cajungeo
11-09-2003, 07:03
Why do we need to free float the barrel? If the stock is touching the barrel anywhere fwd of the take down screw, it will affect barrel harmonics which will give you erratic POI (Point of Impact). For maximum accuracy we need a consistent harmonic.
Floating the barrel involves relieving all stress points and potential stress points the stock exerts on the barrel. The barrel should have a minimum of 2 business cards to 1/16” over its full length except “under” the V-block takedown screw area.
I have done this on my 2 Fajun laminate stocks as well as the stock Ruger synthetic stock.
Free floating the barrel is also a pre-curser to bedding. Here is the way I did it on all three stocks. Now we are talking about a finished stock, not a semi inletted stock, as there is a lot more involved with the inletting.
First find a cylindrical object slightly smaller than the barrel. You can use a section of broom handle, dowel rod, socket, or sanding sleeve arbor. Wrap course sand paper around the cylinder, and sand away areas that are touching barrel till you have the desired gap all the way down the length of the barrel checking by snugging down the take down screw, and checking with cardstock between barrel and fore-stock. I used a piece of tape to mark stock where I need to sand more. Follow the contour of the barrel channel, and check often when you get close to avoid unsightly gaps, along the barrel channel. While your at it, make sure there is a gap on either side of the V-block, and in front of the V-block screws. 1/16” or more. When proper gap is obtained sand with smoother grit sandpaper, and seal all sanded areas (except for synthetic stocks), and seal to protect wood from moisture. I used Tru-Oil avail from Wal-mart. Seal, and finished per this link: http://riflestocks.tripod.com/index.html.
It is easy, just don’t get carried away, and slip or your finished stock may be scratched. :eek: I free floated my Fajun laminates in about an hour each and the synthetic stock in 10 minutes. Go slow, and Good Luck. ;)
In work. Pics to follow.
Floating the barrel involves relieving all stress points and potential stress points the stock exerts on the barrel. The barrel should have a minimum of 2 business cards to 1/16” over its full length except “under” the V-block takedown screw area.
I have done this on my 2 Fajun laminate stocks as well as the stock Ruger synthetic stock.
Free floating the barrel is also a pre-curser to bedding. Here is the way I did it on all three stocks. Now we are talking about a finished stock, not a semi inletted stock, as there is a lot more involved with the inletting.
First find a cylindrical object slightly smaller than the barrel. You can use a section of broom handle, dowel rod, socket, or sanding sleeve arbor. Wrap course sand paper around the cylinder, and sand away areas that are touching barrel till you have the desired gap all the way down the length of the barrel checking by snugging down the take down screw, and checking with cardstock between barrel and fore-stock. I used a piece of tape to mark stock where I need to sand more. Follow the contour of the barrel channel, and check often when you get close to avoid unsightly gaps, along the barrel channel. While your at it, make sure there is a gap on either side of the V-block, and in front of the V-block screws. 1/16” or more. When proper gap is obtained sand with smoother grit sandpaper, and seal all sanded areas (except for synthetic stocks), and seal to protect wood from moisture. I used Tru-Oil avail from Wal-mart. Seal, and finished per this link: http://riflestocks.tripod.com/index.html.
It is easy, just don’t get carried away, and slip or your finished stock may be scratched. :eek: I free floated my Fajun laminates in about an hour each and the synthetic stock in 10 minutes. Go slow, and Good Luck. ;)
In work. Pics to follow.