huntingfish
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Quebec City
The test is to have someone you know to be a good shot fire your rifle. If their group size is similar to your own, you have a rifle, ammo, or a scope problem; if their groups size is significantly smaller than yours, you have a marksmanship problem. But first, as others have said, go over your action and scope mount screws and if they are all tight, then try a different brand of ammunition. If you have an equipment problem, change out one element at a time so you can identify where the problem lies. No point in changing out the scope if you just have an ammo problem. But if changing ammo doesn't resolve the problem, swap out the scope with one you know holds zero.
If you have a marksmanship problem, fire 3 round groups rather than 5. If you can't hold for 3 rounds, fire pairs. If you can't hold for pairs, find a lighter load, then over time, slowly work up to full power, heavy bullet loads. You might be able to find "managed recoil" factory loads, but its easier and less expensive to handload reduced loads with lighter bullets. If you haven't considered handloading now might be a good opportunity.
If the rifle hurts you when you fire it, change what offends you. If a swept back design, the bolt handle might hit the back of your hand, or if the pistol grip of the stock crowds the trigger guard, your knuckle hits the trigger guard in recoil. Either of these conditions will have an effect on your shooting. The bolt can be straightened and a knuckle deflector can be mounted behind the trigger guard. Maybe the comb of the stock is too high and the recoil jars your head and pounds your cheek, in which case the scope can be mounted a bit higher, or the height of the comb can be reduced. Perhaps the stock is too long, exasperating the felt recoil, and needs to be reduced an inch. Perhaps a better quality recoil pad should be installed. Perhaps the rifle is too light, in which case weight can be added to the stock. Perhaps you're afraid of being hit by the scope, and the scope needs to be mounted further forward.
Dry fire might prove to be beneficial as well. With the rifle supported the same way as it would be for live fire, dry fire and see if your reticle moves on the target when the striker falls. If you can see movement on the target, you need to work on your trigger technique. If you don't see any movement on the target, try balancing a quarter on top of the barrel near the muzzle, then see if you can dry fire without having if fall off, this you can do in the comfort of your living room. When the quarter stays there, try a dime.
Very constructive post. Some of the stuff has been said before, but kudos for the dry fire. Don't think that's a problem, but willing to try as many things as possible to get everything shooting straight!
I'll try to get the owner of the range to fire it next time to confirm where the problem is! That should eliminate a whole side of the possible problems from the equation.
I'm sizing up the stock to purchase a decent aftermarket pad: Will probably go for a limbsaver grind-to-fit. I will be ordering it later today.
I'll have to agree with Rob. A date at the range is still better than staying at home!
David




















































