Ok, picked up a very nice , great condition 25-06 bolt action Model 1500. When I bought the gun it had a scope already on it. So i left it and went to zero it in. i can not get it to hold a pattern. It scatters them every where. So, i thought ok , I'll try another scope. Exact same thing. Will not hold pattern and scaters them. Im talking like 3-5 inch difference. (100 yards) Im shooting Remington 120 grain corelock. Then I got to thinking about the barrel. Im assuming this model is designed for a floating barrel. I tried the dollar bill test. I can not event get the dollar bill to even start and end of stock. I should be able to take dollar bill all the way up to action. correct? With it being in contact with stock cause it to not hold a pattern. One shot i may be 1" low and 1" left. next shot will be like 3" up and 3" right. then ext one may be 2" low and 2" right. it kind of varies. very frustrating. Any suggestions?? I have cleaned the gun. It wasnt that dirty to begin with. Barrel twist looks fine. Like i said , the gun is in great shape and does not appear to have been shot that much,

Thanks!!!!!!!!

The Smith and Wesson 1500's were made by Howa, the same barreled action as the Weatherby Vanguard. All of the ones I have seen and shot etc. were accurate guns. It does sound like there is too much pressure on the barrel. Especially if the pressure isn't equal the full length of the barrel channel. I am sure it would shoot better with that pressure relieved (floated). Also glass bedding the action and a few inches fwd would do wonders. Is this a wood or synthetic stock? There is also the chance that the barrel needs a good cleaning with a good copper solvent.
Of course, there is always the chance that it just doesn't like the ammo you are using!!!
I don't think you have a bad rifle, but it may need some attention!!
Good luck with your S&W
Ken

I replaced my stock with a Bell and Carlsen (300 Win Mag) and bedded it. I get 1 1/4 groups at 100 yards. have taken elk at 400+ yards.

It's a wood stock.

I agree that floating the barrel is needed especially from what you described
about doing the dollar bill test.

But before you get into relieving the stock, look at the following first.

Check your action screws first to be sure they are snug.

Then I would suggest looking at the scope. You need to check the
base screws to be sure that they are tight, and then be sure that the
ring screws are tight. Leupold recommends 15 to 20 inch pounds.
When you buy new Leupold mounts they include a very short torn
wrench so that you can over tighten the screws with too much leverage.

You may need to put a different scope on to verify that it is not an optic
problem.

I agree that glass bedding is a good idea but if you have not done the
procedure before you need to be very careful that you don't get the
action stuck permanently. There are a couple of good video's on YouTube
about how to not get in trouble.

As Kennymauser suggested, it could be the ammunition. My 25-06 rifles
have always shot best with Winchester (grey box) 120 gr. PPP (it is also
one of the least expensive factory loads available).

Whatever steps you take, be very methodical. Be sure that you cool
down the barrel after each five shot group - very important that you
eliminate as many variables as possible. When I am trying to solve a
problem I always use a rest like the Caldwell Lead Sled so that I take
out the possible movement from my body.

Please let us know your progress.

Good luck,

SD Hunter