floating synthetic forend

[RobW.]

Hi fellow NEFers.  I'm a rookie here so be kind.   I have a new SS synthetic 223 and the forend is causing accuracy problems.  I've read all the FAQ's but I guess I'm thick headed and don't understand how to float the forend for best accuracy, shims, rubber orings, washers and such.  Anybody thats done it and can tell me how.  I'd like to drill out the screw hole and put something like pillar bedding in it, or at least put a washer in to butt the barrel stud onto, but am not sure if thats the way to go.  HELP! 

[quickdtoo]

Welcome! See synthetic forend floating in the FAQs. 

Tim

[grumps]

Welcome to the jungle where alot of good info is received and passed on.  I read all the FAQs too, hoping to figure out the problem and don't want to send it in for fixing and mines like brand new, just got it. This must be a common problem with synthetic forearms.  Mines causing problems too, so I want to know the best way to do this accuracy thing.  I'd also like to know whats going to shoot best in a 1 in 12 twist in bought not hand loaded ammo.  All I can find is 45 gr. bullets anywhere, when I can find them at all.

[jim36]

I have found that if I put a 1/4x20by1/4in set screw in the barrel/forearm lug [ found in faq's], then put 3, no. 83 o-rings on the bbl lug. [O-rings from Lowes Plbg Dept]. This amount of o=rings will fill the void in the forearm. Then when the forearm screw is tightened to the pre set screw, it gives a good free floated forearm, and the same torque on the forearm screw each time it is replaced. This works on two of the synthetics that I have. The majority of the Handies all  work with a little different tweaking. This method has worked for me and for the friends that I applied this to their rifles. It's worth a try.
                              Good shooting
                                                  Jim

[quickdtoo]

I'd also like to know whats going to shoot best in a 1 in 12 twist in bought not hand loaded ammo. 

Winchester white box 45gr JHP in the value pack from Walmart or where ever you can find them. 

Tim

[watkibe]

I have the 223 Superlight. I used the set screw in the mounting hole like Jim did, and I found a thick nylon washer with a 3/8" ID that fits perfectly around the mounting lug. It's about 1/8" or 3/16" thick. (I bought it at Ace, where they had it in a drawer labeled "thick nylon washers", haha !) I adjusted the set screw so that the mounting screw bottoms out about 1/4 turn after it snugs down. The forend is completely floated now. I haven't been able to shoot it yet, but with the forearm off, it shot nice 1" groups. With the forearm on, I would get 2 shots in an inch, with the third one always 1 1/2' to 2 1/2' away. I am optimistic and hopeful about how it will shoot now. If it doesn't work, no big deal, the set screw and washer come right back out.