Author Topic: How are recoil lugs fitted? (Read 375 times)

rodgervich · « **on:** February 17, 2004, 12:03:37 PM »

I am curious how recoil lugs are installed when barrelling an action. I have read several articles on rebarrelling and headspacing, etc. but there is never a mention of recoil lugs, the articles typically are for Mausers. For example a Rem 700 or Savage 10/110 ( I have both). Is the lug a separate loose component that gets pinched between the barrel shoulder (nut) and receiver face or it held somwhere some other way? When measuring for headspace and cutting barrel threads I assume you account for this thickness between the distance from breech face to barrel shoulder when measuring with GO/ NOGO gages.
I will not pull any barrels until I know what will happen and how to reassemble correctly. Can you recommend books or articles that show this proceedure?
Thanks in advance.

I have read the posts about pinning the lug in place and seen the holding fixture from Brownells but that is not my question.

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2004, 12:15:53 PM »

Correct, Rodgervich.

The removable recoil lug is a plate that is sandwiched between barrel shoulder and the receiver itself.

However, chamber measurement in rebarreling to fit an action is normally expressed as how far the cartridge case head (headspace gage) protrudes from the END of the barrel, and is not affected by the thickness of the recoil lug. This is assuming, of course, that you re-assemble your barrelled action using the exact same recoil lug originally removed from it.

In other words, measuring for the chamber reaming depth (to give correct headspace) is done exactly like that for Mauser actions.

Just don't go switching recoil lugs during your rebarrelling work!

HTH
John

gunnut69 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2004, 04:23:15 AM »

The recoil lugs for Remingtons are punched from steel flat stock. This leaves a slightly concave product. Lapping this flat is a good practice as it allows the barrel action assembly to bear a bit more evenly. Caution though, flattening the recoil lug can alter the other measurements and may throw the sights off top dead center. It is perhaps something best reserved for rebarreling an action.. I would also caution that a rifle should be checked with a go/no go guage when the barrel is reinstalled. I'm just very cautious.. probably not needed but won't hurt...

rodgervich · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2004, 05:45:18 AM »

Thanks for the input fellas, now I know.
I think if I were to rebarrel I would buy an aftermarket recoil lug and adjust barrel thread length to suit. Of course the bedding in that area would have to be redone but that's no sweat.
It won't happen soon but now that I am informed I will not hesitate to undertake the project.
As with all machining and gun related work I take my time and do the best job I can, better safe than sorry. I have found consistently that the quality of the finished product is directly related to the quality of each component and quality of work performed in each step in the process. Just no way around that.