Excess Free Float

I'm modifying an older 110 from 338 WinMag to 270 Win. Due to a larger original contour, the old stock with the new barrel has maybe 3/16" dead area between the barrel and stock. under the barrel beginning about 3" fore of the barrel lug, for the length of the barrel. I plan on bedding the forend to make it cosmetically appropriate, but this got me wondering.

I'm not planning on doing this; but is there any downside (other than cosmetic) if the rifle was left in the condition you see below? I'm guessing free float of 1/32" or free float of 1/4" would be no different as far as the barrel is concerned.

Am I missing something? Could a rifle perform accurately (and safely) with such a gap below the barrel?

Thanks all.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...wbarrel001.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...wbarrel003.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...wbarrel002.jpg

No problem I'm aware of, might even allow the barrel to cool faster.

IMHO, what you have there is a "Beaitiful Thing" ! :-)

Thank you both. I think I'll take it to the range and shoot it. If it's a shooter, I'm tempted to leave it be.

Still waiting for my .473 bolt face.

Other than cosmetic I see no downside.

You should see the gap on Choate stocks even with a varmint barrel,worse than that. No doubt about being floated. If your tang's floated you're all set.

If this unsightly creature can shoot well, I should think you'd have no issues.
http://www.kifaruforums.net/showthread.php?t=37488