New 357 barrel question

[rc51kid]

I just got my 357 barrel in the mail today from H&R.  I went to mount it on my frame I sent them and it installs ok in the frame.  But when I go to put the forearm on it wont fit.  It looks like the contour of the 357 is bigger than the sporter 308 barrel.  So it wont fit the barrel channel in the forearm.  What kind of forearm do I need?

[myarmor]

Do you mean the forearm huggs one barrel tighter than another? By touching the bottom and the sides of the barrel do not touch the forearm?
If so, these are most easy to float. And as long as the lock up is tight, and no side to side play, then it shouldn't be a huge problem. Given the barrel contours differ so much, it's going to happen. But it's easy to work with as long as fit is proper.


- Aaron

[lik2hunt]

Put it all together and shoot it a few times...........it'll loosen up.

[carp]

I sent my forearm in with the reciever. I guess they make sure they fit when they fit the barrel to the reciever?

[old geezer]

That's something I've been wondering about myself.  I sent my granddaughter's ulta light youth model in to have 357 barrell fit also.  I was wondering how or if they adress the issue of the diferent diameter barrels.  Guess I'll know eventually.  They've had it six weeks yesterday, but last time I checked, won't have it back until after the first of the year.

RC, when did you send your's in?

[Don_K]

Carp/ Old Geezer,
My rifle is a superlite .243. The 357mag barrel I just had fitted is a bit larger at the forearm area. They did not modify the forearm on my rifle. It is synthetic so it is flexible. I don't know if the superlite forearm is specific to that model, as there was a little space between the forearm and the barrel on the original lite profile barrel.  The forearm fit a little tight on the 357 barrel, so when I tighten the screw I put my hand around the barrel and forearm and pull the parts together. This takes very little pressure as the interference is not that great. I just didn't want to use the screw to draw it down.  I have decided not to clearance the forearm to the 357 barrel until I see how it shoots. So far it seems to be ok, but I have (had) a front sight problem so I didn't get much range time.
(See "357 low POI" post if interested.)
Hope this helps, Don

[old geezer]

Thanks for the reply Don.  That is reassuring.  And yes, have been following the other thread very closely.  The rifle I sent in is for my 10 yr old granddaughter, and she says she wants a scope.  She likes the peep I have on my Marlin 357, so we'll see when it gets here, if it ever does.

[rc51kid]

Just to give you guys an update.  I sanded the forearm and opened up the channel.  The barrel now fits but I might have to sand it more in the future if I want it to be free floating.   
I will tell you guys a little about the barrel.  It looks like it is an extractor rather than an ejector.  The 308 barrel I just got back looks the same.  Also the sights look very nice, even though I will be using a scope.  They are a standard metal blade front and a Williams rear with both windage and elevation on the rear.  I am really thinking about trimming the barrel down to 16-18 inches to make a nice brush gun.  I figure it would be a nice compliment to the 308 barrel  just got.