I floated my barrel as soon asIsaw it didn't have a gap big enough to slide a dollar bill down to the first lug. I used a brass cabinet hinge I cut w/ a hack saw and filed to fit. The drilled and sanded. The thickness was .050. It worked fine for me. I agree w/ all the rest, I will bet CVA will give you a new lam stock. I certainlly would press hard for one....

SHills