Bedding the Barrel to the Frame / Range Report

[McLernon]

My Handi was quite inconsistent even though it often would shot a series of tight groups but I would get 'dropped' shots and flyers too. So some time ago I epoxy/aluminum powder bedded my barrel and barrel-lug to the action. Yes metal-to-metal. My rifle is now consistent with no flyers just one inch groups. The rifle was supported under the hinge pin. I also put in a shim between the fore-stock and the spacer to preload the pin a bit.

This might be a good fix to try if you have tried everthing else and still have accuracy problems.

McLernon

[Fred M]

McLernon.
There is no question that a bedding system like yours or mine will improve accuray, specially for us Canadians we can't get any switch barrels.

I have detailed instruction in the FAQ how to accurize a Handi, but sofar I have heard from nobody that has done so.

The reason of course is the switch barrel syndrom, which prevents the action bedding from working.

My two Handi rifles are both fully bedded and both shoot 1/2" 3 shot groups, also they both are rebored and rechambered from 223.

[McLernon]

By the way Fred I followed your method in bedding my barrel/lug, That is, I put compound on the four key areas of the action you suggested.

McLernon

[Fred M]

McLernon.
Bedding the under lug with compound had me concerned about getting the barrel end stuck in the action. That is why I used the soldered shims instead, a lot more work but well worth it..

I guess if one polished the four spots with a very slight bevel on the underlug and applied a good release agent the barrel should slide out.

This is a good and easy way to stop rotational vibration.