M14 groups - I show the symptom, you tell me the cure

[The Baron]

OK... still working with the new Norc 22" rifle. Only mods thus far are a new Boyd's wood stock now and fluted op rod spring guide. I had to do some very minor fitting on the Boyd's and once everything fit and functioned well I was off to the range. For the first time, I brought a box of match ammo - Federal Gold Metal Match 168gr. HPBT - to try out.

I fired three 5-shot groups with this rifle and Federal 168 gr. match ammo. Iron sights, at 100m. Groups were fired at good spacing, so the barrel was not "hot" for any of them. In the first group, the top left bullet hole is a double. In each case there's 4 very tight shots and a flier. Here's the three groups.

Group 1 - first shot in the black. Next 4 to upper left

Group 2 - "flier" was shot #2

Group 3 - "flier" was shot #3

So there are the groups. Each group had 4 shots into about 1 1/4" and a flier. If I could eliminate the fliers, I'd be a happy man.

For those familiar with the M14 platform and accurizing, what do you think is causing the fliers and what is the cure?

 

[hnachaj]

Use a good Leopold scope with a good scope mount!
Henry

 

[Bakersfield7.62]

Are you focused on the target or the front sight when the shot breaks , I hear this could cause vertical stringing

 

[triden]

Are you focused on the target or the front sight when the shot breaks , I hear this could cause vertical stringing

There was a really good video talking about this that was posted a little while ago. Maybe someone could repost it?

edit: Found it. Watch this

 

[yomomma]

http://m14forum.com/accuracy/107203-what-do-these-groups-mean.html

http://imageseek.com/m1a/M1A_Bedding/

The m14 is known for a single flyer.

Have a read

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

If the rifle is new out of the box, you are likely still breaking it in. How many rounds total have you fired?

 

[Bakersfield7.62]

There was a really good video talking about this that was posted a little while ago. Maybe someone could repost it?

edit: Found it. Watch this

Watched it last night ... I'm no good with irons anymore , need glasses but I thought I would pas on what I learned !

 

[The Baron]

There was a really good video talking about this that was posted a little while ago. Maybe someone could repost it?

edit: Found it. Watch this

That video provides very interesting information regarding shooting with irons at 21:30 - 24:30. I'll most definitely be vigilant of sight focus at my next range trip. Thanks!

But, I strongly suspect the problem with my rifle is related to bedding. I had to hand sand the rails of the stock to get the action to fit down evenly and mate with the trigger group (also had to relieve the underside/trigger well slightly to get the trigger group to lock in smoothly and ensuret proper hammer engagement). I know I do not have even contact on the stock/action and the stock liner is actually touching the rail of the action a little bit on the right side. I'm convinced that consistent 1.5 MOA groups are within my reach with this rifle once the action is properly bedded in the stock. Now I just need to get my new work bench built so I have the proper work space to do that job right. I haven't built the bench yet because I prefer shooting...

 

[LeftFootOfDoom]

dont know what the newer batches of norcs are like, but if similar to the older ones, If your going strictly irons with it, replace the norc front blade with an aftermarket matchgrade front sight. Its almost half the width of the norc one, drastically improved sight picture and groups for me.