Accuracy problem

[SNAFU]

Hi all, first post.  Just bought my first Handi-Rifle last week.  It is a used Survivor model in .223 w/22 inch bull barrel. I was very much looking forward to owning one of these very accurate single shot break barrel rifles, sort of a poor man's Contender if you will. It came with a mounted 6x24 variable 40mm Tasco scope with adjustable objective. Obviously a cut above the typical Walmart Tasco unit, probably a $120 scope, but still a Tasco none the less.

I took it to the range for the first time Saturday, and it is shooting 3 to 5 moa at 100yds. :eek:  I used Federal XM193 55gr, and Remington 50gr JHP. I did get one 3 round 1 moa group using some borrowed reloads with match quality bullets, but the next group with the same ammo went wild again. Sometimes it will group a couple of consecutive shots right next to each other, then the POI will change. The bore looks fine as far as I can tell with my naked eye, and pushing a brush through the bore feels tight close to the chamber and then feels like it opens up some near the muzzle. The scope mount is secure, although there is a good deal of length hanging out forward which makes for a "soft" mount, but when deflected by force it always returns to the same point.

I'm seriously thinking I might have an internal scope problem, but I hate to go out and buy a nice new scope (because I'm broke) without knowing for sure that is the problem. I have $30-$40 Simmons and Tasco scopes on my .22lr rifles that shoot moa or close to it and have served me well, but I don't know if I can use these cheap scopes to test the .223. Will they withstand the recoil? Any other suggestions to track down the problem would be greatly appreciated. I was so excited to buy a tack driving varmit rifle but then to find out my SKS is more accurate was a bummer to say the least! Thanks for any suggestions.

[bladerunner]

SNAFU,welcome to the forum        

Your problem could be anything from poor lock-up to the barrel needs to be polished to poor or nicked crown......read the sticky's at the top,then after ya try all that,post again and tell us if any of it helped.

Most of these und will shoot pretty darn well,but you've gotta be patient and willing to work at it.......my 223 shoots about 2 and a half inch groups right now,but i'll keep workin at it and i think they will tighten up nicely

take care

[Norseman112]

Hello SNAFU and welcome GB,

As stated by blade runner you could have a host of things to check. I would read the stickys and faqs, they are a great help. If I couldn't buy a better scope at the present time perhaps you could borrow one from a friend and ask for a new scope for an CHRISTmas present... just an idea. Your scope may be ok to I don't know. I would follow everything in the faqs and I would also take my time in between shots so you don't get to hot of a barrel.
Whinchester White Box ammo at Walmart works the best for the .223 handi rifles. .223 handi rifles are very good shooters, I can vouch for this as I have one.

Best of luck,

John

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard!  I would try a known good scope to eliminate the scope issue, many of the PRC Tascos built prior to 2002 were real trash garnering the nick name Trashco and for good reason. It could also be a lock up problem. With the forend removed, is the barrel tight with no looseness at all when the action is closed?

http://www.charm.net/~kmarsh/brand.html#tasco

[hylander]

SNAFU:
I'm having the same problem.
I found my barrel lug to receiver fit is way to sloppy.
Mine is going back to H&R as soon as I can put it back in the box.