First let me say that I have been glass bedding rifles since approximately 1972, many Reningtons, Rugers, Garands, # 1,s, etc. and all have shot outstanding.... offhand or from a shooting rest. All the bolt guns were bedded for approximately 2 inches in front of the recoil lug plus the action area.
Here is my problem: In all those years, I never tried shooting from a bipod! I find that my M700 shoots almost a foot high, shooting from a bipod. Could this be caused by the bedding in front of the recoil lug? I have noticed that the rifle shoot tighter groups at a specific point of rest on the forearm.

Sounds like unwanted interaction of some sort between the barrel and the forearm.

What is the stock made of? How much free-float clearance? Maybe a different shooter 'bag technique' with the bipod? Where is the bipod attached?

Suggested initial trials: different shooter, different bipod position (e.g.sitting vs prone), different 'bag technique'
Good luck and regards, Joe

I shoot all most all my rifles off the bipod. I make sure there is plenty of clearance between the barrel and fore end.

On a couple of cheaper composite stocks I had to stiffen them with bedding also add some stiff wire to a couple of the real flexable ones.

After I bed them I mount the pod on them get into a good shooting prosition with them then have some one check the forend clearance. making sure it doesn't touch.

In doing this I haven't notice any change in impact between the rifles with or with out the bipod attached.

The stock is a factory Sendero systhetic stock. I've rebarreled with a #6 contour Sihlen barrel resulting in enlarging the barrel channel for barrel fit. The forend does not touch at any point until 2 inches in front of the recoil lug.
Any thoughts on bedding infront of the recoil lug?

I prefer not to on most bolt actions. Only in rare circumstances do I like to bed ahead of the lug. Sako rifles are one. This is just my preference and doesn't mean it is right or wrong. Regards, Bill

There may be a problem caused by the bipod. If you tighten the atach screw on the bipod too much, it can acutally bend the forearm so that it will bear against the barrel causing you to lose your float.

I've found that my Rem 700 seem to impact higher when fired with a hard rest under the fore arm and not my hand or a bag. I am sure this is a function of the recoil cycle and not the stock is somehow bending and touching the barrel. It's a matter of how the rifle is moving while the bullet is still in the barrel. It only takes a few thousandths difference in muzzle position or angle to move the bullet impact significantly down range. Same reason some rifles shoot better with a hard hold and others don't.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
If you tighten the atach screw on the bipod too much, it can acutally bend the forearm so that it will bear against the barrel causing you to lose your float.

Say what?

quote:

Originally posted by gzig5:
I've found that my Rem 700 seem to impact higher when fired with a hard rest under the fore arm and not my hand or a bag.

My experience exactly. My rifles always shoot higher off a hard rest than a soft one, and a bipod is definitely a hard rest.

If you want total freedom from any possible effects caused by interference between the barrel and the forearm then you need to isolate one from the other. And you do that by either removing the forearm, which is not very practical, or, eliminating ALL contact with the barrel. That means everything ahead of the lug.

As long as there is any contact between the barrel and forearm, and that includes the 2" of epoxy ahead of the lug, your groups will likely change as you change positions of the rest along the length of the forearm. To eliminate the chance of this occurring, set it free.

Thanks for the many suggestions offered. In my own mind I've had a feeling the problem lies with the bedding ahead of the recoil lug, so I will remove that and head to the range. I'll post the results.

I bed all my rifles for the frist 2,5 to 3 inchs ahead of the chamber. I would check and see if the sctock is bending or warping when you put pressure on it when shooting off the bipod.

I may be way behind the times but there is just nothing quite like wood.

Nothing else really looks, feels, or breathes like a beautiful piece of well crafted wood.

Malm, Is this better?

I was going to say more but I just couldn't figure out how to use composite stock along with caress or fondle in the same sentence.

quote:

Originally posted by Curt in Atl:
I may be way behind the times but there is just nothing quite like wood.

Nothing else really looks, feels, or performs like a beautiful piece of well crafted wood.

You had me up to the "performs" part. They do look and feel great, and provide more warmth than a composite, particularly if you get lost and need a dry piece of wood to build a fire, but, as beautiful as they are, they can never out perform a good composite. Just keeping it real.

quote:

Originally posted by Westpac:

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
If you tighten the atach screw on the bipod too much, it can acutally bend the forearm so that it will bear against the barrel causing you to lose your float.

Say what?

AYYUUUP! Try it on a composite, I have seen it doen. Don't seem like it but it was!

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:

quote:

Originally posted by Westpac:

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
If you tighten the atach screw on the bipod too much, it can acutally bend the forearm so that it will bear against the barrel causing you to lose your float.

Say what?

AYYUUUP! Try it on a composite, I have seen it doen. Don't seem like it but it was!

Yep, me too.
Regards, Joe

Considering the attaching point is centered in the mounting plate, explain how tightening the screw that is supported on all sides, bends a forearm.

Why not just try it next time you have one in the shop?