recoil lug

[Greywolf18]

I have a really stupid question that I need answered. Exactly what is the purpose of the recoil lug? Obviously it has something to do with recoil, but what exactly? Sorry for the newbie question!

Also, getting ready to do a custom gun, is it worth adding an aftermarket recoil lug or will the stock one do? I'm building it on a winchester model 70. Only one I've really seen is the holland recoil lug, but just trying to find out if it is worth it or not. The gun won't be used past 500-600 yards so trying to decide now to get it or not. Thanks for the info!

Brian

 

[J E Custom]

I have a really stupid question that I need answered. Exactly what is the purpose of the recoil lug? Obviously it has something to do with recoil, but what exactly? Sorry for the newbie question!

Also, getting ready to do a custom gun, is it worth adding an aftermarket recoil lug or will the stock one do? I'm building it on a winchester model 70. Only one I've really seen is the holland recoil lug, but just trying to find out if it is worth it or not. The gun won't be used past 500-600 yards so trying to decide now to get it or not. Thanks for the info!

Brian

Only the UN asked question are the dumb ones.

First the recoil lug is in place to transfer the recoil to the stock in the best location (Not the
action screws or the rear tang).

The winchester recoil system will work fine if bedded properly.

I have used the thicker after market recoil lugs when the sholder was set back and a fresh
chamber was cut so no threads were lost.

J E CUSTOM

 

[Chas1]

J E Custom, what do you mean by the shoulder was cut back? Do you mean cut back on the barrel as in past where the normal barrel threads stop?

 

[J E Custom]

J E Custom, what do you mean by the shoulder was cut back? Do you mean cut back on the barrel as in past where the normal barrel threads stop?

Yes.

When your chamber and throat gets worn or is not very good it is sometimes best to
cut the chamber deeper to true it up and clean the throat to improve the accuracy.

It is common to do this and when anything is removed from the chamber the shoulder
of the barrel has to be set back the same amount in order to maintain the head space.

Some material has to be removed from the tenon also.(The threaded part of the barrel).

Most factory rifles cut there threads using a thread mill and the threads go almost to
the shoulder on the barrel even though they are not used buy the action .

And buy using a thicker recoil lug if you surface grind it to the proper thickness then the
head space can be set to SAMMI spec. and the barrel caliber ID can be placed back in the
original location ,other wise it would end up under the stock and you would have to
get it re engraved or stamped in the proper location.

I find this one of the easy ways to freshen up a chamber after excessive shooting.

The only downside to the thicker recoil lug is that the stock has to be re inleted to
except the thicker lug.

J E CUSTOM

 

[Chas1]

J E Custom, Thanks for responding. I appreciate the details in your answer...you helped me learn more today.

 

[EddieHarren]

All of the Win. M70 rifles, that I have seen, had integral recoil lugs.