Finnish M39---barrel bands tight or loose?

[Mustang51]

I'm bringing an M39 to the match this weekend and wondered if any M39 shooters want to chime in with whether they shoot theirs with the barrel bands tight or loose. If tight, how tight?

Thanks

 

[caribou]

Start your bands snug as your comfortable with, shoot a couple groups, look for obviouse accuray problems or blessings, loosen and see if it gets better or worse.

The rear band should snug enough not to move with the sling in use, the front is a bit of a muzzel vibration dampening device, like the 'Tuner" type barrel stiffeners you can add to an AR or other rifles. It puts the muzzel end under a bit of firmness that keeps barrel vibrations from wagging the muzzel, or so in theory.

 

[mookiie]

I believe they should be snug as most m39 I have seen usually have corked barrels. Check under your hand guards and see. I have not had a chance to get my M39 to the range yet, but I have shot one of a friends at the range.

 

[bluekouki86]

Correct me if I am wrong, but it shouldn't matter because m39 barrels free float.

 

[ball3006]

Mine are tight and the rifle will shoot sub minute groups with Privi ammo if I do my part. The scout scope mount is even held firm with a hose clamp. Of course all depends on what YOUR rifle does....chris3

 

[Mustang51]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

bluekouki...I'm not sure about that...I know the 28/30 came with a barrel collar much like the 1911 Swiss rifles to prevent the stock and handguard from pinching the barrel. The M39 does not have that collar

 

[meanmrmustard]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

bluekouki...I'm not sure about that...I know the 28/30 came with a barrel collar much like the 1911 Swiss rifles to prevent the stock and handguard from pinching the barrel. The M39 does not have that collar

Eeeehhhh...sorta kinda.

Except my M28, and others of those to whom I've spoken, have upper handguards that don't even stay still.

...and they shoot VERY well indeed. My K31 is solid, and does indeed pinch. It, too, is very accurate. Go figure.

 

[unknwn]

It took very little effort for me to shim my stock and handguard using some card stock so that I could tighten the muzzle end clamp. A minor amount of scraping to provide entire clearance for the barrel and I have a completely free floating barrel.
The POA/POI accuracy is astonishing for a rifle that has as much evidence of battle use as my hex-reciever SKY.