Add a detachable magazine to your Remington 700 by installing Surgeon bottom metal

September 20, 2013 Bill Marr Gunsmithing 0

The magazine well of the Surgeon bottom metal helps guide the proven AICS magazines into place. We have found the surgeon bottom metal easier to reload then other designs,

Detachable magazine systems have been steadily gaining popularity for use in precision, tactical and competition bolt action rifles.  Until a few years ago, the choices of systems were limited.  Now, shooters have a wide range of bottom metal to select from.   One of our favorites in the Surgeon detachable magazine system.  Using the proven Accuracy International AICS magazine, the Surgeon system includes two precut aluminum pillars that ensure proper spacing of the bottom metal which in turn provides reliable operation and feeding.

Surgeon provides an inletting diagram with their system, however, we have found that sending the stock out to be inletted, provides superior results for everyone except the most experienced machinists.   Our McMillian stock shown here was inletted by McMillian for a nominal fee and relatively short turn around time.

During installation we will be skim bedding the stock, bedding the recoil lug and gluing the pillars in place.   We do not make a barrel bed, or bed the chamber end of the barrel.  We have found that leaving clearance on this area provides a stress free installation and promotes accuracy.

Brownells provided the following for use in this project:

  1. Marine-Tex epoxy (904-301-102)
  2. Modeling clay (046-100-002)
  3. Acra-Release, release agent (081-028-000)
  4. Surgeon bottom metal (100-004-303)
  5. Metalite abrasive cloth (657-110-120)

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Surgeon bottom metal test fit on a Remington 700 short action. Note the precut pillars that provide appropriate spacing for the bottom metal.
Surgeon bottom metal test fit on a Remington 700 short action. Note the pre-cut pillars that provide appropriate spacing for the bottom metal.
The magazine release for the surgeon does not protrude beneath the rifle, yet still provides easy accessibility from either side.
The magazine release for the Surgeon does not protrude beneath the rifle, yet still provides easy accessibility from either side.
The magazine well of the Surgeon bottom metal helps guide the proven AICS magazines into place. We have found the surgeon bottom metal easier to reload then other designs,
The magazine well of the Surgeon bottom metal helps guide the proven AICS magazines into place. We have found the Surgeon bottom metal easier to reload then other designs,
Our stock was inletted by McMillian. Notice the two 9/16" holes for the included aluminum pillars and bottom metal cut out.
Our stock was inletted by McMillan. Notice the two 9/16″ holes for the included aluminum pillars and bottom metal cut out.
As part of the installation process we will skim bed the stock as well. Surfaces receiving epoxy are sanded with abrasive paper to promote adhesion.
As part of the installation process we will skim bed the stock as well. Surfaces receiving epoxy are sanded with abrasive paper to promote adhesion.
The front, sides and bottom of the recoil lug are wrapped with tape to provide clearance. Only the rear of the lug should touch the bedding compound.
The front, sides and bottom of the recoil lug are wrapped with tape to provide clearance. Only the rear of the lug should touch the bedding compound.
All metal surfaces are coated with release agent. We like Acra-Release in a spray can. voids are then filled with modeling clay.
All metal surfaces are coated with release agent. We like Acra-Release in a spray can. voids are then filled with modeling clay.
The surfaces of the stock are coated with a thin layer of Marine-tex. A small clay "snake" in front of the recoil lug slot prevents epoxy from moving into the barrel channel.
The surfaces of the stock are coated with a thin layer of Marine-Tex. A small clay “snake” in front of the recoil lug slot prevents epoxy from moving into the barrel channel.
The pillars are coated in Marine-tex.
The pillars are coated in Marine-Tex.

 

Then inserted into the stock from the bottom.
Then inserted into the stock from the bottom.

 

The front action screw is inserted through the bottom metal into the front pillar. The stock is then gently lowered into the stock and the screws (front and rear) are slowly tightened.
The front action screw is inserted through the bottom metal into the front pillar. The action is then gently lowered into the stock and the screws (front and rear) are slowly tightened.

 

As the action screws are tightened, the excess bedding compound is squeezed out. An ample supply of cotton swabs are used to clean this.
As the action screws are tightened, the excess bedding compound is squeezed out. An ample supply of cotton swabs are used to clean this.
After the Marine-tex cures, the action is removed from the stock. The rough edges of the bedding compound will be cleaned up on the mill. Alternatively, a file can be used.
After the Marine-Tex cures, the action is removed from the stock. The rough edges of the bedding compound will be cleaned up on the mill. Alternatively, a file can be used.
The inside edges of the bedding are cleaned up on the milling machine.
The inside edges of the bedding are cleaned up on the milling machine.

The rifle is now ready to be reassembled and taken to the range.

 

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