Hey there slickest,
As I recall, one of the "things" about the Hawkeye, was the "new trigger".
As per floating the barrel, well --------------------------------
In the instruction manual shipped with my Hawkeye, it warns against making any changes to the barrel bedding.
So, that will be your call.
I however, desire the consistancy of a floated barrel and, knowing the factory would have something to say if mine was sent back for grouping issues, did it anyway.
Again, this is your call - kind of a pay your money and take your choice sort of thing.
My rifle has the synthic stock, which I like very well. But, is/was it ridged enough to assure there would be no shifting point of impact issues when hand or rest positions changed on the forend?
I doubt it.
I do know there was a GREAT!!!!!!!!! deal of upward barrel pressure between the barrel and stock as the rifle came from the factory.
I recall back to a son's heavy barrel 6mm and the really heavy wood stocks attached by Ruger in those days. One would think this stock, considering the amount of wood present, would have been quite ridged. NOT!
We went Rock Chuck hunting and Jeff had attached a Harris bi-pod to his rifle.
Well the short of it was, he missed - everything. We picked out a good surface a hundred yards or so out and put a couple rounds down range to check things out and what do you know, the rifle was shooting high.
Anyway the rifle shortly was floated and the action bedded and that was the last of those changing point of impact issues.
With your wood stock, I personally would float the barrel and do a glass bedding job, DOING THE BEDDING BEFORE THE BARREL IS FLOATED.
Remember, this is just IMHO.
Keep em coming!
CDOC
