V Block for Barnard

Benz · Post by **Benz** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 12:06 pm

A question for those who have built with Barnard actions.

Would there be any advantage in building a steel v block for bedding rather than using aluminium besides the obvious weight saving, my thoughts are toward shock absorption by the softer material possibly absorbing more/differently rather than transfer, also has anyone had any exp with electrolysis between the action and the v block?
Another consideration I would like to propose is in the rail, I know Barnard supply high quality mounts in alloy but once again I question the same possibility of electrolysis between the rail and action.
This may seem very minuscule in any possibility of occurrence but it is a reality between different metals esp aluminium that are in direct contact with steel, this of course is also relative for scope mount clamps.
I cant say I have seen it or heard of it but down the track should this be a consideration for reliability and longevity?

mike H · Post by **mike H** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:17 pm

Benz
I have a Barnard with the alloy bedding block,I haven' had any trouble with mine,nor have I known any others to have a problem.
Mike.

jasmay · Post by **jasmay** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:50 pm

I don't think steel on steel is a good idea in this circumstance, the aluminium has some give and when torquing down the bolts probably help with gettin a very good mate between the two surface.

Also, with the way we look after our rifles, I doubt electrolysis would ever be an issue, certainly never heard of it, they are not within the right elemental conditions long enough to promote it!!

Brad Y · Post by **Brad Y** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:51 pm

Aluminium works. If it aint broke, dont fix it!

Longranger · Post by **Longranger** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 3:21 pm

I doubt that electrolysis would ever be an issue with a well maintained rifle, even if you had shot in rain.

Most folks would just dry it off after the shoot. It takes a while to corrode...

Alloy scope rails wouldn't be my first choice but a good grade of aluminium hardened and anodized works ok. If you are removing the scope regularly then steel would be better, maybe.

RJNEILSEN · Post by **RJNEILSEN** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 5:12 pm

The key is to anodise the aluminium. Not only does it surface harden but the anodise layer does not conduct a current like raw aluminium does. This reduces the dissimilar metals effect.

chrisw91 · Post by **chrisw91** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 7:35 pm

Steel on steel will be a bigger issue if the rifle is exposed to that much moisture.

Benz · Post by **Benz** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 8:49 pm

hey guys thanks again for your input,
I cant say I have ever even seen a rusty Barnard action not even pre P so yes the folks forking out the $ obviously treat their action with pride and care, bit of a silly question but had to ask as once the v block is bedded in walnut it wont be coming out anytime soon.
Action will be here soon and am steadily getting underway, while to go yet but she will be an absolute cracker when she's finished. Baby steps though as I hear 6.5 barrels are pretty thin at the moment.