How tight should barrel fit?

[FRJ]

I'm inletting my barrel into the stock on my Hawken build and am wondering just how tight it should fit? I live in the Pacific NW and the moisture content of the air is preety high this time of the year thru June or July. So should it be a press fit or just drop in or what? Thank You, Frank

[Dphariss]

A tight fit on a thin forend can result in a "stuck" barrel with the risk of  breaking the forend when removal is attempted. The fit should look good but it need not be a press fit.

It the barrel fits tight then simply draw file the side flats a little more and polish till the barrel will easily come from the stock. Then seal the barrel channel as part of the wood finish and wipe it dry after some time to let the sealer soak in. Wiping dry prevents a build up that will alter the fit.
Dan

[Bentflint]

My test is, with the barrel and tang inlet all the way. The barrel should fall out if you hold the gun upside down. Lay it on the bench and pick the stock up, the barrel should stay on the bench.

After the barrel is inlet I file a slight draft on the lower 1/2 of the side flats. It don't take much and I don't file under the lock. I also file the sharp edge off the bottom of those flats so after finial finishing is done I won't shave wood off the channel when the barrel goes in.

I want the barrel to seat on the bottom 3 flats and just touch the sides or at least be real close.

Right or wrong, that's how I do it.

Bruce

[FRJ]

Gentlemen, thank you for the input!! I'm going at it  very slowly. It's real easy to take wood and metal off real hard to put it back on!!!! Frank

[Glenn]

My test is, with the barrel and tang inlet all the way. The barrel should fall out if you hold the gun upside down. Lay it on the bench and pick the stock up, the barrel should stay on the bench.

Makes good sense to me.  Allowing for at least little wood expansion, if nothing else.

[Jerry V Lape]

I was told by a really top end maker to make my final inlet of the barrel with a layer of Scotch tape on the side flats. That will provide adequate clearance for barrel removal without becoming too large  gap.   Had trouble doing work that fine until I made up a little rectangular scraper 1/2"x2 1/4" which with patience and nice sharp corners lets me take very thin shavings off the sides and lower flats.