If you work on round action receivers like the Remington 700, a receiver v-block, or fixture, is useful. Receiver fixtures allow you to properly index the action in your milling machine, as well as secure an action for various operations around the shop. I’ve been using an aluminum sine bar jig from Holland’s Shooting Supply for the past couple of years and decided it was time to make another.
To make a receiver fixture, you’ll need a piece of metal stock. I don’t have large metal chunks lying around so I ordered a piece of 1.5″x2″x12″ cold rolled steel from Ebay. It cost $34 shipped to my door (most of the completed fixtures I have seen run between $160- $185). If you have a scrap yard nearby, you can probably find a piece of stock that would work for less. Since a Remington 700 action is 1.350″ in diameter, you’ll need a piece of stock at least that thick.
You’ll also need some 1/4″-28 screws to secure the action (if its is a Rem 700) in the fixture. The length of these screws will depend on the size of you block.
My piece of stock is longer than required, I only need 9″, this piece is 12″ long.
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I head over to my cold saw and cut the stock to 9″ in length.
Prior to machining, I take the time to tram the head on my milling machine and ensure my vise is square.
I also check both faces to the steel stock to ensure they are parallel.
I’ll be using the following items from Brownells:
I cut the bottom of my stock flat on the mill. Flip the piece and cut the top flat. The bottom and bottom are now parallel.
The center needs to be located. I use an edge finder to find both edges and locate the center. I zero my DRO when it is centered and lock the y-axis in place.
I use a 1/2″ four flute end mill to cut a groove .400″ deep the length of the stock.
I tilt the machines head 45 degrees, and mill each edge by the groove.
I rotate the fixture 90 degrees and square each end with an end mill.
The fixture is placed in the vise with the bottom edge facing up. I need to drill holes for the action screws to secure the receiver. The first hole is .850″ from the front edge, the second (for a short action) is 6.500″ from the center line of the first hole.
I begin by counter boring the screw holes with a 1/2″ center cutting end mill, .500″ deep.
After the hole is counter bored, I use a center drill. 
Finally I drill a 1/4″ clearance hole to allow the screws to pass through.
Ready to go! Once you screw the action in the fixture, it will be held vertically (in this picture the action isn’t screwed into the fixture, if it was the front end wouldn’t be hanging over the edge that far).
Prior to use, measure the fixture to ensure everything is true and where it is supposed to be. If you made any mistakes in the fixture, they will show up in your finished work.
While this block only has one hole for a short action, an additional rear hole for a long action could be added. Also, some guys like to cut slots to allow the bolt handle inserted and closed.
A receiver v-block is a useful tool. If you don’t have one, consider making or buying one. I regularly use them for installing external bolt stops, lug and clip slotting, and upgrading actions to 8-40 screws. Plus, it is a great way to hold an action if you are going to use a Manson Receiver Accurizing kit.
Making your own receiver fixture is a great chance to get some practice with a mill (I mostly use mine as a giant drill press and need the practice).
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