Inherited a 10/22

[chutesnreloads]

Just inherited a 10/22.It had an unhealthy coat of dust and was missing the magazine.No problem as i have several 10/22 mags.While cleaning it up it appears not to have been fired much.Very little carbon built up .Scoped it and took it out for a test and was disappointed it would group around 1 inch at 25 yards with two of three brands of ammo that shoot well in my other 10/22.This rig is all factory.What three things should I try first without spending any money to improve accuracy?

[deltecs]

Check the forstock for pressure signs in the wood around the barrel retaining ring.  It may be tight on one side and effect the trajectory.

[LaOtto222]

1. Make sure action screw is tight
2. check scope mounts and rings - make sure they are tight
3. as suggested - check barrel bedding

If it really has not been shot much - you may just have to shoot it in some to get it better.

Good Luck and Good Shooting

[chutesnreloads]

Thanks folks.Quick reffered me to the right place to get some answers.I did check the action screw and scope mounts while I was out there.First thing I didn't check and should have thought of on my own was the barrel band.Hopefully this weekend we can try it with out the band and see if that doesn't help.In any case we'll put plenty of rounds down range to get broke in if it isn't.Can also try the stock from my good shooting 10/22.Will report as soon as I know.

[chutesnreloads]

OK,Here's what we learned.First I fired a group as is for comparison.Removed the barrel band and gently pryed the barrel up from the end of the stock.The barrel is definately not free floating.Fired a group at 25 yards and could cover all but one hole with a penny.Much better.Fired a group at 50 yards and could almost cover all but two holes with a quarter.We're on to something!After playing around with the less accurate ammo started noticing misses increasing.Went back to the good ammo and fired three groups at 50 yards.One group a little over an inch, the other two getting bigger.Took the action out of the stock.This is when I noticed this thing has pretty nice wood.There's a raised area right at the end of the barrel channel must be for a pressure point.Took a hint from the handi-holics and went in the barn and found a thin washer.Put washer around action screw and put the stock back on.Barrel is definately free floating now.25 yard group can easily be covered with a penny.Two 50 yard groups could be covered and almost covered with a quarter.Great,except you can wiggle the action in the stock pushing down at the back with your thumb.So?Sand out the barrel channel and maybe bed the action?

[deltecs]

OK,Here's what we learned.First I fired a group as is for comparison.Removed the barrel band and gently pryed the barrel up from the end of the stock.The barrel is definately not free floating.Fired a group at 25 yards and could cover all but one hole with a penny.Much better.Fired a group at 50 yards and could almost cover all but two holes with a quarter.We're on to something!After playing around with the less accurate ammo started noticing misses increasing.Went back to the good ammo and fired three groups at 50 yards.One group a little over an inch, the other two getting bigger.Took the action out of the stock.This is when I noticed this thing has pretty nice wood.There's a raised area right at the end of the barrel channel must be for a pressure point.Took a hint from the handi-holics and went in the barn and found a thin washer.Put washer around action screw and put the stock back on.Barrel is definately free floating now.25 yard group can easily be covered with a penny.Two 50 yard groups could be covered and almost covered with a quarter.Great,except you can wiggle the action in the stock pushing down at the back with your thumb.So?Sand out the barrel channel and maybe bed the action?

I think I'd bed the barrel channel without the washer.  Consistent barrel pressure points with the action fitting tight against the wood would also accomplish the same goal.  The problem as I see it, is that the pressure point causing erratic accuracy in the barrel channel if relieved or removed, would still permit some swelling of the barrel channel wood and possibly causing another pressure point with only the bedded action and washer.  Along with barrel band tension, this may compound your problems instead of fixing them.  Bedding the barrel channel keeps consistent pressure on the barrel with a barrel band holding it in place.  At least the washer indicated the problem area. 

[GRIMJIM]

I did a pillar bed, bedded the back of the action and the first two inches of the barrel. I bedded the pillar first, put two pieces of tape on the pillar and bedded the rest. Then took the tape off the pillar so there was some tension there. It worked great for me. I should mention though that this was a custom job with a .920 barrel and not stock.

[torpedoman]

I'v done a few of these get rid of the pressure point use an epoxy (I've used j.b. weld and accu glass no difference) bed the area around the mounting screw and about an inch or so down the barrel channel and the rear of the receiver (you need to drill some small holes in in the rear area to give a grab for the epoxy.

[chutesnreloads]

What I'm thinking of is sanding the full barrel channel out so the barrel will be free floating with out the washer.I see doing this may cause the action to not fit snug in the stock.Then doing the bedding if needed.Good idea or not?Also considering cutting the end of the stock off where the barrel band goes and refinnishing the wood.

[GRIMJIM]

I did that on mine, I only have a few inches of stock in front of the receiver, like I said though it is a custom. I think that's a fine idea to cut the stock. I would still go with the bedding though.

[torpedoman]

these are two that have been cut bach and a finger groove routed in them.