I need to open up the barrel channel on my Ruger M77/22 to accomodate a heavier barrel. Has anybody used the Gunline Barrel Bedding Tool (or Gunline Barrel Bedder Jr) in the Brownell's catalog?

Or any other recommendations? Thanks!

(FWIW, I normally just wrap sandpaper on a dowel & open it up, to free float a barrel, but I want this one to fit close, as I don't want to hang a heavy barrel on an unthreaded aluminum action).

Cold Bore,
that is the only tool I use either on bedding jobs and on initial inletting. It does a smooth and fast job and the cutters (washers) are replaceable. Get the one with the handle on both ends. If you were only going to do one rifle it would be worth it.

Chic

I use the Gunline tool also.

For finishing up and close inletting I use a single scraper such as the Jerry Fisher round models. Use like a jackknife or a pencil after spotting in.

GV

I use the gunline tools, the Jerry fisher tools and I make a lot of inletting tools from old screw drivers in various shapes and sizes...I buy these old good steel screw drivers at pawn shops for 24 to 50 cents each, bend them down at an angle of one degree or another and shape, sharpen and harden them..I probaly have a hundred or so. I make others out of 3/16th knife steel...whatever it takes.

For a one time job the gunline should work OK.

Thanks guys! I was especially hoping to hear from Chic, and there he was, first to respond. Looks like Brownell's will once again be sending the truck down my street.

If you're only doing one stock, I would recommend getting the largest diameter tool that's still smaller than the barrel diameter at the end of your stock. If you are interested in doing more than one stock, by all means acquire a set of the Gunline tools in multiple diameters. I tend to use the 5/8" and 11/16" tools more than the rest for sporter weight barrels. With good walnut, a set of cutters seems to last a long time (not true with mesquite or birdseye maple).