Garand Front Handguard question

I have an aftermarket stock set that came with my 1955 Garand. I assume it's new production. It has no markings and is very nice Walnut. I noticed when I disassemble the rifle that the front handguard fits tight to the barrel at the very front metal part where the gas cylinder rests against it. As you slide it down the barrel it becomes tight in the front as the back approaches the lower band. I've never had a Garand that had a tight front handguard. I've found threads on loose front handguards but nothing about tight ones. Will this adversely affect accuracy? I was under the impression that the front handguard should be slightly loose. Hope I explained this correctly. Feel free to ask questions if I didn't. Thanks in advance!

John

Gas cylinder should not stop on heat shield of handguard.

As long as there is no contact you should be ok.

If the Heat shield is snug on the barrel I dont think you will have a problem - depends on how tight is tight

It's hard for me to follow your description of the problem exactly. Is the handguard tight between the gas and stock group or is the upper handguard tight on the barrel?

His description sounds to me like the hole in the handguard ferrule is not big enough to slip over the barrel. The question is whether or not the barrel is oversize or if the ferrule is undersize.

The front hand guard front ferrule becomes tight around the barrel as it slides down. It goes all the way down so there is a slight amount of space between it and the gas cylinder, but it's pretty tight around the barrel. Tight enough to leave a rub around the barrel.

Well like he said, that's not right. It either needs replacing or if the barrel is heavier, which I doubt, you would have to mod the front ferrule. You almost need one to compare with. Or you could measure the affected areas and publish the measurements. There's enough of us here that can measure ours and check what's what for you...

What markings are on the barrel? It could be an after market heavy barrel.

The barrel is the original barrel to the receiver. It's marked: SA F6535448 3 55 A219A. There are other marks including an upside down P and T. There's also the same DoD Eagle with 3stars in a small box as the one on the stock. The serial number of the rifle is 5851955.

Interesting that the last four in the SN are the year it was made... I just noticed that. Hmmm...