How Much Can A Gunsmith Help Accuracy
I have been reading in this forum on how gunsmiths can modify an out of the box rifles for accuracy. I have a Sako 270 with a Zeiss Conquest 4.5 - 14 scope that I use for whitetail. I am not able to shoot ? inch groups at a 100 yards as many people mention on this forum, more like 2 inches ( I am getting a friend that is head of the Dallas swat team to go to the range and help with my shooting technique).
What exactly can a gunsmith do to improve my sako?
Thanks
What exactly can a gunsmith do to improve my sako?
Thanks
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Accuracy cost's money, how tight of groups do you want?
Well, the 1st thing to do is find a top shooter to test run your rifle/ammo (using sandbags and benchrest techniques) to establish a baseline (eliminate the shooter error). The second thing is to try various bullet weights and brands to establish what your rifle likes the best. Personaly I'd try handloading for it as my 3'rd step (not a option if you don't handload). You may also have a defunct scope that's not holding Zero. Scope mounts straight tight and secure?
Now, on to a smith. Bedding and barrel channel clearance. Trigger tunning. IMHO, retesting should be done after each of these steps. Now it starts to get expensive, truing/bluprinting the action, setting the barrel back and recutting the chamber to minimum spec, possiably replacing the barrel completly.
Some of us have a $eriou$ chunk$ of change in our rifle$ (fortunatly I have a understanding wife[:D]), and some are only "keyboard" shooters.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
TG, how did you manage an understanding wife? I only have managed an unimformed wife[^] awww honey, you remember this one, I've had this one for like 5yrs[;)][:I]
As far as the gunsmith goes, wait until the SWAT guy shoots your rifle first and see what he gets out of it. Then have him test it with multiple examples of premium ammo to see which it prefers. Then re-shoot it to see what you can do with it. If he only manages 1" or so out of it, then it needs help. Sako rifles have straight, hammer forged barrels that are great shooters, and the actions are VERY close to true from the box with triggers that even a monkey can make shoot crisply and cleanly.
why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
Got Balistics?0 -
quote:Before you go investing in possibly unneeded gunsmithing, have you tried different loads to see if your gun likes some ammo better than others?
What are the best options with regards to factory ammunition.(What should I try next?) I am currently using Hornady 130gr light mag.0 -
Nothing wrong with 2 inch groups for a deer rifle. 0 -
I agree with buddyb. I appreciate an accurate rifle but benchrest accuracy is not needed for whitetail deer hunting. I am amazed at the accuracy some folks claim they get from the CMP 1903 rifles. I would bet we only hear of the best one out of many shot groups. 0 -
Hellon jlight, I am shooting a browning lightining blr in 30-06 the lop was about 3/4 of an inch to long so I had it cut to fit . that in its self made a big difference, then I had the bbl cut down to twenty inches and a 11 1/2 degree inverted crown cut into the bbl. the blr went from 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 inch groups at a 100 yds to 3/4in groups at a 100 yds. I like to think I am a good shot but my gunsmith has made the blr shoot better than I can . its all about gun fit , amunition that the gun likes , set up of the gun its self and then YOU ! GOOD LUCK. PS. remember practice, practice, practice!
If you can't run with the BIG DOGS stay on the porch!!0 -
Thanks for all of the responses. For now I am planning to take a couple of lessons from my swat team friend. I will also try some different ammunition.
In addition, I have a beretta over and under being setup for a left-hander right now. I will see what the gunsmith has to say and post it just for everyone information.
Thanks again.0
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