Free floating the barrels of newer rifles?

[cal sibley]

I guess I'm kind of snakebit.  I don't find the accuracy on most new rifles
all that good.  My last three rifles, all Remingtons, have been glass bedded, barrel floated and trigger lightened even before being fired.  Two of the three rifles in question had forend pressure pads out toward the end of the stock tip.  My gunsmith recommends taking them out and free floating the barrel all the way out.  The rifles shoot ok, all slightly less than 1." (5 at 100yds.) after being worked on.  Am I just wasting money here?  I've always free floated my barrels, glass bedded the actions and been quite satisfied.  I don't want to throw my money away though.  What do you think?  Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[Dave in WV]

If you're pleased with the results you didn't throw your money away. If in doubt try just the trigger job and seal the barrel channel and inleted part of the stock.

[gunnut69]

As a rule I try NOT to fix things that aren't broken and unless you've fired the rifle, you really didn't know..  I usually adjust triggers to a standard before accuracy work, but don't as a matter of course alter bedding!  Rifles(with sporter weight barrels) bedded with pressure on the forearm often shoot better groups than free floated barrels..  Free floatings biggest advantage is that theres less change over time, as the wood absorbs and releases moisture..  Of course 1 inch groups with what is essencially a factory sporter is not to be sneezed at.  Did you waste money?  No one can know but at least the groups are OK.  Next time adjust the trigger and seal the inletting with polyurethane then shoot it a while before deciding..