What’s the proper location for a barrel band?

Is it based on a certain distance from the end of the forearm?

Or should it be located right in the middle of the length of the barrel?

I’m sure there are varying opinions on this.

1-3/8 to 2 inches ahead of the forend tip.

No variations look good; 2 inches or so in front of the forearm tip as stated above. You do see some 19th century rifles with them half way up; they look goofy. Of course, like anything else, you do it as you please.

or 1-2 inches past the midpoint of the barrel..

remember that the band sets the height of the barrel above (basically) your shoulder

Jeff is right on here. The band sould be positioned so that the mounted sling will alow you to comfortably grab the buttplate ( Like when ducking under brush)

Then, the tip should set back...I like two inches..not less than 1 1/2". Of course, this "gap" could be more if the owner likes short fore ends

That formula won't work on the 28 inch barrel I just installed. It will set the butt way too low. And looks funny too.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
That formula won't work on the 28 inch barrel I just installed. It will set the butt way too low. And looks funny too.

Depends on who's looking at.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
That formula won't work on the 28 inch barrel I just installed. It will set the butt way too low. And looks funny too.

Which formula are you referring to?

The 1-2 inches from the midpoint.

far enough in front of the forend not to interfere with a hanging QD swivel and that will be about 2 inches. barrel band swivels are a must with the very old big bores like the 500s..in the wood will on ocassion rip the hand..

I prefer barrel band swivels to swivels in the wood, and I don't need a sling for shooting, just for carry..I like the butt swivel to center the egg cheek piece like on the really old African rifles..

Some of the old African rifles had the swivel in the center of the barrel, to make it easier to walk thru the thick stuff barrel pointed up as it keepts the crown low and not sticking up and hanging on every little branch or thorn bush..Its certainly not a bad option, I liked it. beats losing a toe according to one PH I knew..