Author Topic: I need hlep with my new SAKO!!! (Read 836 times)

wareagleguy · « **on:** September 15, 2003, 03:55:32 AM »

If you read any of my last post I bought a new Sako Finnlight last week and was floored when out of the box I was getting 1/2 inch or less groups. To say I was happy was an understatement. However, my joy has turned to sorrow!!!

I shot Thursday and the gun is shooting great. Saturday I shoot and the gun is shooting 3 inch groups!!! Only thing I did was clean which I had done a couple of times with now problems. Cleaning only with patches and making sure I clean out all solvents (until I get a clean patch). Im sure I didnt do anything that would cause problems.

Im using Sako rings and bases with a Leupold 3.5 x 10 x 40 VXIII scope. I took off the rings and bases and re-installed making sure everything is good and tight and put on another scope that I know is working fine. I did get a littler better group but is still about 2 inches. Should I get different rings?? Anyone ever have trouble with Sako rings and bases?? Any suggestions, please?

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2003, 04:28:22 AM »

Sweets copper solvent and a tornado brush----use sparingly---clean from the breach end-----then try a few fouling shots before shooting groups.

Make sure the scope mounts and stock screws are tight.

tominboise · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2003, 04:57:17 AM »

Put a screwdriver on the reciever screws - make sure they haven't loosened up. This has happened on a rifle of mine before - the groups go from 3/4" to 3 or 4". Tighten them up and see if it helps.

wareagleguy · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2003, 05:53:01 AM »

Tom.

Are you talking about the screws that hold the stock on? If that is what you are talking about I did check that. I also looked over the stock to see if anything is binding but did see anything.

I just hope this is something simple. This gun is just a week old today and I've shot about 6 boxes of shells. All week I was the happiest dude in the world.

I just don't understand how a gun can shoot 1/4-1/2 groups one day and the next day wouldn't hit the side of a barn. I just know something is wrong and I hope it's not the barrel.

tominboise · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2003, 09:27:25 AM »

Yup, I am talking about the screws that hold the action into the stock.

Before I panicked too bad, I'd shoot it again, maybe with some different ammo or factory ammo, to verify your groups are the rifle's problem and not the ammo's.

Only other thing I can think of is that maybe you nicked the muzzle crown when you cleaned it. That could cause some problems - might want to look at it with a good light and a magnifying glass if you've got one.

longwinters · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2003, 11:42:05 AM »

Wow! I have never heard of this with a Sako (at least not the Hunters). My buddy had a similar problem but it was because of the bullet/load combination he was using. If you are sure nothing else has changed, including how you set up on the bench, then all I could think of is the ammo. I will be watching this post with great interest. Good luck.

long

TScottO · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2003, 03:22:44 PM »

Quote

Only other thing I can think of is that maybe you nicked the muzzle crown when you cleaned it. That could cause some problems - might want to look at it with a good light and a magnifying glass if you've got one.

It's best to clean a rifle from the bolt to the muzzle. I've seen a lot of people clean a rifle from the bore to the bolt. Cleaning from the bore just makes for a larger chance to dammage the crown.

Good luck and be safe,
Scott

wareagleguy · « **Reply #7 on:** September 16, 2003, 12:03:47 PM »

Thanks for all the input.

I shot again today and still having a problem. I'm beginning to think it may be the stock. Here is what happened in my first five shots.

first - on target
second 1 inch lower than first shot
third - 1/8 right of second
fourth - 18 right of third
fifth - 1/2 high between second and fourth.

all together about 1-3/4" group.
Again, this from a gun just 5 days ago was shooting 1/4 groups. I just don't get it.

jhm · « **Reply #8 on:** September 16, 2003, 04:59:07 PM »

brdavis : Is there a chanch that your scope has gone south on you? do you have another scope to try and see if thats the case? JIM

wareagleguy · « **Reply #9 on:** September 23, 2003, 07:41:21 AM »

Talking about strange!!!

I tried several things to resolve my problems which included replacing scope, rings and checking everything from head to toe. Everytime I would shoot the groups got a little better but wasn't that tack driver I started with. So, I went to my gunsmith and told him the problem.

His suggestion was to keep shooting. So, I shot about 2 and half more boxes of shells and BINGO!!! My tack driver is BACK!!!!

Just shot last night and again I can put 5 shots in the area of a dime!!!

So, the problem had to be my cleaning! I have never had that drastic of change in groups after cleaning but I think it was more to my method.

Thanks for the help fellas!!!

Zachary · « **Reply #10 on:** September 23, 2003, 10:09:14 AM »

I bet you feel relieved...and just in time for hunting season too! :grin:

Zachary

SHW · « **Reply #11 on:** September 23, 2003, 12:30:55 PM »

Glad to see the problem is solved, especially since I like Sakos.
Just curious if you used any method for breaking in the barrell. THANKS

wareagleguy · « **Reply #12 on:** September 24, 2003, 07:41:49 AM »

My "break in" method is to only shoot five groups and allow a cool down. Clean after a box of shells.