RANGE REPORT on Handi- with accuracy problems.

[huntsalot]

I am the one who posted on the handi with possible lock up troubles. James B. and alot of you others have given me advise on this rifle as far as tinkering and I have utilized alot of it. I decided to hold out and continue putting rounds through it to see if it does settle down as up to this point all shooting has been very erratic, Shots going different places with no pattern or group. I remounted another Leupold last night to rule out the scope. I also polished the chamber and bore with some flitz and then cleaned out very good. I took it out today hoping for better results. I bore sighted it before going out and it took me about 3 shots at 50 yards to get it in the vicinity of the bullseye. The shots were still flying around. I shot about 3 more shots still with no pattern or group developing. I then shot 9 more shots which all went into about a 2 3/4" to 3" circle. 4 of then was holes in holes. I could tell because I could see the rounded out part of another bullet hole in the edge of the one before it.  I did not have anymore ammo and it was starting to rain so thats all I know. At least it ended on a good note. I was wondering after you get alot of rounds through one and it settles down and begins to shoot good as many of you have had experience with, does it do it all of a sudden or is it a gradual thing? How does this sound to you all. Is there hope and is it just a matter of getting some more rounds through it???
Whitey

[Big Blue]

huntsalot,
  It sure sounds like you just needed to wear in the barrel. It may be that there was a slight barrel rifling problem, that you were able to wear out of the barrel by running rounds through it. Just for the heck of it, what caliber and load are you using? I am glad things are looking better.
Don

[MSP Ret]

huntsalot, If shooting is going to help the groups tighten up it usually takes a few more rounds than you describe. The one thing I can think of that would rapidly improve the grouping  is the possibility of a burr on the crown that was removed by the few rounds you shot, that would acount of the rapid improvement of the groups. These guns can shoot, usually better than the shooter. We just have to "tune" them and make sure they are in thier best condition. Can't beat them for the money!!!....<><.... :grin: