Barrel binding - Synthetic Stock

[brett1868]

Noticed on the little Howa Mini Action .223 this evening that the barrel is rubbing against the synthetic stock. If it was timber I'd remove some material with the Dremel / File or sandpaper, just enough so as a piece of paper can slide unhindered down to the chamber. Being a plastic stock I'm hesitent to use the same methods unless others can confirm I'm not likely to stuff it up. It's a hard type plastic, I was thinking to remove the stock and see if I can gently bend it but think that won't work and I need to remove some material.
Anyone have experience working with synthetic stocks? Any hints or tips much appreciated.
I'll get some pictures up this afternoon showing the materiel and where it's touching.

Many Thanks
Brett

[sandgroperbill]

Hmmm... Perhaps get some pipe with a slightly larger radius than the barrel, insert it and then gently heat with a hairdryer for a while?

I haven't done this myself, but by my thinking it should work and be a gentle solution?

[Gwion]

Having mucked around with Howa Hogue stocks, they will show up rough when you take abrasives to them. I have also used heat, as suggested by SG. It will take considerably more than a hair drier and it is difficult to get a smooth, neat finish.

I would personally be more concerned with good performance than aesthetics, but my rifles are butt ugly anyway! I'd be taking an absolute minimum off with a Very Sharp blade, such as a chisel or gouge. It will leave a nice neat, smooth finish if it is VERY sharp and you are careful. I'd also bed it but you probably don't need to.

[<<Genesis93>>]

if its a thermoplastic (possibly PE) you can 'adjust' with heat, but it will probably be visually evident, ie. you'll notice... I'd take some material out, which is what I've done previously with a v.sharp tool as Gwion suggests..

Be generous with the gap, the barrel will oscillate, and depending on the stiffness, your grip may cause the gap to close, especially with a heavy hitter like the 223

[Seconds]

If it was timber I'd remove some material with the Dremel / File or sandpaper, just enough so as a piece of paper can slide unhindered down to the chamber. Being a plastic stock I'm hesitent to use the same methods unless others can confirm I'm not likely to stuff it up. It's a hard type plastic, I was thinking to remove the stock and see if I can gently bend it but think that won't work and I need to remove some material.

We did the usual trick of a bit of sand paper and timber dowel on a mates Ruger synthetic and it was fine.

Didn't end up with the same pressed shiny finish like a fresh cast one if you know what I mean, but it was perfectly serviceable.

This was in taking about 3/4 mm out.

[Oldbloke]

I assume you have checked that there is nothing closer to the action kicking it out of alignment, left or right?

[brett1868]

I assume you have checked that there is nothing closer to the action kicking it out of alignment, left or right?

Good point...I tried loosening the 2 screws that hold the action to see if I could move the stock around to free up the barrel but no joy. I'm getting flogged with work this week so I'll get to work on the stock hopefully this weekend along with a big pile of brass that needs loading.

[Oldbloke]

It would only take a tiny "bur"

[<<Genesis93>>]

No time for a bur Oldbloke, not even a tiny one.... he's getting flogged!...

You do mean Brett, by a woman in leather and a mask, right?

[Oldbloke]

"You do mean Brett, by a woman in leather and a mask, "
Its the clown makeup,, he needs to be a little more professional. And a new hair dresser. Green does not suit his complexion.

Actually, just give me the crappy Howa and buy a Marlin X7 http://www.gunemporium.com.au/Marlin-X7-Rifle.html

[brett1868]

Funny enough after the earlier post I thought bugger it and headed into the workshop for some man therapy I used some very thin paper tape on the barrel and stock, coloured the barrel tape in with a black marker and refitted the action to the stock. A little pressure here and there and after removing the action I can now see exactly where contact is being made. Thankfully it's below the edge of the stock so I can massage the high spot with the Dremel and not worry about having any marks visible.

For the record, I'm the one wearing the mask when the wife's flogging me
I appreciate the offer Oldbloke but I'll hang on to the heavy hitting Howa a bit longer

[BBJ]

No time for a bur Oldbloke, not even a tiny one.... he's getting flogged!...

You do mean Brett, by a woman in leather and a mask, right?

That's why he married her

[<<Genesis93>>]

OK, so you're wearing the mask Brett

[Oldbloke]

Lucky devil

[<<Genesis93>>]

Lucky devil

Maybe they take bookings

[Oldbloke]

Ill pay to watch.

[Xerox]

Ok then... Backing slowly out of the topic now....

[brett1868]

Problem found, Solution identified and fix implemented

High Spot that was rubbing on barrel

IMG_2081.JPG (167.76 KiB) Viewed 5663 times

A few passes to remove a little materiel and problem solved.

IMG_2083.JPG (112.84 KiB) Viewed 5663 times

Sheet metal deburing tool = Perfect for this job

IMG_2086.JPG (192.18 KiB) Viewed 5663 times

Disclaimer....No Gimp mask was worn or injured performing this work

[Gwion]

Nice work! Isn't it nice when there's an easy fix!?!

[brett1868]

I was expecting the worse so to get it sorted in less then 15 mins was great. I doubt it'll group any better just from this as the groups are .5 MOA or less anyway but at least a small step towards consistency.

[<<Genesis93>>]

[[[[admin; we need a facepalm emoticon..... until then please take this *%* to represent a facepalm......]]]]






So Brett......

apart from the disappointment in Oldbloke with the lack of photos of you, as the gimp, working your rifle stock while the missers whipppppps your bare buttocks....

You fixed the stock, because it was rubbing... on your 0.5MoA factory Howie...*%*.

I'll put $5 on it no longer shooting half a minute.....

Dont despair Brettster, in the off chance that I'll lose, I'll still buy you a beer next time you're in Melbourne

[Oldbloke]

"Apart from the disappointment in Oldbloke with the lack of photos of you, as the gimp, working your rifle stock while the missers whipppppps your bare buttocks...."

Ps glad to hear you fixed it.

[Wes]

Sheet metal deburing tool... How's that work, like a potato peeler for metal edges?

[<<Genesis93>>]

[[ I think I've upset Brett ]]

[Seik]

Be careful doing that.

Some of his toys have a long reach