Rossi 92, .44 Mag Needs Help

[Dan Chamberlain]

This gun puts the first round nearly dead center each time.  But, subsequent shots start to go all over...but mostly low.  I'm thinking the barrel heating up is causing stress somewhere. 

It's the carbine version with two barrel bands, the first holding the forestock in place and the second acting as the front sight and spacer between the tubular magazine and barrel end. 

Any suggestions would be appreciated.  I'm pretty handy, but don't know where to start. 

Dan

[Graybeard]

Personally I don't think it's a barrel problem but rather a bedding problem. With two bands and a fore end there is a lot of stuff to cause poor bedding or fit between the barrel and them. I'm betting one of the three or maybe more than one of them is binding and putting uneven pressures on the barrel.

[gunnut69]

Its likely as GB says.. The magazine tube held to the barrel by the bands causes the barrel to bend downward as the barrel heats and grows longer. Try freeing the magazine tube a bit to allow it to float in the front barrel band. I believe the only thing needed is to slightly(very slightly) relieve the magazine hole in the band to allow a slip fit for the magazine outer tube.  The pin that retains the front band should impinge on the barrel so the front sight will remain solid.. If not add a hole and a roll pin to keep the front sight tight to the barrel. Don't remember anymore but the magazine tube must be retained in the action somehow.. Depending on the version at hand this can be as simple as a magazine band pinned to the magainze outer tube just behind the front barrel band. Or perhaps a pin thru the action wall which knicks the magazine tube to retain it. Even screws can be used as long as the tube is not tied tightly to the barrel.. The rear band retains the forearm and is held on by a screw. The barrel should not be overly tight in the band.. I've seen some of these screws that were really difficult to get started because they were so offset.. The barrel should be loose enough to move as it heats up.. There are more radical accurizing jobs that can be done but these if properly done should allow the rifle to produce good accuracy..

[Dan Chamberlain]

Thanks all.  I have the right idea then.  Proceeding to work on it.

Dan