When it comes to upgrading or customizing a rifle, one of the common questions among gun enthusiasts and hunters is whether Boyds stocks need to be bedded. Boyds stocks are well-known for their quality craftsmanship and affordability, making them a popular choice for those who want to improve their firearm’s performance without spending a fortune. Bedding a stock refers to the process of creating a solid and stable interface between the rifle’s action and the stock, which can improve accuracy and consistency. Understanding if and when Boyds stocks require bedding is essential for getting the most out of your firearm.
What Is Stock Bedding?
Stock bedding is the technique of modifying the rifle stock to create a perfectly fitted surface for the rifle’s action and barrel. The primary goal is to reduce any movement or flex that can occur when the rifle is fired. This is achieved by applying a bedding compound, usually epoxy-based, to fill in gaps and ensure full contact between the metal parts and the stock. Proper bedding helps maintain consistent pressure on the action and barrel, which translates to improved accuracy and repeatability.
Types of Stock Bedding
- Full Bedding: This involves bedding the entire action and sometimes the trigger housing into the stock, providing maximum stability.
- Pillar Bedding: Involves installing metal pillars around the action screws to prevent compression of the stock material and maintain torque.
- Glass Bedding: The application of fiberglass or epoxy resin to the action bedding areas for a custom fit.
Boyds Stocks: Quality and Fit
Boyds stocks are generally made from high-quality hardwoods and are known for their precision in manufacturing. They offer a good fit right out of the box for many popular rifle actions. This tight fit can sometimes mean that bedding is less critical compared to cheaper or less precisely made stocks. However, the need for bedding depends on several factors including the rifle model, intended use, and shooter preference.
Why Bedding May Be Less Necessary for Boyds Stocks
- Pre-Fit Design: Many Boyds stocks come pre-fitted for specific rifle models, minimizing the gaps between the stock and action.
- Quality Wood: The hardwoods used are dense and stable, reducing movement caused by moisture or temperature changes.
- Consistency: Boyds employs CNC machining and careful quality control to ensure consistent dimensions across their stocks.
When Should You Consider Bedding Your Boyds Stock?
Although Boyds stocks fit well, there are scenarios where bedding can still enhance performance. The decision to bed your stock often depends on the level of precision you want to achieve and the type of shooting you do.
Factors That Suggest Bedding Is Beneficial
- Accuracy Improvement: If you are looking to maximize accuracy, especially for long-range shooting or competition, bedding can stabilize the action and barrel.
- Action Fit Issues: Sometimes, even a well-made stock may not fit perfectly due to slight variances in the rifle action or manufacturing tolerances. Bedding can compensate for these minor imperfections.
- Stock Movement: If the stock material shows signs of compression, warping, or changes due to environmental conditions, bedding can lock the action in place and prevent shifts.
- Heavy Use: For rifles that see frequent firing, bedding helps maintain consistent point of impact by keeping the action stable.
Benefits of Bedding a Boyds Stock
Bedding can provide several advantages even for a quality stock like Boyds, particularly if you want the highest performance from your rifle.
Improved Accuracy
By ensuring a consistent interface between the rifle’s metal parts and the stock, bedding reduces shifting that can affect bullet trajectory. Shooters often notice tighter groups and better shot placement after bedding.
Enhanced Durability
Bedding can protect the stock from compression around the action screws, which can degrade over time and affect the rifle’s performance. This is especially true for softer woods or in humid environments.
Reduced Torque Problems
Action screws tightened directly into wood can cause uneven pressure and torque, leading to movement. Bedding, especially pillar bedding, helps distribute this pressure evenly and maintains consistent torque settings.
How to Bed a Boyds Stock
If you decide bedding is right for your Boyds stock, it’s important to follow the correct steps for the best results.
Materials Needed
- Bedding compound (epoxy or fiberglass-based)
- Pillar bedding sleeves (optional but recommended)
- Release agent (to prevent epoxy from sticking to metal)
- Screwdriver and wrench
- Clamps or action screws for securing the action during bedding
Step-by-Step Process
- Disassemble the rifle: Remove the action from the Boyds stock.
- Apply release agent: Coat the action and barrel with a release agent to prevent epoxy adhesion.
- Prepare the stock: Clean the bedding area and apply a thin layer of bedding compound to the contact surfaces inside the stock.
- Insert pillars: If using pillar bedding, place the metal pillars around the action screws in the stock.
- Set the action: Carefully place the rifle action back into the stock, ensuring proper alignment.
- Tighten screws: Slowly tighten the action screws to hold the action firmly but not overtightened.
- Allow curing: Leave the assembly undisturbed for the epoxy to cure fully (usually 24 hours).
- Reassemble and test: After curing, remove the action, clean excess epoxy, reassemble the rifle, and test for improved fit and accuracy.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While bedding offers many benefits, there are some considerations to keep in mind.
Skill and Time Required
Bedding requires patience, precision, and some skill with tools and epoxy materials. Improper bedding can cause misalignment or damage to the stock or action.
Permanent Modification
Bedding is a semi-permanent modification. Removing the bedding compound later can be difficult and may damage the stock if not done carefully.
Cost
Though Boyds stocks are affordable, professional bedding services or quality materials can add to the total cost. Some may prefer to keep the rifle stock original and avoid these expenses.
Alternatives to Bedding
For shooters who want to improve accuracy without bedding, other options are available:
- Torque Screw Properly: Ensuring the action screws are tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings can improve fit.
- Use a Quality Stock Pad: Adding a recoil pad can reduce felt recoil and improve shooter comfort, indirectly helping shot consistency.
- Aftermarket Stocks: Consider switching to composite or laminate stocks that offer more inherent stability.
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping the rifle clean and checking screw tightness can maintain performance without bedding.
Do Boyds stocks need to be bedded? The answer depends on your goals and the specific rifle. For many shooters, Boyds stocks provide an excellent fit and do not absolutely require bedding to perform well. However, if you seek to maximize precision, reduce stock movement, or address fit issues, bedding can be a worthwhile upgrade. Understanding the benefits, process, and potential drawbacks will help you decide if bedding your Boyds stock is right for your shooting needs.