[Bravo]

Heya guys,

I purchased a 1903 mutt with a sport stock last year, and while I'm not expecting it to be a tack driver, I would like it to shoot as accurately as it can.

I have little to zero experience or knowledge on where the barrel should sit in relation to the stock. I've read in the past that it should sort of "float", and that you should be able to slide a dollar bill down the barrel between the stock.

Currently, there is absolutely zero space between the barrel and stock, all the way down. Is it supposed to be really snug against it, or should I be able to slide paper in between?

Is there anything I could do, and would anything really improve the accuracy of the rifle?

Thanks for the info guys/gals

[toolman]

If you don't have any gunsmithing experience, you might want to take it to a 'smith and have it free-floated and glass-bedded. You can do it yourself but it is a bit labor-intensive. Do a Google or Yahoo search for glass-bedding and free-floating rifle barrels. Also take a good look at the muzzle and make sure there is no damage to the crown or rifling. Another option on the free-floating is to fabricate a shim to fit between the action and stock to raise it out of the stock channel a bit and then relieve the handguard to compensate for the difference.

[Bravo]

Thanks for the advice. Like I said, the gun is made from a lot of different manufacturers. I think the barrel is Remington, the bolt is Springfield, the receiver is Rock Island, and the stock is custom. All of these parts are in really good condition though. The only reason I bought the gun is because;

1. It had a $299 price tag on it.

2. The dealer offered me a good deal on my Winchester M70...which was a junker.

I will probably take it to the dealer that I bought it from, since he is a certified gunsmith. glass-bedding might be nice, but I have a feeling that the gun won't shoot up to it. Raising the action off of the stock with a shim may be a good solution though.

[rfc357]

If it shoots well, don't mess with it. Some rifles shoot better with the barrel floated, on some it does not matter. Make sure the guard screws are tight, and shoot it.

Most Springfield military barrels are capable of 1.5" - 2" groups at 100 yards with good ammunition. That is, if the shooter is capable.

Anyone who is the least bit capable can glass-bed a Springfield. I have done several. Most improved, none got worse. Follow the directions to the letter, or you will need a chain saw to disassemble the rifle! Use lots of release agent. I recommend three applications.