Tapping a hole for a swivel stud

I bought a Harris HBLS – 9-13″ Bipod. It came in today. I’ve had Harris bipods before so I knew what to expect – high quality. To mount it I bought an air force rail swivel. I mounted the rail swivel and then the Bipod and was not satisfied. Seeing the suggestion here once, I gathered up the tools and tapped me a hole and ran an Uncle Mikes 10-32 stud into the frame. I am all smiles now.

Here is how to do yours….

You need a 10-32 tap, small crescent wrench, 3/32 allen wrench to remove the end cap, drop of oil, and a small #10 black washer, 1/16″ drill bit, and a 5/32″ drill bit and drill.

Remove the end cap, leave barrel in place ( don’t worry, I did not even touch the barrel on the inside, but remove if you have to ). Back from the from of the frame, on the bottom – measure 1-1/2″. Use the 1/16″ drill bit to place a pilot hole directly up thru the dovetails, in the middle of the rail. WATCH out for the barrel. Follow this up with the 5/32″ drill. Clean out the burrs. Tap it straight thru with the 10-32 tap. Put one drop of oil on the tap before insertion. Tap straight and true, running in a little and back out. Blow out the cuttings. I had to cut down my Uncle Mikes stud to fit the hole. I went entirely thru the threaded hole and came within 1/8″ of the barrel ( plenty of clearance ). Rotate the stud so the hole is sideways. Replace the end cap, do not overtorque the allen screw. Place the Harris on the new stud and run the thumb bolt down securely. Run outside, extend the feet and place 5 shots inside the Target at 35yrd… 😀

Note: Remove the stud when changing out your barrel to the 25cal 😉

Work in progrss….do no disturb !

Stud in in and oriented right….

Here is Raquel is all her glory…She justs needs a moderator now 😉

Later