Reworking a 550 American stock, and need some advice. The rifle came with pillars of sorts, and I am wanting to bed the recoil lug (since I don't know about removing the trigger, will concentrate on the recoil lug). Most of what I have heard indicates that the recoil lug should have total contact on the front, but be free on the back, sides, and bottom. How do you bed so the only bottom contact is the pillar? I realize taping is the generall way of creating a space, but how can you tape so as not to cover the pillar, or have some bedding material touching the action around the pillar. How do you get the tape exactly where it needs to be?

Also, this piece of wood is extremely light, almost to the point of no tint at all. What stain, coloring do you recommend? What are the pros and cons of different coloring methods?

Appreciate any help.

The gunsmith I worked for would use strips of scotch tape, maybe 2 for added thickness, and put them on the bottom, sides and front of Mauser, Wincehster and similar recoil lugs. This is assuming you are talking about the one at the front of the action. He would then coat it with a good paste wax. When done, pull off the scotch tape, and you have a lug tha only contacts the bedding on the back side.

I'm just curious and have no other reason for asking especially not to start an argument but why is it important that the front and sides NOT touch just the rear.

The same gunsmith who taught me this trick said it was for two reasons...first it "relieved" any pressure points on the lug and secondly, it made it a lot easier to disassemble the rifle, as it left the lug with a bit of "wiggle room" if you will.
Again, don't know if it is necessary or not, but he was very talented and always seemed to know what he was doing.

I steal my wife's Scotch/3M blue painters masking tape. It is made to do the job. Just fold it over the lug, take a razor knife and trim off what you do not want. It is sold everywhere. I also wax over it.