I understand the physics about why a free floating barrel is preferred to one that is not, with regards to accuracy, such as the forend of the stock touching the barrel, setting the barrel on a hard surface while firing, or even sling pressure. I know that 10/22's produce more accurate groups without the front band clamping the stock to the barrel.
However, I have a couple of questions regarding sling pressure affecting accuracy.
1.) Are M1's and M1A's affected by sling pressure with regards to our 4MOA requirement at appleseeds?
2.) I'm building a couple of FALs as my MBR's and abrubtly noticed that the sling mount is attached to the barrel and almost all free floating handguard setups for the FAL aren't "truely" free floats.
How much of an effect will this have, or is this something I shouldn't worry about?
Is there any way to negate or compensate for sling pressure such as this?
While I don't normally shoot a FAL I have one I've shot a (little) bit.
In my opinion many of the absolutes quoted on line about fire arms are not absolute (that's the best way of saying that here - means without using poor form to express my real opinion).
You want to strive for consistency. Meaning the amount of sling tension you put on the front swivel should be as close to the same (amount and direction) as possible for every shot. Be sure to mark your sling once you have it adjusted correctly so you can go back to that same setting every time when adjusting between standing, sitting and prone. A black sharpie line across the sling at each position or even an initial "s" for standing, nothing for sitting and "p" for prone at the corresponding line so you can repeat the sling tension you put on the barrel.
You also don't need to have the sling so tight your arm goes numb. Firm consistent sling pressure should produce repeatable results (group size and location wise) even with your FAL.
You say the forward sling attachment is on the barrel, or it affects the barrel? On mine the front sling swivel is the screw/bolt that passes between the barrel and the gas tube and clamps the two halves of the handguard together. So yes, it does pull on the barrel somewhat. One of the things I like about that FAL (besides all the other things that most people will tell you are negatives about the rifle) is it's accuracy. It's also not heavy, it has a nice trigger and is comfortable to shoot (unless you beside or in front of it).
Along the lines of the "absolutes" thing, the one you mentioned above about 10/22's - mine had the barrel band and it shoots great, I mean great! Some may not but too often folks have an issue and tend to believe that what they surmised was the cause is then true for all things similar to that situation.
Appleseed - kee and open mind, listen, try it out, learn as you go, choose what works best for you and your rifle, grow your skills, spread it to others.
Thanks for the instruction...
Sorry about coming off with regards to absolutes. At this point in my shooting, any discrepancy in groups is my lack of skill, not my 10/22's or a an eventual FAL sling.
My slings are black. I guess a strip of different colored tape for each position would work.
thanks again,
mw
Having shot the FAL a bunch and there are a couple of guys here that shoot them a bunch as well. Using a sling will not keep you out of the 4 moa/Rifleman arena. As a matter of fact, I have not noticed any adverse effect from using a sling on the FAL, with the standard sling mount on the barrel. While there may be some effect, I have not been able to notice it, nor the other shooters.
Something I did do, is remove the bipod, then move the sling adapter back to the "notch" on the barrel for the bipod. This just takes a little bit of the leverage out of the sling, on the barrel. Not sure it is needed, but it can't hurt either.
There are a few tricks in "improving" the FAL for long range, iron sight shooting, that I have learned. If you are interested, I will post them up. Let me know.
BTW, when you get a chance, put your State in your profile, so we will know where you are. It will help the Regional Coordinators, as well as help us put you to work ;)
Quote from: well done on December 03, 2007, 11:58:16 AM
I know that 10/22's produce more accurate groups without the front band clamping the stock to the barrel.
Not necessarily true. You have to test YOUR gun with several different kinds of ammo to see what it likes.
One of my 10/22s shot slightly better with the band off, the other shot a lot
worse. I've seen others shoot lots better without it.
Every gun and ammo combination truly is a law unto itself.
Quote from: funfaler on December 03, 2007, 02:01:44 PM
BTW, when you get a chance, put your State in your profile, so we will know where you are. It will help the Regional Coordinators, as well as help us put you to work ;)
done...
Snake45, you are absolutely correct, I should amend my statement to read that "some" 10/22 show better accuracy when the barrel band is removed.
and the ones that dont probably need to have the action bedded.
As far as the floated tube on FAL's I have one and have mounted the sling swivel on the tube, mine was built that way so haven't ever shoot it with out being that way. The tube goes on the barrel right at the receiver so not really full floated, with the other improvements on mine ( stock ,pistol grip, top cover) it weighs in at just over 10 1/2 pounds!! If I was going to build another I would stick as close to factory as possible with a good after market grip and the bolt handle modified to be able to manually chamber a round if needed.
Drop me a line and I would be happy to let you shoot mine in the dressed sate to see how it fits you.