Making barrel shroud for my CIL Anschutz 180, considerations?

[fonestar]

Hi I wanted to spruce up my old CIL 180. I've got a swept back bolt coming for it, have mounted a Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35 on it and a leather target sling which is very pleasing. I'm hoping to make a barrel shroud for the rifle too which will be on the last 6" or 8" of the barrel that I want to do a couple things:

* Give the rifle a bit more "pointability"
* Reduce muzzle flip when shooting from a rest
* Cover up the missing front site and dovetail
* Give the rifle a modern MPR look and feel

Just wondering how much over the OD of the barrel I should drill the ID of the shroud? Three thousandth? Four thousandths? Are there any harmonics to consider where I drill and tap the shroud for some set screws? Should I just leave the bluing alone so the rifle can be put back to stock configuration or remove it for a semi-permanent setup?

Thanks for any input....

 

[grauhanen]

I would suggest making as few permanent changes as possible. I wouldn't remove the bluing, for example. Permanent modifications reduce resale value. Who knows, maybe you'll sell it one day to fund an MPR.

 

[fonestar]

I've decided to shorten the barrel instead. It's not like 180s/190s are rare rifles. I looked into it first though, people warn about shortening Anschutz barrels but those are the ones with a choked muzzle. I've slugged my CIL 180 and it does not appear to be a choked barrel near the muzzle. I am going for a MPR style on this rifle.