Should you Freefloat your Rifle? ~ The answer!

Published on September 11, 2019
Duration: 9:40

This guide details the process of free-floating a rifle's barrel, a modification often performed to improve accuracy. It emphasizes that simply removing wood from the barrel channel can be detrimental if not done correctly. The expert instructor highlights the critical importance of proper action bedding, using techniques and materials like Brownells Acraglas, to stabilize the action and achieve consistent accuracy, especially as the barrel heats up.

Quick Summary

Free-floating a rifle involves relieving contact between the barrel and the stock's forend to improve accuracy. However, improper execution, such as removing too much wood without proper action bedding, can destabilize the rifle and worsen shot consistency. An expert recommends aiming for about 0.050 inches of clearance and using bedding compounds like Acraglas when necessary.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Free-Floating
  2. 00:28Winchester Model 70 Anecdote
  3. 01:25Comparison with Husqvarna .270
  4. 02:40The Failed Free-Floating Attempt
  5. 04:18The Importance of Bedding
  6. 05:51Modern Rifles and Tikka Example
  7. 07:16Cautionary Advice
  8. 08:05Technical Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is free-floating a rifle and why is it done?

Free-floating a rifle involves removing wood from the barrel channel so the barrel does not contact the stock. This is typically done to improve accuracy by allowing the barrel to vibrate more consistently during firing, especially as it heats up.

Can free-floating a rifle actually hurt accuracy?

Yes, improper free-floating can significantly harm accuracy. If too much wood is removed without proper action bedding, the rifle's action can become destabilized, leading to much larger and inconsistent groups.

What is the proper clearance for a free-floated barrel?

A common recommendation for free-float clearance is approximately 0.050 inches. This can be roughly measured by sliding five stacked business cards between the barrel and the stock forend.

When should I consider bedding my rifle instead of just free-floating?

If free-floating alone doesn't improve accuracy, or if accuracy worsens, it indicates the action needs stabilization. Bedding the action to the stock using compounds like Acraglas is then recommended to restore and enhance precision.

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