Author Topic: floating a barrel with washers (Read 892 times)

Myerslake2005 · « **on:** October 04, 2005, 02:04:40 AM »

I'm looking to improve the accuracy of my Encore and have read in the forum of putting stainless washers between the barrel and the forearm. How many washers are you talking and do I need to replace the forearm bolt with a longer one? If so what size?

Thanks, Brent

KYODE · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2005, 03:16:56 AM »

two small stainless washers that closely fits the screw size, at each attachment point between barrel n forearm will likely do it. a washer that small shouldn't be thick enuff to require screws of extra length.
if needed to get extra clearance on the sides, you can sand out the barrel channel to widen it. a deep well socket wrapped with sand paper works ok.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 04, 2005, 03:23:24 AM »

I use 2 thin washers about 1/16 inch thick.

Oldsnow · « **Reply #3 on:** October 04, 2005, 02:38:31 PM »

I have floated the barrels on my Encore and Contender, this is what I did.
I put 2 peace's of masking tape around the barrel at the rear end of the fore, and 2 peace's at the front end of the fore arm and 2 peace's on ether side of the frame at the hinge pin. Doing the tape thing keeps the fore arm from touching the barrel and frame. Now put a thin sheet of modeling clay over the holes in your barrel lugs and make it flush with the lugs. Now coat you screw and the barrel lugs and a small area around the lugs with release agent. Mix a small amount of glass beading and put it in the holes of the fore arm, Put the forearm on the barrel and the screw back in and let it dry. You can use more tape if you like.

Randy M · « **Reply #4 on:** October 05, 2005, 03:57:05 AM »

I use two home-made leather washers/o-rings. Works great for me.

Randy

BeverlyHillbilly · « **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2005, 05:04:38 AM »

I have done several things including faucet washers, SS washers, electrical tape, glass and pillar bedding, hanger bars, and foil tape. I have had the best luck with the bedding and hanger bars, but either the barrel/forearm has to be setup for them (hanger bars), or can be a mess and may only work with the barrel (glass bedding). Pachmayr has a hanger bar type method that works with their forearm on Contender pistols. I use this on my Super 14 barrels and works well. If you are using Encore rifle barrels, Stratton Custom has hanger bars made for factory contour barrels. They can also inlet a factory forearm to accept them. I have a few factory forearms that I have bedded for the 24" and 26" factory Encore rifle barrel contours. I also plan on doing the same for the new G2 barrels when I get a chance.

On barrels without a hanger bar or bedding, I have been having the best luck with the foil tape (the same as used for duct work). I put it at both forend screw holes, and stack it thick enough for good clearance but enough for the screws to get a good bite. I use strips about ~5/8" wide at each location, and stick them on the forend. I also have the strip go far enough in the forearm channel so that the barrel won't slip left to right. Electrical tape and bedding tape work about the same way as the foil tape. I have just found a preference for the foil tape over electrical lately.

On Contender barrels, a SS washer works well due to the way the dovetails contact the forearm. Just be sure to pick one that will provide proper clearance, not wiggle too much, and still allow good screw contact with the dovetails.