forearm question

[bobg]

     I have an H&R 17 HMR. The forearm was very tight. I put an o ring in and it didn't help. Put in another one. Now there is a big space at the front but still tight at the back. I can't get it through my head what the flat cross pieces in there are for. Sure don't think i want to sand on them. Any suggestions on what to do next? Or do i just shoot it? Thank for any advice.
             bobg

[mechanic]

Is the rifle not shooting well?  If it shoots well don't do anything.  If not, try shooting with the forearm off.  If you have a problem and this corrects it, you can carefully sand on the forearm contact points to relieve pressure.  It would seem you have a synthetic from your posts.  (There are basic instructions in the FAQ's at the top of this forum on how to do this.)

Ben

[bobg]

  Yes it is the synthetic. The rifle has never been fired. Looks like i should shoot it before i do anything to it. I will check out the FAQ's.   Again.

[montveil]

If you choose to sand the inside of the forearm stock, I found that a broom handle, pvc pipe or dowel the same size or a little larger than the barrel diameter wrapped with 60 grit sandpaper works well, followed by 180 to smooth out the roughness.
The dowel bridges the low areas while hitting the high spots and simulates the  barrel.
Check the stickies for other methods of adding spacers, washers, set screws etc.
ALSO,as suggested, shoot it first.

[gcrank1]

The O-ring under the forearm on the mounting stud doesnt change the spacer to frame tension, just effectively free floats the barrel.
If it is really stiff, try a little silicone spray or such at that spacer/frame contact and reinstall. It should work a lot smoother.

[montveil]

I have several Handies and my favorite spacer  (found in the stickies) is the set screw in the barrel forearm lug. It is a positive fastening AND when you remove the forearm and re-attach it the tightening torque will be the same as the forearm screw is stopped by the set screw.