JP>-> I have read that many people glassbed the barrel and free float the
JP>-> action of Ruger 10/22 rifles.  Apparently the alunimum alloy
JP>-> receiver of the 10/22 can not support a free floated barrel.
JP>That's very interesting, if true.  I don't have a 10/22, myself.
JP>Where do the screws that hold the action/barrel combo to the stock go?
JP>I've never seen a rifle where they didn't go into the action.  I'm not
JP>quite sure HOW you could free-float the action, in that case.
10/22s can be stocked both ways -- by the barrel and by the stock.  SOME
(but not all) accuracy smiths feel the receiver support is not adequate
when the barrel is free-floated.
Free-floating the action is done by routing out, and the barrel is
either glued in the stock or fitted with blind nuts to allow it to be
drawn into the channel with screws.
Generally, free floating the barrel properly is nothing more than
leaving a gap you can pass a dollar bill through -- which leaves little
room for sag.  Typically, the ENTIRE barrel is not free-floated.  The
cylinderical portion over the chamber (in a centerfire rifle) is bedded
tight, just like the receiver, and often a V-block arrangement is bedded
in on the forearm.
This is done by preparing the receiver area in the stock for bedding as
normal, and opening up the barrel channel as well.  The barrel is
covered neatly with masking tape (or the equivallent) which stops about
3 inches short of the receiver (for the 10/22).  "Windows" are cut in
the masking tape about 3 inches back from the end of the forearm, at the
5 and 7 o'clock positions.  The entire portion of the rifle to go in the
stock is coated liberally with release agent, and snugged down in the
stock.
When the bedding is cured, out comes the action, the tape is stripped
off, and the release agent is cleaned off.  When the rifle goes back
into the stock, the first three inches of the barrel are supported
solidly, and the forward portion nestles between two "high spots" that
act as a V-block, and dampen vibration as well.
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