bedding problem???? need help

[conrad101st]

Howdy,

Have a Sako finnlight that groups well with one issue.

The first shot consistently hits and then all subsequent shots group tightly 3/4 inch to the right.  The groups are tight, but its maddening that the first shot is left.

Sounds to me like the barrel must be just barely touching the stock and then shifting ever so slightly as it warms.

I did the dollar bill slide and it seems to freely slide up to where the barrel begins its flare just below the chamber.

Recommendations on isolating the cause and what is the fix?

Thanks,

Conrad

[bluebayou]

Not trying to be funny but are you concerned that you have a 3/4" group?  Are you saying that the edge of the group is 3/4" away from the first shot?  I guess that you want the cloverleaf. 

Assuming that I am wrong in someway:  is the first shot a cold bore shot?  I have one rifle that shoots cold bore to the same point as a five shot warm group.  Is the barrel dry on the first shot?  Do you oil the bore?  Do you clean the bore before shooting, sorta squeegee it out?  Hope that it helps. 

[gunnut69]

When a rifle shoots 2 groups, it often means the bedding problem is in the action area. Loosen the front bedding screw while holding your finger tips bridging the front receiver ring and the stock beside it. If any movement is felt the action is warped down in the middle between the rear action screw and the barrel reenforce. Do the same with the rear action screw. If the rear receiverring moves when the rear screw is loosened the action is warped down in the rear. This last situation can sure cause problems such as you're having. Also when checking be dure to watch for movement from side to side or rotation as the screw tension is released. As a rule there should be no movement of the action when the screws are tightened or loosened on a rifle with a floated barrel.. You may also want to verify the scope and it's mounts.. Also check to be certain the action screws don't touch the holes in the stock and that neither bottoms out in it's hole in the action.

[PA-Joe]

It may also be that your rifle likes a slightly dirty barrel. If the first shot is from a clean barrel that may be the problem.  Go to the range and shoot a little then come back the next day and shot again to see if the first shot is still a flyier. If not then your gun just likes a dirty barrel.

[bluebayou]

Gunnut has a good point about the side to side movement or rotation when you loosen/tighten the screws.  Thinking about it, one of the Remington stocks that I had was not only higher between the action screws (so that the stock bowed when tightened down) but it also twisted to the left when loosened.  It got trashed. 

I think that the cold bore, dry bore, clean/dirty bore is the place to start.  I know that the Handirifle that I had with Microgroove rifling would shoot 8-10 high and to the right with the first clean, dry bore shots.  After 2-3 fouling shots it was ok.