Volquartsen TF-17 22 Magnum: Floated Barrel?

[Elite_KG]

Kinda new to the rimfire section. I have owned several 10/22 in standard configurations, but I picked up a Volquartsen TF-17 in 22 magnum recently. I always wanted a 22 mag, but had decreased my interest since the release of the 17 HMR. So I came across a smokin' deal on this rifle and bought it.

After reading up and further inspection I noticed the barrel was contacting the stock right at the end of the fore-end. I have searched extensively to see of the barrel is intended to be floated in its factory configuration. I cannot find any definite answer.

I was hoping someone here owns or has owned a Volquartsen TF-17 or the former TF-22 and can comment on whether th barrel is supposed to be free floating.

I bought this as it was a good deal and don't have it outfitted with a on optic yet; so have not shot it. Previous owner did show targets less than MOA from this rifle.

Any information will be helpful. I sure I can resolve the issue myself, if there is indeed a issue, but would need to know if is floated or intended to have a pressure point.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Elite_KG]

Well, I was hoping someone would come around and chime in, but I guess not too many of these out there or people out shooting rather than on the web.

At any rate as a tinkerer, I couldn't wait. It was killing me that the barrel was slightly off center and touching the stock. After pulling it down, I noticed an area in the stock wasn't milled all the way down. I removed that and it got better, but not right. After some careful sanding, inspection, sanding and checking I was able to get it straight and floated.

One thing, there is no pillar in the wood stock. It has a brass partial sleeve to the take down screw, but it doesn't extend through the stock to the action. Quick trip to the plumbing department in the hardware store yielded a brass 3/8 nipple. Perfect diameter. Cut to length, drilled out the stock and epoxied in place. Now I can torque without fear of crush the stock and it ensures the action stays in the same spot.

All in all it should be an improvement...we'll see.

 

[Elite_KG]

TF-17 must not be too popular with the hide members....

 

[beb0541]

Volquartsen makes great products just very pricey.