Glad you like the way your rifle shoots. It WILL get better as you learn or relearn and finaly settle in on how to shoot it.
As for the forend, a good sized dowel wrapped in sand paper will make short work of any tite spots in the forend. Also be sure the forend isn't too tight to the receiver. When you put the forend back on, add a "O" ring to the stud. Better yet, pick up some 5/16" neoprene rubber washers. I got mine at Lowes but Home Depot also has them. Put a couple on the barrel forend stud to keep the forend off the barrel. Lastly, keep your latch clean and dry. Then when finealy back at the range shooting, close the action as consistently as possible. Closing with a sharp snap.
If/when you begin loading for it, H322 powder, match primers and 52/53gr bullets really made mine print tightly.
YES it will kill a deer, but many including myself do not condone its use for them.
CW