About free floating barrels

[tonaka]

I noticed that some PCPs, like FX rifles, have free floating barrels. I just wonder is this design realy strong enough for a barrel not to be accidentally bent? I am still contemplating on what PCP to buy and I lean towards FX a lot, but when I look at these barrels that supported only at one point I start to doubt a lot about the strength of this design. Most likely I am wrong about these fears.
But please help me out with some of your rich experiences.
Thank you for reading this.
Tom

[ribbonstone]

IF the barrel is strongly attached to the receiver and the receiver strongly attached to the rest of the rifle,  free floating is a good way towards accuracy.  It isolates the barrel from gas tube expansion/contraction issues, lets it vibrate  more freely. Free floating puts more streess/strain on the action, so it better have a strong attachment to both the barrel and to the gas tube.

 Like you suspect, it's not the best system for abuse...but none of the other systems is all that much better.    Once you bump a barrel hard enough to wonder about it still being sighted in, take a couple of sighting shots (even a knothole on a tree turnk will do)....might spoil a shot or two at game from noise, but the peace of mind of knowing the pellet is going where you expect it is worth that much at least.

[Timmyj1959@yahoo.com]

Free floating brls. rule!! Tim.

[PeakChick]

BSA thinks enough of free floating a barrel that everyone of their current PCP rifles has that design. I suppose the the potential for an accident does exist, as I recall, the older Falcon rifles were known to be a bit fragile. I have bumped the barrel on both my QB rifles and had to readjust the barrel.

[tonaka]

Thank you very much guys. That helps alot.

[gamo2hammerli]

I was wondering about that too. The BSA Scorpion T10 that I got from airgun/cuz have a floating barrel. As PeakChick said...most/all of the BSA PCP rifles have free-floating barrels. I think the FX brand might have a collar that you can purchase separately to lock down the barrel onto the air cylinder (Don't know if I'm using the correct terms....). I too feel abit nervous about bumping the free-floating barrel....

A thought on free floated barrels........

We think nothing of grabbing a handful of "break barrel" and wrenching on it to cock it right?

Comments?.......

GS

[johncedarhill]

Seems like part of the reason for barrel shrouds is protection for the barrel.

[PolarWolf]

The barrels aren't the weak spot, it's the breech they're fitted in which might sustain damage when a freefloated barrel is knocked, or the screws they're fitted with. Usually a PCP barrel is set in a (usually aluminium) breech by means of some set screws, and not as with a springer shrink fitted into a block of steel.

Treat your PCP floating barrels with care.

Actually, treat all your rifles with care!

PolarWolf - 8/22/2008 5:09 AM The barrels aren't the weak spot, it's the breech they're fitted in which might sustain damage when a freefloated barrel is knocked, or the screws they're fitted with. Usually a PCP barrel is set in a (usually aluminium) breech by means of some set screws, and not as with a springer shrink fitted into a block of steel. Treat your PCP floating barrels with care. Actually, treat all your rifles with care!

Too true....

Both mine have sustantial mounting systems though. With the Steyr, the whole Alu frame supports the barrel and its not really free floating at all. With the Evanix it has a barrel band connecting it to the cylinder. Even then there is a weak point where the cylinder joins the action and an overtightened stock screw can bend it in the middle like a banana, also bending the barrel. Easy fix though.

Most free floating barrels I have seen have been substantial affairs, with a good three or more inches of barrel inserted into the action before the grubscrews come into play.

Interesting subject, though not really a problem for me.

cheers

GS

[johncedarhill]

The barrel is pressed into the breech block and if you look at the rifle from the side you will see a gap between the barrel, air tube and stock. THe barrel "floats" since it does not contact the stock or air tube.

[tinbender]

From my powder burning days it seems things should be rigidly attached or not touching at all. Some folks on the crosman site have been experimenting with barrel bands turned to accept O rings in the ID. The idea I gather is to both support the barrel and allow the disparity in expansion between warmer barrel and cooler CO2 tube and perhaps to a lesser degree a PCP tube. Haven't kept up with progress, and even though the fitting goes against my first statement that does not mean there is no merit in the idea.

Dave

[zgaja]

Few days ago i order FX Cyclone and i have same problem about free floating barrels because i will use to hunt and i have same fear,will i bend barrel with minore kick. .And i find resolution, barrel suport and order it with rifle.