Firearms Stack Exchange Archive
How and why would you make a barrel “free-floating”?
- posted by: Community on 2011-11-03
- tagged:
rifle,gunsmithing,barrel,precision-rifle - score: 11
I’ve noticed that several high end rifles have “free-floating” barrels. How is this accomplished? What is the advantage?
Answer 256
- posted by: Chris Upchurch on 2011-11-03
- score: 13
A free floating barrel is one that doesn’t have any contact with the stock or handguard forward of the receiver. Free floated barrels are generally more accurate for several reasons: Stress placed on the forend, such as loading a bipod or tensioning a sling, doesn’t have any effect on the barrel. When the barrel heats up it doesn’t bind against the handguard, changing the point of impact. Finally, in can lead to more consistent harmonics (the vibrations as the bullet travels down the barrel).
Free floating is accomplished by having a design where the handguard is not attached to and does not touch the barrel. The forend has to be stiff enough to support itself without barrel contact.
Answer 335
- posted by: Mike Glenn on 2011-11-05
- score: 8
This image may help you understand
note how the bills have been slid between the barrel and the fore-stock. Only the receiver actually in contact with the stock.
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