I took the barrel and action from the stock and noticed the Tikka uses a recoil lug that is held in position with the front action screw. If I decide to bed this rifle do I bed the recoil lug first and then place the barrel and action into the stock for the final bedding? Or?

Bed the barrel first. Bed about 1 1/2" forward of the recoil lug and free float the rest of the barrel. This will give you the same pressure on the barrel and the recoil lug. Now you can bed under the recoil lug. When you tighten the action screws it will pull down to the barrel bedding , thus setting the recoil lug to the same pressure point.
Hope this helps.
Vern

Thanks!

I just did one last week. The problem is the aluminum recoil lug is not integral with the action and is somewhat of a sloppy fit. If you bed the lug, you may not be able to get it out if you wanted to. Solution; I drilled and tapped it with two holes, 6-48 on the portion that contacts the action. What you need now is some type of puller to get it out, which should be somewhat simple to make. Also, when bedding, before you tighten the action screws, make sure you push the action back against the lug for full contact. Don't tighten it too tight or you will put some torque on the action.

Jim