new and need advice

[jjesson]

A couple years back I purchased a ruger scout. I put a full rail on it and a good scope. I bought it cuz I do a lot of way back country hunting and a majority of the elk I kill are in timber and shots are under a 100 yards. But to the point.....I can not get this gun to group at 100 yards. At first I thought it was just me cuz I don't get to shoot much any more cuz my job keeps me on the road. several months later a buddy of mine bought one and called me with the same problem, and he shoots a lot. I tried match grade ammo and he tried several hand loads. I'm heading up to camp here in a week and haven't had time to send it in to get bedded. Do you think a limbsaver would help? Or am I just going to have to send it in and rely on the ol 243 or 257W. Hate using 257 cuz its to dang fast and goes right through the elk at 100 yards.

 

[klausinak]

I don't want to insult your intelligence, but somewhat like the IT guy asking "Is it plugged in?"; here goes:

Action screws tight?
Scope mount tight, rings & bases?
If you're using the rail for the scope, is it tight?
Will it group using the iron sights?

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Okay, in the spirit of even if it's a dumb, basic question, we're trying to help....

I think klausinak covered most of it. I once had a rifle fail to group because even though everything was tight I didn't notice that "tight" didn't equal actually being fastened in place correctly. So I am reminded of that by your problem.

Can we assume you bore sighted it? Again, basic, how dare I ask such a question, but I'm trying to find a reason for ya! I had a heckuva time once, a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, with a scope not properly bore sighted.

Also, when you say it won't group, are you sure you're doing EVERYTHING exactly the same every time? I have one rifle that gives me perfect groups at 100 yards off sandbags and another that I can't shoot into tiny groups until I shoot it offhand without sandbags. Weird stuff happens sometimes....

Submitted with apologies!

***GRJ***

 

[jjesson]

No such thing as a dumb question. But yes, everything is tight. Like I said earlier my buddy is having the same problem. The rail is an aftermarket rail from brenalli (I think that's right) Leupold scope and rings. I took it all down and mounted a swarvoski on it and tried that. I've been meaning to bring it in and get it bedded to see if that helps but just keep putting it off.

 

[klausinak]

Before you spend a bunch of money, pull the scope & see what it will do w/just the iron sights. If it groups w/irons then we know it's a scope issue. I forgot to ask if you're using a 'Scout' scope? They tend to be rather finicky about your stock weld. With those you need to ensure that your face is in the same position every time.

If you're still @ no joy, cut up a Big Gulp cup & make some plastic shims. You want enough to temporarily free float your barrel. Put everything back together & try again. If it's already free-floated put a shim, (or two) toward the end of your forearm & try again. You want enough shims to put slight upward pressure on the barrel. The permanent fix for the shims is a bedding job, but @ least you'll know what you want to change.

 

[jjesson]

It's not a scout scope. Tried shooting it that way and didn't much care for it. I'll definitely give these options a try though. Thanks

 

[klausinak]

jjesson-

First off, I neglected to welcome you to the forum, so Welcome aboard!

A few points I neglected to make:

1. Bedding the receiver will nearly always shrink the size of your groups.

2. The shims will let you, (or your gunsmith) know whether you need fore end pressure or a free float.

3. Since you only have a week, my recommendation is to clean the heck out of your bore & try the irons, if they work you're home free. If not go to Plan B, the 6mm/25 cal options.

4. Good Luck on your hunt!

-Klaus