Vic, that looks a lovely rifle! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I especially like the scope choice and agree whole heartedly with your choice. The 1/8th clicks will be a perfect compliment to such a small calibre....and will offer maximum precision.

If the rifle is'nt free floating on the barrel I would pop it out of the stock and sand down the contour for the barrel just to give it that little bit of clearance. I use a round bit of pipe at the relevant guage to match the barrel dimension as a block for the sand paper and just take a bit off on some of my stocks if the barrel seems to catch. That should alleviate any problems there! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

If the wood is touching it will affect the rifle's ability to group tightly.

Maybe that friend of yours could look at it...I would be suprised if it is intended to "not be free floating"....especially on a varmint barrel version. Can you slip a dollar bill under the barrel and move it up to the action between the stock? If it is catching then it just needs a bit of work done.

This problem happened to me when I re-barrelled a Tikka....a bit of sanding cured it in no time.

Lovely rifle though....reminds me of the .22 Sako Varmint I had...my set up was virtually the same as you have...Sako steel mounts and rings and a 4-16 x 50 scope. I certainly wish I had never sold it!!

Good shooting Vic... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />