"Does it make sense to free float the forearm when the swivel stud is on the barrel? Or perhaps it makes more sense to skim bed it, so it is consistent?"
Several of my rifles have the swivel on the barrel and the barrels free floated. I guess either way won't hurt. The only thing about the swivel on the barrel is if you use a shooting sling or even a strap as a hasty sling, you will change point of impact. The nicest part of the swivel on the barrel is the rifle hangs a bit lower when slung over the shoulder and the barrel doesn't bang into tree limbs as much. Frankly, I think they're kind of cool, especially on a Mauser rifle.
Paul B.
Several of my rifles have the swivel on the barrel and the barrels free floated. I guess either way won't hurt. The only thing about the swivel on the barrel is if you use a shooting sling or even a strap as a hasty sling, you will change point of impact. The nicest part of the swivel on the barrel is the rifle hangs a bit lower when slung over the shoulder and the barrel doesn't bang into tree limbs as much. Frankly, I think they're kind of cool, especially on a Mauser rifle.
Paul B.
