browning B78 fore end--

[jrhilde]

First of all, Hello to all of you, I'm new to this forum, but really like the format--I've just picked up a new Browning B78 in 30-06, the wood is fantastic, fit and finish are what I expect from Browning and I'll keep it until i die, but I do have one small problem--these have free-floating barrels and the fore end is mounted just off enough to touch the left side of the barrel so I can't do my slide the dollar bill under the barrel all the way to the receiver trick unless I gently push the fore end to the right--no real pressure, just barely touches--live with it? remove the fore end and just lightly sand off some wood and refinish the inside of the barrel channel? This would be the easiest fix and the best suggestion--am I just being too picky? I was hoping for a way to correct it without one side appearing thinner than the other from the top, I just feel that an expensive rifle should have the same gap on each side of the barrel, barrel should be centered in the barrel channel--suggestions?--John

 

[Ideal Tool]

Hello, jrhilde. This is the same thing that turned me off on the Browning single shot..you could shove that barrel around with thumb pressure. I guess I am a bit biased because I started off with original Winchester 1885 High-Walls & low-Walls & Winchester didn't feel the need for a mile wide gap in there. At any rate, I would try shooting it first to see if it is something that would hurt accuracy.

 

[mete]

Shoot it first ! My 45-70 1885 Browning forend was loose when I got it .Actually the face of the receiver had inspection numbers stamped on the front of it, preventing the hanger from seating properly.I filed the receiver smooth then the hanger fit tight .
Problems ? I can't seem to get loads that DON"T give me 1" or better groups !! I'm keeping it.