it from 1.5" to inside of 1".

[Cossack]

You're reached the desired state, stop .
Glass bedding, if not done right, may make it shoot worse. Assuming it's a wood stock, I'd finish inside the barrel channel with several coats of something meant for outdoor uses, like marine-intended Verothane. If it is plastic, count your lucky stars. The one I used to have was so flimsy I could bend it in several places.