should I free float the Zastava Fullstock after the strange range shooting?

elker

elker

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I have had the Zastava 9.3x62 (full stock) for a few years and have killed a few animals all within 50 yards. Last time I checked the rifle, it was 1.5 inches high at 100 meters and 4 inches lower at 200 meters, all good for me. But today, I had a very strange range shooting. First shot at 200 yards ( sorry for the meter and yard mix up, but I went to different gun range with different target distances), it was 9 inches low, 3 inches left. So I dialled my scope to move 1.5 inches to the right and 4.5 inches up. Then I shot at 100 yard, I got 9 inches low and 2 inches left. I was amazed. I checked the scope mount, very solid (mine is Leopold FX III 6x36 and Vortex Quick Detached. I have never detached the scope though). So I shot the second time at 100 yard, this time the hole was within one inch of the previous one. So I dialled the scope to move 2 inches to the right and 9 inches up. I shot again, it was dead on the center at 100 yards.

After the barrel cooled off, I shot again at 100 yards. The bullet was no where on the target, which means it was at least 10 inches too low or too high and 10 inches to much to the left or right.

Luckily I did not shoot at a trophy bear this time.

I always waited till the barrel cool off, so I do not know why the rifle acted like that. I spent the last 2 hours reading the internet wisdom on Mannicher rifle and accuracy. A guy said his ruger full stock (7x57) shot at 5-7 inches group. There are others who said their accuray was acceptable.

Should I ask a gunsmith to free float this rifle? I would be appreciative to hear your opinions.

Thanks
 
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Your scope is fooked. Take it off and check the bases and rings out wit a fine tooth comb, a magnifying glass and a screwdriver. Then, have a nice old beer. Now, check the action screws and make sure they are all snugged up and have a quick look at the barrel crown with a fluffed up Q-tip and the mag glass. Stick the q-tip just inside the barrel crown and spin it around and up and down and look at the crown with the mag glass. If there is and patches of q-tip fluff caught in the crown, you may need a re-crown.
Check the forend cap for wiggle.
If all good, mount and boresight a spare scope and test it.
My money says your scope is pooched, but cover all the bases efore you need to make a decision.
 
As long as the barrel/stock tension is ok there is no need to free float. As far as I know a 'new' full stock rifle requires some tuning after the rifle settles into the stock. Some are good-to-go, some need shims or a torquing of the action screws.

One of the reasons I don't opt for a full stock. Look good... but sometimes you need to tune it.
 
Something has changed, now what seems more likely, the rifle bedding or the tracking of the scope? If the mounting screws all check out, send the scope to Dr Korth for a check-up. In the meantime, for a bit of additional piece of mind, you can have the rifle glass bedded. Done correctly, glass bedding never makes things worse, and more often than not, improves group consistency.
 
I suspect the problem is with your optics. Either the mounts are loose or the scope is buggered.

The barrels on my Zastava Fullstock Carbines appear to be free-floating, and these rifles are consistently accurate.

7x57
Z98_7x57_FS_a_zps8ychyopx.jpg


416 Rem. Mag.
416%20RM%20Carbine_e_zps28hexhk2.jpg
 
I had this issue with a much cheaper scope than you have: the reticle adjustment became pooched. I agree with those saying to check the scope set up.

How about ammo? No issues with it? I know, I know... factory or fine reloads; but that doesn't mean they couldn't be an issue too.
 
My fullstock in 7.62x39 was annoyingly inconsistent until I realized the nosecap was contacting the barrel. A little filing and things settled down nicely.I think it's worth checking.
 
Probably the barrel touching wood and as you heat up, POI changes. Free floating can help, so can a pressure point on the barrel.
 
scope maybe ...


is your rings like those one?
h t t p ://www.vortexoptics.com/discontinued/vortex-hs-1-inch-quick-release-riflescope-rings-low-height


but did you check the rings that hold the action to the stock?


just because it happened to one of my zastava after the winter. maybe something there.
so please check the scope rings, the bases and those rings on the action.

Phil
 
Hi Phil, that is the quick detached ring that I'm using. Anything bad about it? I checked the front scope base, two of the screws needed one or half turn to tighten them. So I am going to apply loctite blue on them tomorrow. The real base was rock solid though.

I don't know how to tighten the action ring. It must need a special tool.

Cole, thank you for your suggestion. I looked at the end of the crown, there is a damage of about 2mm wide and 1mm deep. The damage is almost identical to what Larry Potfield of Midway USA shows in this video - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WPS8KyYxuA4 . That maybe the problem?

Wow, the cost will add up then. I may just demote this rifle from my go-to rifle to salmon fishing rifle (shooting a charging bear)
 
they look like warne, i got some issues with them and my 375 ruger i do not use them anymore but that was just me after three attempts i found a good new system,for the ruger action. but seems you find that they needed some screwing.

i d rather blue loctite the base screws first.

no, no need for a special tool but it can`t be loose or you can on the long run split the stock. just a plain allen key will work.

you may have to try to shoot again before thinking about the crown, after the rings and the stock you should be good.

you are getting close.
 
elker said:
I haven't tried. Without a scope, I'm a terrible shooter. So that would not tell
Click to expand...
If you knew somebody who "isn't a terrible shooter" as you put it whom could shoot it for you. Might reduce the variables of what the issue is.
 
Take a picture of the damage and post it up here or send it to my email addy pruden378.cp@gmail.com
If you found loose screws in the bases and rings, mount that same scope back up and bore sight it in as best you can and go sight it in again, but take a spare scope with you if you have one available.
If you have made sure all the screws are tight( never ever go above 16 inch pounds!) , and the gun still shoots all over the place, you will know that the scope is toast and or you need to have the barrel re-crowned. Good luck !
 
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