How to free-float a 10/22 Carbine barrel?

[bsut]

I have a 10/22 Carbine, less than two years old. I put a sling swivel on the barrel band bolt, and I suspect sling tension might be hurting my accuracy. I could screw a mount into the wood, but the barrel band would still pull down on the barrel.

What would I be hurting, other than cosmetics, by removing the barrel band?

If I find a takeoff stock from a model without a barrel band, is there any incompatibility that would keep my receiver and barrel from mounting in a non-Carbine stock - say a Sporter? Is there any more to the bedding system than the 4mm Allen-bolt from beneath?

Thanks for your help!

 

[9x19]

You can remove the barrel band, it is mostly cosmetic, as the stock and action are designed to lock the rear of the receiver to the stock while the take down screw secures the front of the receiver.

You can also sand the inside top of the band to relieve contact with the barrel, should you prefer to keep the carbine look.

Any 10/22 stock will fit and function just fine on your barreled action.