One for Mr chuckindenver

Dear Sir,
I acknowledge your experience in building and re-building the M1917 rifle. I have one question if you would be so kind to respond.

How much clearance does the barrel have where it comes out of the top hand guard and through the upper band? To be more specific, where it goes under the two loops of the upper band? Should it be touching or not ?
If not how much clearance?
Also how much upper pressure needs to be applied to the barrel to lift it of the fore-end at the upper band area with the band off?
Thank you
Cheers
Ned:thup:

upward pressure on the stock tip? should be about 3to 6 inch pounds. no gap.

so let me just check that I have it right.
no gap between the top side of the barrel and the upper band?
so you can't "lift " the end of the barrel off the wood?
when you slip the band on, it should not touch the barrel where it ends on the handguard/
It would be so much easier if I was there to show you what I mean, this explaining something so simple visually is frustrating.
Thanks for your patience.
cheers
Ned

This is a 1903 Springfield, but can serve as a reference. Chuck is saying, the barrel should bear against the barrel channel, and clear the top of the upper band (inside). You would not want the barrel to touch the top of the band, as the barrel heats up it may cause a walking point of aim.

Now, some rifles shoot quite well with the barrel floated. This means the barrel will not touch the top of the bayonet band nor the wood. In my picture you can see the barrel is seated in the stock, and not touching the front or rear ring of this band. Chuck can comment more, but sometimes a handguard with too much wood may "push" the band down by not lining up with the end of the stock. The result is the front ring will touch the barrel.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../1921035-1.jpg

Thanks roadkingtrax,
the picture says it all!!
Thats what I was after, my 17 was touching top left at the front in ref to your pic. It had a wandering zero as it heated up in rapid shoots. I have since relieved the pressure so it has roughly the same amount of relief as your pic so its just get it out the range to test but that won't happen for awhile now as I have to get my foot chopped and re straightened next week! ah well the symptoms of walking to far with too heavier load on my back for too long in sub standard issue boots!!!
Thnaks again
Cheers
Ned

great picture.. the pressure should be checked with handguard and bayonet lug removed, should bear against the channel of the stock at the end {were the bayonet lug attaches}
as you assemble, check for binding and contact, sometimes just removing and resinstalling will cure the issue.