Accuracy issues with Sage EBR...

[Mickey849]

Hi All:

I recently acquired a Sage EBR Chassis off the EE and put one of my Norcs in it. Everything was a nice fit (minus the trigger mech, had to dremel a bit as per a post from Brobee so the function check would be performed properly) and action is rock solid in the chassis.

However, after trying to sight it in, the smallest group I got was 8-9" with Spanish surplus ammo. Here's the lowdown on how it's configured:

Norc M14S
- mounted in Sage EBR chassis using the Sage Oprod Guide and Stripper Clip Guide replacement rail

- stainless op rod guide from marstar
- Bushnell Banner centre-fire scope
- Burris extreme tactical high 1" rings

Some observations:

After firing 20 rds of Remington UMC .308Win 150 Gr and 30 rounds Spanish surplus, nothing loosened up on the stock. I frequently checked the hex nuts on the oprod guide and the top rail cover; I also checked the scope ring mount nuts, nothing budged. I managed to get roughly zeroed at 100yds while firing from the bench using a cheap wooden forward handguard rest supplied at the range.

I suspect that it could be among some of these issues:

- gas lock assembly is loose/needs shimming
- the bushnell banner is getting beaten like a bad stepchild; didn't see any brass marks on the scope though
- a minor issue, but the flash hider hasn't been reamed out (it's the norc one)
- a benchrest may be a better platform for testing or maybe I just haven't shot enough; a few months ago, I almost grouped better with my Squires Bingham M16 with a red dot shooting the same way AT THE SAME DISTANCE ! Argh!

I admit I drank the kool-aid a bit thinkin the EBR would be drop-in gratification; but I'm still learning and understand the norcs can be a diamond in the rough. Any fix/tips that's not mentioned (or obvious to you guys but not me) would be awesome.

Regards,

Mickey

 

[tps50701]

Dear Mickey,

Did you use your thick gas washer and then a thin one to time the gas lock? The stock should have come with 4 washers total.

1-.063 to replace the handguard ring
1-.005
1-.010
1-.015

The last three are what you use to time the gas lock. These are critical to getting it right.

Everything can't just be reefed on as well - did you torque every fastner?

You didn't reverse the rod guide did you - the red dot on it should face the muzzle of the barrel. This is a common mistake and may cause binding of the oprod system.

Don't bother pinning the oprod guide either - sage doesn't recommend it - nor do the USMC, who use the stock on their EMR. I just sold my stock(USMC Coyote brown - same as USMC EMR rifle) - had some teething problems as well. Mine was just the trigger guard as well.

Check for binding in the oprod channel on the receiver as well. The flash suppressor shouldn't be a problem, unless it's crooked. You don't get wild fliers do you - indication of a flash suppressor strike.

Over and above that, use some really good ammo to do the test groups with. Cheap surplus is just that - CHEAP!

My rig was a clone of the USMC M39 EMR(Ehanced Marksman Rifle) - Hungry helped with the completion of it. Alas, I got bored of it and have sold the stock and the scope mount. The rifle will be sold off soon, as I no longer have the M14 itch anymore.

Now it's the M40A3 USMC sniper rifle itch! It'll be in my hands in meer days - the S&B scope looks lonely sitting without it's rifle.

Hope this helps you out - give me a shout if you're still stumped.

All the best, Carl