S&W 1500

[bg7m]

Just picked up a used 1500 wood stock rifle. Disassembled it to clean it and see about a 1/4" section of the stock,at the tip of fore end, where it look like is made to contact the barrel. This goes against the idea of a free floating barrel.
Please set me straight on this.
thanks for any info.

 

[BigMuddy]

Not familiar with that rifle in particular, but many have a "pressure point" at the end of the stock. Some rifles shoot better with this light pressure applied to the barrel. The idea is that its easier to remove the pressure point than it is to add one.

Shoot the rifle and if it is accurate leave it alone. If not to the standards you would like then it is easy to remove and free float the barrel.

I have a Remington 700 that shot great with the contact in the stock. I later replaced the factory stock with a synthetic that is free floated and it shoots just as good. Not any better, but as good.

Dan

 

[LVSteve]

Just picked up a used 1500 wood stock rifle. Disassembled it to clean it and see about a 1/4" section of the stock,at the tip of fore end, where it look like is made to contact the barrel. This goes against the idea of a free floating barrel.
Please set me straight on this.
thanks for any info.

It all depends on works for that design of rifle.

As a milsurp guy I've seen it done both ways. SMLEs and No.4 Mk1 rifles all require some upwards pressure to be accurate. So do Swiss 1911s and K31s, and nobody has ever accused those of lacking accuracy.

Mosin-Nagant rifles with the original Russian barrels often benefit accuracy wise from have the barrel wrapped to ensure contact between the barrel, stock and handguard over the last 3-4" of stock. However, the Finnish M39 Mosin has a heavy barrel that is free floated inside the stock and handguard.

 

[smithman 10]

1500

Wouldn't mind seeing some more photos of that rifle if you have the time and the inclination to post some!

 

[oldman10mm]

I don't recall ever seeing a review or ad stating that it's free floated.

 

[bg7m]

Wouldn't mind seeing some more photos of that rifle if you have the time and the inclination to post some!

More photos

 

[Fishinfool]

OP- Nice rifle. They were based on the Howa action also used in some other rifles like the Weatherby Vanguard series. A well regarded action.

There was a re-call recently, and you might want to check yours to see if it is included.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...tr.com/Howa/&usg=AOvVaw3lB-DKxZgMm45sWcNFX2dE

I agree with the other posters, often times a light barreled sporter shoots better with a little upwards forend pressure.

Larry

 

[Troystat]

I have one in 30-06, shoots well. Definitely check out about the bolt recall. If it is one of the ones Howa should fix it for free. Using instructions from a Vangard I was able to lower the trigger pull on mine to about 3.5 pounds. Good luck with yours.

 

[mauser9]

That is a beautiful rifle. Nice wood and bluing. Heard they were made by Howa. Looks like a rifle one can be proud to own.

 

[fyimo]

I gave my son a S&W Model 1500 in 270 Win for his Birthday 30 years ago and he has killed a lot of Game with it. It is very accurate and it is his favorite rifle and the Howa barreled action is excellent.

 

[MJK-MOD-547]

It all depends on works for that design of rifle.

As a milsurp guy I've seen it done both ways. SMLEs and No.4 Mk1 rifles all require some upwards pressure to be accurate. So do Swiss 1911s and K31s, and nobody has ever accused those of lacking accuracy.

Mosin-Nagant rifles with the original Russian barrels often benefit accuracy wise from have the barrel wrapped to ensure contact between the barrel, stock and handguard over the last 3-4" of stock. However, the Finnish M39 Mosin has a heavy barrel that is free floated inside the stock and handguard.

Check out this youtube video, it may answer your question.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iofUTogn3L0[/ame]