I have a pre-64 M70 stock that was previously bedded with compound which includes the recoil lug mortise. I would like to use this stock as is with another pre-64 but the recoil lug will not fit into the mortise, I suspect from the variations in dimensions from action to action. I realize that the fit of the lug is crucial, however, is there a simple way to accurately remove just enough of the material for a good fit using hand tools. I have a good bit of experience working wood including the use of chisels, but don't want to mess this up. It appears like only perhaps .020-.030" needs to be removed. Thank you.

Bed it like a wood stock. if it were mine I would enlarge it make sure it fits. Remove a touch more then bed it as normal.

By hand
Using an 1/8" air grinder and a 1/8" carbide ball end mill

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:
Bed it like a wood stock. if it were mine I would enlarge it make sure it fits. Remove a touch more then bed it as normal.

+1!!!

in the bedding ONLY, this is a decent time to use a dremmel --

Since the entire action was bedded, and not only the recoil lug- it ALL needs to be relieved a bit. The action will not fit the prior bedding precisely and will likely bind. Particularly on older receivers (though still do it on brand new ones) there are dimensional variations.

I would remove a substantial area behind the lug for new bedding (so it won't crack out under recoil), and about 1/8" or so everywhere else to allow for a "skim bed" of the new receiver.

I have had the same issue with a couple of secondhand Rugers I bought.
The only easy solution I found was to grind out nearly all of the bedding back to bare wood and re-bed with acraglass gel.
A dremel is your friend.
I bed the entire action but leave space on the sides and under the recoil lug.

Cheers.