Thread: Barrel channel clearance for free floated barrel

Hi i just got a bell and carlson stock for my howa 1500 and there's quite a bit of space around the barel. I think I might have got a stock for a heavier barreled howa but I dont think it looks terrible aesthetically. Is there any other issues with too much gap from the barrel to the stock?

The only problem with that much gap is rubbish getting in there if you are out on the hill. A twig jammed in there will affect accuracy so keep an eye on it.

As per above, just don’t get anything stuck in there. But in that respect, in some ways you’re probably still ahead of the curve. The number of people running around with a forest of dead leaves and other stuff between their barrel and fore end is more than you would think. Easy to do though if you can’t see under the barrel.

Your advantage is that you will know as soon as you look at it, and you won’t need screw drivers or an air compressor to sort it out.

Cool thanks for the replies. There was a bit of fern leaf jammed in my old flexi hogue stock when I took it apart., so they still get in there haha

It does look a bit strange doesn’t it ?
Function will be 120%.

You can cover the barrel in heat shrink 1-2 pieces thick depending
On clearance you after and release agent
And bed the forend if it annoys you
I do them quite regularly for customers
Just use a really light weight filler compound
If worried about weight

My biggest worry is function over form. So I'll see if I can live with it otherwise a bit of filler sounds like a plan.
I like the idea of a function being 120% haha. Not sure if it'll increase my shooting abilities but it'll keep the stock off the barrel when using a bipod or rest