Well I still have yet to fire mine after numerous take downs and cleaning at operator level. The front(upper) stock band I tightened to the limit without that rivet-like set up coming apart. Now the barrel still has a slight wobble to it at the front.
How does this affect accuracy (I assume its detrimental) Anything clever to be done about this? Perhaps a shim or a stronger version of front band bolt?
Yes Mosin is addictive, I am already eyeing an M44 carbine. Firing them is only part of the fun and not until Im 100% certain its ready to go.
The barrel won't wobble, the guard will. Try resting the weapon on the rear of the handguard while firing until you fix it. I would shim it underneath.
__________________ I keep tellin ya Doc, I'm in pretty good shape considerin the shape I'm in !!
thanks for the posts, all thats happening is the front of the barrel "wiggles" slightly and front band is at its limit. I will fire it resting on bipod or palm as suggested then install a shim. Cant lose
The longer barrel on the '91s are a bit skinnier and "whippier" than the shorter models so they will possibly move a bit. The hanguard is only there to prevent soldiers from being burned after sustained firing, it does absolutely nothing to stabilize the barrel and would actually be detrimental to accuracy if it was tight around the barrel.
Ok I get it translation: fire the darn thing already and see how it behaves. Good tips I will watch that band is not overly tight. Rifle season opens mid November, I plan to hang out in a blind with it and let beautiful days pass.
FWIW, if you get shot "stringing" in one general direction as the barrel heats up, pull the action out of the stock and look for shiny spots in the barrel channel. If you find these spots, see if you can loosen the action screws and center the barrel and retighten the screws. If not, try removing enough material to give 1\32"-1\16" all the way down the channel. This should stop the shot stringing and will generally make the gun more accurate as well.
