I think you answered your own question at the end. Ya don't want rattle. When I cut the barrel on my 35, I had to dremel out the front band, I went slow and tested often. I also took some off the forearm band instead of sanding the wood.

Good luck

 

It may be the barrel band. But the fore end could be loose, or binding against the barrel also. Make sure that the magazine tube does not touch the barrel. And how are you supporting the barrel/fore end when you're shooting off the bench?

What size groups are you getting now, and what size will you be happy with?

 

Fore end is not lose, could be binding though I'd rather lose than tight anyway. My best shooting barrel band type marlins all have a tiny bit of movement in the fore ends. My first goal will be to get the magazine tube parallel then I'll go from there if it still has issues. From the bench I rest the front of the receiver on the rest. Groups at 25 can start out touching but for some reason at 100 they are never very good. Sometimes groups at 100 open up to 5 to 7 inches. I'd like an honest 2 inches.

 

On a totally different thought, Dave. You say that the band pulls the mag tube down away from the barrel (as I understand what you said) so that the tube touches the barrel at the muzzle end. Is it possible that taking a little (emphasize LITTLE) wood out of the channel for the mag tube would help the problem? It seems to me (and only a guess) that if the barrel band is moving the mag tube further from barrel at the band point that the forearm wood might be the problem. But I promise you I could well be totally wrong -- just something to think about! Wish I could help more. John

 

All of mine are 2" or less, I see no reason yours can't be either :top:

 

Papajohnabi,

Yes, you misunderstand....

The barrel band does not pull the tube AWAY from the barrel, it pulls it towards the barrel. There WAS an issue with the forward sling hanger. It was bowing the tube away from the barrel forward of the forend before I removed it. This actually made the gap tighter at the front since the barrel bands acted like a pivot point. Currently, the gap at the front of the forend is normal but gets pinched down at the front barrel band. I'm wanting the gap to be even all the way out to the end.

 

Well, thanks Dave for clearing that up -- I was so far off base that I could have been thrown out by a really bad left fielder:laugh: Sorry! John

 

I'd try removing a little bit of metal where the front band meets the mag. tube. It would seem to me that would let the mag. tube be the same distance all the way to the end. Have you tried shooting the rifle with the foreend, mag. tube and bands removed?

 

Have not shot this one with any parts removed yet. The rear barrel band screw flat will not come out. Slot was already buggered and only got worse. And yes, I'm using proper gunsmith screwdrivers before that chorus starts.... Will require drill and easy out or hammer and punch to remove. I've soaked with Kroil and can move it a bit but head slot is worthless at this point. I suspect the screw is also bent just by the way it acts. Tried to file the slot deeper but not enough sticking up to do that without filing into the band itself. A left hand drill but would probably spin it right out at this point if I had one. Plan is to order a screw before I go any farther for two reasons. One, it's not my gun and two, deer season starts the 14th and I don't want it to be missing a screw on opening day. I know I can drill and easy out it no problem, just want to wait until I have the new screw in hand. Accuracy is adequate at this point to hunt. Just want it to be better eventually.

 

My 35 Remington shot off as it warmed up and it does not have barrel bands. The forearm was very tight and I sanded it out and it now works for at least 3 shots.
Accuracy with barrel bands go South as the barrel heats up. I remove metal from the barrel part of the band. You get little movement doing that as the aforearm is still held tight to the stock. Check the screw clearance to the slot in the barrel. Some just keep the band screws a little looser and lock tight them.

DEP