P14 front site adjusted way too far to the left?

[Silverplate]

Hello everyone,

I have an full military stocked Eddystone P14 that I would like to use in a upcoming match. It shows good accuracy potential but the front site has to be adjusted to the point of overhanging the front sight base by almost half of its width (adjusted to the left).

The barrel is free from obstruction right up to the end of the stock but makes contact with the left edge of the wood right at the tip. This contact is noticeable when the nose cap is in place, leaving a larger gap around the right side of the cap and barrel.

I suspect a bedding issue but can't seem to find much info on stocking up a P14 to original specifications. I am assuming that the offset required on the front site would indicate a specific problem.

I would like to keep this rifle as original as possible while correcting this problem. Can any one point me in the right direction?

Silverplate

 

[Tinman204]

I would say that if the stock is pushing on the left side of the barrel as you say then it may make the rifle shoot right which should account for the sight adjustment.

Im not sure of specific bedding data for a p14 but I'd say bed it like a Mauser and go from there.

 

[jakester]

Well....If the front sight overhangs the left side of the sight base, and the barrel is touching the left side of the stock bearing channel, then the barrel might be bent to the left. If the barrel is touching the right side of the stock bearing channel, then it's likely a warped stock or some sort of bedding issue causing the barrel to be pushed to the left.

I forgot to add, if your crown is worn or damaged, that could also cause a push of the bullet to one side or another. Also, if the barrel is bell mouthed at the muzzle, same thing. Lots of things to check here.

 

[Silverplate]

Thanks for your replies guys.

The barrel channel is free from obstruction and the only contact with the barrel is at the tip of the nose cap. It may be a slight bend to the barrel or the condition of the muzzle as jakester suggested. The bedding seems good, but I'll have to do some reading on Mauser bedding to be sure.

In the mean time, I may try some hand-loads through it and see if I can dial it down to a good load. If I am successful, I'll probably just leave it as is. It will take some practice to be comfortable with that sight picture though.

Silverplate

 

[Tinman204]

Just for conversation sake I have a otherwise mint P14 which had a bent barrel 3" from the muzzle!!

Also have a turk Mauser that shoots WAY left. Front sight blade is in the same position as the P14 in question.

It took me quite awhile to figure out the issue. The gun has a slight buldge about 3-4" from the muzzle, I suspect that it was dropped muzzle end down and then had the mud shot out.

Here's a pic, notice the dark "ring"