Hey guys, I'm leaving in about 3 weeks for Alaska for a bear hunt and need to do a little maintenance on my 'new pre-64' wooden-stocked M70 Express in .375. It's all set as far as the metal goes, and in fact I've made a couple of trips up there already with it. But I think my accuracy is suffering somewhat because one side of the barrel channel is much closer to the barrel, and it starts to bear against the barrel after I've shot it a few times. I figure it'll also be a problem when it gets into a wet situation.

How should I go about opening the channel up some to be sure the barrel is floating? And just as important, how should I refinish it to seal it as much as possible? Finally, are there any tricks to reintstalling the action?

I suggest that you open up the barrel channal with an undercut, then put two layers of paper tape on the barrel leaving about2" in the chamber area exposed (without tape) and glass the whole barrel channal, action and tang.

When you pull the tape off it will be sealed and free floated the thickness of the the two layers of tape...Don't want the wide gap that fills with water and trash on your hunting rifle.

Post Driver, Ray gave you some good advice. If you want an easy and fast way to remove the wood in the barrel channel and get professional results, go to Brownells web site and order a Gunline Barrel beddng tool(Told Bill Soverns that enough times he finally did it). Item number 364 700 625, the 625 is for the 5/8" model, get one that is just a 1/16 under the widt at the end of the stock. It is worth the cost for one job.

Brownells web site

I would save the job for when you get home. 3 weeks before a hunt in Alaska? Don't change anything, or it will be heart attack city trying to get it "right" before you leave. Have a great trip and mess with your guns when you get home, you'll probably need to take it apart for a good cleaning then anyhow.

I agree with Kevin. Don't change anything now but DO make sure your front and rear sights are held down with loc-tite. Worry about getting it glass bedded later.

JohnTheGreek