I have a new and good quality repro fore end thats going onto a target smle in stock configuration and I want to be really precise with the bedding of the recoil blocks. How does one actually measure the internal clearances? Bend a little right angle onto my feeler gauges? I can barely see in there, even with the sear and mag catch taken out.

What would an armorer do?
Could I put a squeezable substance like modeling clay in there, tighten everything up and then open it up again? I could see how that would show if there was any clearances but probably not give me a precise thickness as it will pull to bits as I open it up again.
Any ideas?

The purpose is to get the recoil blocks firm and even, and then to firm up the fore end fit onto the wrist. I didn't want to set the wrist up without knowing what the recoil lugs were like.

Also; is there a school of thought either way of whether to leave the recoil lugs as wood only or should I put the brass/copper plates on? What I do like about the brass plates is that I can easily shim under them to take up any gaps.

Has anyone devised something that transfers the recoil shock from the lugs to the wrist with bolts ala the Canadianicon Team system? I've seen what appears to be rear fore end recoil plate (the U shape plate that engages the butt bolt) the with two bolts protruding towards the recoil lugs but haven't seen any text about it.
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