Barnard Rails and the 2 different screw lengths

[tachyon]

Hi All,

I have both a 25 and a 40 MOA OEM Barnard pic rail.

Each was supplied with 4 screws of 2 different lengths.

When you put the rail on you can use 4 screws.

There seems to be no difference between the front and back screw countersinks, ie same height from the receiver side (and ignoring minor slope on rail) so no need for different length screws.

The receiver is constant thickness, so, no need for different length screws.

So, my question is why?

Why 2 long (as in long enough but not too long) and 2 short (as in could be longer and have 6 threads engaged).

Why not 4 long ones?

Any Barnard experts?

PS: I did email Barnard a couple of weeks ago but did not get a reply.

[Tim L]

I'm no expert but perhaps the long ones are just a bit too long to go in the front rail holes in the S actions?
Personally I'd machine all the screw hole rebates to have the same thickness of material remaining and supply 4 similar screws,,,, but I don't make 'em

[Matt P]

Put the short one in the front and the long ones in the back, I supply them that way to suit S actions as well as P.
If you require any more info, give me a call on 0402230877.
Regards
Matt Paroz

[KHGS]

There is a logical reason for the differing length screws. If you have a close look at the receiver front and back it will become clear. You could have four screws the same length provided they were the shorter screws. Try assembling the base to the receiver with the long screws to the front and it will all become more apparent. The long screws for the rear end are not mandatory but do allow more thread engagement with the receiver, because the receiver wall thickness is greater at the rear. It is to do with the receiver not the base.
Keith H.