The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Free floated barrels and modern production

jmr40 · November 5, 2012, 04:15 PM

It is extremely rare for a sporter weight or heavier barrel to shoot worse when free floated. They might not shoot better, but rarely worse. As others have said, thin barrels are a bit different. All of the Remington MT rifles I've owned shot much better with some pressure, the Winchester FWT's shot better floated.

Some gunsmiths full length bed the entire length of the barrel. If done right it works as well as free floating, but it is much easier, and cheaper to free float. The key is consistency and there is more than one way to get it.

November 5, 2012, 04:15 PM	#5
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	It is extremely rare for a sporter weight or heavier barrel to shoot worse when free floated. They might not shoot better, but rarely worse. As others have said, thin barrels are a bit different. All of the Remington MT rifles I've owned shot much better with some pressure, the Winchester FWT's shot better floated. Some gunsmiths full length bed the entire length of the barrel. If done right it works as well as free floating, but it is much easier, and cheaper to free float. The key is consistency and there is more than one way to get it.