The value of proper relief/bedding.

[Eagleye]

I purchased a very nice Winchester Model 69a 22 Rimfire from a local gun dealer a few weeks ago. I took it out of the stock and adjusted the trigger, but otherwise left it alone. I did note that the barrel was a very snug fit in the stock, and the last 1½ turns of the stock screw were a "dragging" effort. I wanted to shoot it as it was, just to see. Results at the range were dismal at best, with average group running around 2½" at 50 meters, regardless of ammo used. I had cleaned it originally, and the bore (and crown) looked excellent, so did not think there was an inherent problem. Pulled the stock off, and relieved the tight fit between the barrel and stock. Then bedded the receiver at the front near the action screw (one only on this rifle) After bedding, I made sure the barrel made no contact with the stock ahead of the bedded area. Took it to the range today and shot several groups with different ammo. Wow! what a difference! Here's the results: [all groups 5 shots at 50 meters] PMC Subsonic - .53"; Winchester T22 - .42"; Lapua Superclub - .38"; RWS Rifle Match - .38"; and two groups with Eley Match EPS, identical size at .31". So I have a keeper here, obviously. Amazing what a few minutes of tweaking can do. You can imagine a novice getting this rifle, and wondering what in the heck was wrong with it. Damn, I enjoy 22 rimfires. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[horseman2]

There were two models apparently - one for 22 long rifle, and the other for S,L, and LR. That is printed on the barrel. A man I work with had one for the SLLR designation, so I researched it on Rimfire Centrl and that is how I got the info.

Mel

 

[stevebc]

Pulled the stock off, and relieved the tight fit between the barrel and stock. Then bedded the receiver at the front near the action screw (one only on this rifle) After bedding, I made sure the barrel made no contact with the stock ahead of the bedded area.

I'm assuming you bedded it for a short distance forward of the action screw; do you recall how far forward? Any details, or better yet, pictures, would be a great help, as I want to improve my 69a too.

 

[diemaco]

Did you relieve the rear of the action? Is it advisable to do so if there is only one action screw?

 

[Fassteel]

I purchased a very nice Winchester Model 69a 22 Rimfire from a local gun dealer a few weeks ago. I took it out of the stock and adjusted the trigger, but otherwise left it alone. I did note that the barrel was a very snug fit in the stock, and the last 1½ turns of the stock screw were a "dragging" effort. I wanted to shoot it as it was, just to see. Results at the range were dismal at best, with average group running around 2½" at 50 meters, regardless of ammo used. I had cleaned it originally, and the bore (and crown) looked excellent, so did not think there was an inherent problem. Pulled the stock off, and relieved the tight fit between the barrel and stock. Then bedded the receiver at the front near the action screw (one only on this rifle) After bedding, I made sure the barrel made no contact with the stock ahead of the bedded area. Took it to the range today and shot several groups with different ammo. Wow! what a difference! Here's the results: [all groups 5 shots at 50 meters] PMC Subsonic - .53"; Winchester T22 - .42"; Lapua Superclub - .38"; RWS Rifle Match - .38"; and two groups with Eley Match EPS, identical size at .31". So I have a keeper here, obviously. Amazing what a few minutes of tweaking can do. You can imagine a novice getting this rifle, and wondering what in the heck was wrong with it. Damn, I enjoy 22 rimfires. Regards, Eagleye.

Ah to be some what gifted with the use of tools, what I'd trade for the hands of a salesman that I posess. FS