Need help - my sportster is driving me insane.

[jhnboat22]

Hello folks. I know I am doing or have done something wrong but I can't figure it out. I've got a Sportster 22lr with about 1200 rounds through it and all of a sudden my groups are inconsistent and large, kind of stringing out in a rough line top to bottom. 2 or 3 inches instead of 1 inch or a little better (50yds). I tried cleaning, a better scope, using a new grommet, using an oring instead of grommet, closing the action fast, closing it slow.

Here's what I think, but don't know for sure: the action is not closing the same or tightly every time. During one range session when the temperature was 20 deg. colder than normal for my area, the action kept popping open and didn't seem to want to stay closed. I would have to close it slow and give the forearm a twisting force for it to close. But now after an oring, and higher temperatures again, it seems to close ok. I also cleaned the parts of the action and barrel that do the locking (whatever they're called) with solvent and rags and added a little oil.

This morning I go to the range before work and same old thing. In the middle of all the inconsistent groups I did get the best 5 shot group I've shot 0.53 inches! But the very next group was 3 inches. I don't play golf but I sure understand why people throw their clubs. Maybe I should bring some old clubs so I can throw something that I won't regret later!

Anyway, any and all help appreciated.

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard! You didn't say anything about the scope mount rail, they tend to loosen over time, specially if they aren't loctited when installed. Remove the scope, then the rail, clean the rail, barrel, mount holes and screws real well, remove any trace of factory installed threadlocker and start over using blue threadlocker or even fingernail polish. The other thing I see could be wrong is the latch should be dry, not oiled. clean the latch and latch shelf real good and then leave it dry and see if that helps. If all else fails, maybe it should be sent to H&R for a fix.

[jhnboat22]

quickdtoo,

thanks, I have not done the rail; I'll clean and loctite. Also I'll clean and
leave dry the latch and shelf. No lubricant at all right? not even graphite or something else dry.

Can I ask you about the O-ring/grommet also? I first started with a grommet and just changed to an o-ring (same diameter as grommet just thinner). I ended up putting it against the end of the barrel lug so it sits inbetween the lug and the bottom of the forearm screw hole. This is different than what I gather you do for the Handi which someone's post in the centerfire forum showed a larger diameter O-ring over the lug pushed up all the way against the barrel.
Am I doing it right for the Sportster?
I also removed some of the forearm right at the front in the barrel channel to get it to float. The front of the forearm used to be right up against the barrel even with the grommet/o-ring so I removed a little material. I was wondering if I messed up the locking somehow by doing this.

Thanks again.

[quickdtoo]

The "O"ring should fit over the barrel stud, then just tighten the screw so it just starts to compress the "O"ring. I use a neoprene "O"ring from TrueValue hardware that measure 9/16"OD x 3/8"ID x 3/32" thick.

I shoot mine with the latch completely dry, no lube at all. If the latch hangs up and is inconsistent, you can hone the latch shelf with a fine stone just a little to smooth it some so the latch will engage it the same each time.

[jhnboat22]

cheatermk3

Yes, I cleaned but have not flushed out the action recently. I'll try that again after next trip to the range. The action seems to close and lockup fine with the forearm off. I did notice that with the grommet (thicker than an o-ring), the lockup was not as positive sounding as without the grommet.

quickdtoo,
I changed the o-ring to what you suggested, also cleaned and left dry the latch/shelf, removed/clean/loctited the rail screws too.

I also read the FAQ about barrel fitting and used a candle to carbon the latch shelf. Looks like the latch engages about 1/16 inch all the way across. Not 1/8 like in the FAQ, but maybe enough.

Now I'm gung-ho again, ready to experiment, gonna pay more attention to technique too. Probably can't get to the range til Tuesday; this whole working for a living thing can be really inconvenient.

thanks again, gents.

[jhnboat22]

A quick update: I went to the range late yesterday and everything seems to be back to normal! The groups are back to what I was getting, the action seems to be closing consistently, things were just generally going very well.

The rifle seems to like the front sandbag/rest under the hinge pin or even as far forward as the forearm screw. The rest moved all the way back against the trigger guard was a no-no. Paying a lot of attention to shooting technique also made a difference (of course). Mental attitude probably has a lot to do with it too - I was feeling pretty sure that things were going to be better this time.

Hey, thanks again for the help. Now I have to change the subject title to "Got Help - my sportster is driving my insanely happy."

[lostsniper308]

can a rifle be sent in even after the warrenty has past?

[quickdtoo]

can a rifle be sent in even after the warrenty has past?

Yup, just depends on how old the rifle is, they won't service those made before 1986 or '87.....also depends on what's wrong with it, if it's a safetly issue, they'll fix it, but if it's something broke or an accuracy issue, that may be a different story. In general, H&R is real good about fixing out of warranty issues.

Tim