Mr. Beggs,
No offense taken. I've always thought you to be one of the most knowledgeable about rifle accuracy on this forum, as well as one of the classiest posters around. I pay attention when you speak.
And maybe you're right about expecting too much from this rifle. But, I've been an accuracy type since the early 90's, and have played with a few rifles, particularly "tactical" type 308's during my high speed-low drag SWAT days, and I just think this rifle wants to shoot better than it currently does.
I don't think it's the ammo. I've shot a pile of Federal Gold Medal match down the tubes of several rifles and, given a solid gun, it will shoot well. Same thing with Hornady TAP. In fact, I spoke with the chaps at the FBI firearms lab one day and they said that the TAP ammo was the most accurate factory ammo they have ever tested. Say what you will about the Bureau, but they have the wherewithal and the budget to do meaningful accuracy testing, and the cat I talked to knew his sh!t. He was an accuracy wacko like the rest of us (plus he liked side-by-side shotguns...that's always worth credibility points in my book).
I still have concerns about the ignition system...particularly the lightened firing pin. But as nobody has commented on my light firing pin hypothesis, I'm wondering if I'm barking up the wrong tree.
I did find something else of note today, though. I had the rifle out of the stock and noted a HUGE burr around the front action screw hole, and a smaller burr around the rear one. The burr on the front action screw hole was big enough that it was deforming the aluminum pillar in the stock. A couple of minutes with a needle file and a stone took care of the burrs, and the bedding checked OK afterwards. Why I didn't notice the burr prior...it could be seen from outer space...I don't know. Probably because I assumed somebody at the factory would have bit more pride in their work and wouldn't leave a burr big enough to draw blood. If nothing else, this rifle has taught me to take NOTHING for granted when dealing with a factory, mass produced action, which is a good lesson learned.
Justin
No offense taken. I've always thought you to be one of the most knowledgeable about rifle accuracy on this forum, as well as one of the classiest posters around. I pay attention when you speak.
And maybe you're right about expecting too much from this rifle. But, I've been an accuracy type since the early 90's, and have played with a few rifles, particularly "tactical" type 308's during my high speed-low drag SWAT days, and I just think this rifle wants to shoot better than it currently does.
I don't think it's the ammo. I've shot a pile of Federal Gold Medal match down the tubes of several rifles and, given a solid gun, it will shoot well. Same thing with Hornady TAP. In fact, I spoke with the chaps at the FBI firearms lab one day and they said that the TAP ammo was the most accurate factory ammo they have ever tested. Say what you will about the Bureau, but they have the wherewithal and the budget to do meaningful accuracy testing, and the cat I talked to knew his sh!t. He was an accuracy wacko like the rest of us (plus he liked side-by-side shotguns...that's always worth credibility points in my book).
I still have concerns about the ignition system...particularly the lightened firing pin. But as nobody has commented on my light firing pin hypothesis, I'm wondering if I'm barking up the wrong tree.
I did find something else of note today, though. I had the rifle out of the stock and noted a HUGE burr around the front action screw hole, and a smaller burr around the rear one. The burr on the front action screw hole was big enough that it was deforming the aluminum pillar in the stock. A couple of minutes with a needle file and a stone took care of the burrs, and the bedding checked OK afterwards. Why I didn't notice the burr prior...it could be seen from outer space...I don't know. Probably because I assumed somebody at the factory would have bit more pride in their work and wouldn't leave a burr big enough to draw blood. If nothing else, this rifle has taught me to take NOTHING for granted when dealing with a factory, mass produced action, which is a good lesson learned.
Justin
