Anything Wrong with this picture? RE: M40A1 Barrel

[dsgriffn]

Hi All,

I just received my TBA M40A1 (bought rifle from 2nd party). The rifle has only had 40 break in rounds per Chandler barrel break-in procedure, and is like new.

I just noticed something though that looks wrong and have a picture attached so that you can see what I am about to describe for yourself. I welcome informed opinions about whether this is a problem.

It appears if you look at the barrel from above, that there is unequal spacing where the barrel should be "free floating" between the barrel and the forestock. There is a larger gap on right than left and if looks like the barrel might vibrate and even make contact with the left side (see picture). Is something wrong, if yes what effect on accuracy and what should I do about it? I haven't shot the rifle (don't have a scope on it yet). DSGRIFFN@YAHOO.COM

Thanks,
Scott

[JY]

Hi Scott;

First try losening the action screws. Once loose retighten to 65 inch pounds..INCH POUNDS, NOT foot pounds. if this doesn't straighten it out check to see if the barrel actually pouches the stock by running a dollar bill down the barrel between stock. I f it binds you got a problem. To solve this wrap a dowel close to the contour of the barrel chanel in the stock with sand paper and sand until it appears thesame as the right side. Then spray paint with matching color to cover up and seal the work area.

If touching it will effect accuracy, this is usually a problem on a poorly bedded action. Off the shelf remington PSSs suffer from this all the time. good luck with your rifle.

Take care...Jim

[Bravo_One_Three]

Before you mess with that rifle, fire a few rounds through it to see how it shoots. If you are firing silver dollar sized groups at 200 yards, don't fuck with it.

If not, then you have probably already identified the problem. Make sure taht the barrel is mounted flush with the receiver. JY covered the rest is very good detail.

Note: If you don't think you can do the work that needs to be done, don't do it. Have a gunsmith do it. It will cost you, but not nearly as much as if you had to replace something that you bent/broke/lost or otherwise damaged.

Very nice rifle BTW.

[Slick0311]

We just got five of these rifles in and all are exactly the same as the above picture. We fired two so far and have not had any problems.

[EchoFiveMike]

Some of the issue M40A1's I have are off center and they shoot just fine. If it works don't mess with it. When you pull the action out of the stock after a couple hundred rounds look for shiny spots in the stock's barrel channel. It's where the barrel is rubbing. S/F...Ken M