What Does Pillar Bedding a Rifle Mean?

Pillar bedding is a treatment done to bolt-action rifles to improve shooting accuracy. Two metal pillars are used. The pillars connect the trigger guard to the receiver.

  1. How to Pillar Bed

    • This is a simplified example, but basically, to pillar bed a bolt-action rifle, you remove the trigger guard screws, drill out the screw holes in the stock large enough to accept the pillars, epoxy the pillars in place and screw the rifle back together.

    Advantages

    • The metal pillars are impervious to weather changes. Pillar bedding also creates uniform screw torque, which also assists consistency and accuracy.

    Disadvantages

    • Pillar bedding requires an investment of time and money.

    Pillar Types

    • Aluminum pillars are lighter and most commonly used. Steel pillars are stronger, but they may rust if the gun isn't properly cared for.

    Adding Strength

    • Pillar bedding is often combined with glass bedding---another bedding modification---for strength and support at the receiver.