[OLDBRASS]

does the barrel band affect accuracy when the barrel heats up?
I`m new to the 10/22 and just curious

 

[Kevin]

I can hardly think that a plastic barrel band would affect accuracy that much. You could always try both ways as a test.

I just wouldn't think you are going to shoot that much that the barrel would get that hot...

In other words no, to answer your question.

 

[bhale187]

I've never tested it myself, but I have read alot of reports claiming that the band does through off accuracy.

Some people remove it and even cut the stock shorter than smooth and refinish it. Others just take a dremel to the inside of the band on the top to open it up a bit and stop it from making contact with the barrel.

 

[oathkeeper1974]

I replaced my tapered barrel with bull barrel. Sanded down the barrel groove in the stock with a drum sander attachment on a drill. No more barrel band to worry about.

 

[Flipflop]

It is possible for a plastic barrel band to affect accuracy especially if the barrel is getting hot. Though there is a good chance the barrel band has nothing to do with it.
There is a couple of things happening to the barrel to consider. For one when the barrel flexes a bit when the pullet goes down the barrel, what you want is the barrel to flex exactly the same way every shot.
The other issue is the structural tension the barrel, a lot of barrels are made from rolled sheet metal and they have a now invisible seem in them. The seem has different characteristics then the rest of the material in the barrel. As the barrel heats up the barrel begins to bend toward or away from the seem. Even barrels that are not made from rolled sheet metal can do this that is why processes like Hammer Forging, Drawn over Mandrel and Cryogenic stress relieving are down on higher end barrels. Having a thicker walled barrel is a nice way to have a barrel that flexes or distorts less, of course it take more material and is heavier. I am not sure how a factory 10/22 barrel is made.

 

[BPHunter]

Back in the 70's, I bought a used 10/22. It had the barrel band on it. I didn't like the thick forearm on the stock, so I planed down both sides of the forearm and refinished the stock. Accuracy was not affected. I've been using this rifle ever since and have not regretted it. I like the idea that the barrel is free floating and not subjected to weather changes.

 

[cj5mrt]

IMO anything that touches the barrel CAN affect the accuracy. Whether your's does or not is something you'll have to find out for yourself. Shoot some groups with it on, then some with it off. It's the only way you'll know for sure.

 

[Douglas]

The other issue is the structural tension the barrel, a lot of barrels are made from rolled sheet metal and they have a now invisible seem in them. The seem has different characteristics then the rest of the material in the barrel. As the barrel heats up the barrel begins to bend toward or away from the seem.

Can you name one barrel maker that uses "sheet metal" to make there barrels?

 

[Blkhawk73]

If you're shooting enough that the barrel heats up to the point it's expanding a measurable amount, you're shooting in a manner that you're not worrying about accuracy. Mic a cold barrel, then do your shooting and mic it again.

I too would also be verrry curious about these claimed "sheet metal" barrels?

As for the barrel band actually effecting accuracy... Pressure on the barrel creates effects. These could be positive or negative. It's all trial and error.