Synthetic stocks and bipods

[Flynt]

I have read a lot about the soft synthetic stocks touching the barrel when a bipod is attached. I recently picked up a Remington 700 SPS, which has a "Tupperware" stock and 16" bull barrel. The barrel was just barely freefloated, an I've opened up the fore end a little. Sure enough, the barrel almost hits the stock when I add a bipod. I'm just curious about what causes this. The barreled action weights the same, whether the gun is supported by a sandbag or a bipod. What am I missing? Thanks.

 

[ontarget]

Could be the bipod is closer to the end of the stock than you place your sandbag. More leverage against the end of the flimsy stock.

 

[jmr40]

A better quality synthetic will work better than wood. The cheap tupperware stocks shoot just as well as anything. But you will probably need to give them a much more generous free float to ensure the barrel doesn't touch.

When using sand bags I typically have the stock resting on the bag near the balance point, near the center of the stock. A bipod is typically closer to the tip of the stock where it has more leverage. All the weight of the rifle is concentrated in a smaller portion of the stock with a bipod as well. A sand bag spreads the weight out over a wider portion of the stock.

 

[Flynt]

Thanks for the explanations, guys. Makes a lot of sense.