Gunsmith?

[digitalcb]

15 years ago I inherited a Sako Forrester 308 with a Leopold 3X9 that shoots all over the map. The first shot is good but every other shot is farther and farther off the mark.

I've loaned it to several seasoned hunters each of whom has his own theory: poor ammo, loose scope mount, bad shot... all come back saying they all had the same problem and couldn't correct it.

I know I need to revert to open sights (if I had them) to test the basic gun but I just can't imagine a Sako of that poor a quality that that would be the issue.

I am looking for:

1. Ideas

2. Recommendations for a gunsmith...CFF affiliated

Any suggestions?

 

[Guest]

The rifle is most likely dirty. The rifling in the barrel may be fouled. Years ago (and a lot today) people did not use the proper chemicals and technique to clean their guns.. The scope might be loose but that would be easy to check. If you are not in a big hurry I could take a look at it for you. I am not a gunsmith but have shot competitively for a number of years and know my way around rifles and scopes. I can clean it properly and check the scope.
PM me if you like.

 

[digitalcb]

Thanks.

I would like to take you up on the offer. It just left with another CFF'r on a trip to Sinking Cove. As soon as deer season is over I'll get with you. I don't hunt any more but the gun gets borrowed some and is always brought back cleaned and oiled but I know for a fact the borrower uses 3m oil sewing machine oil.

Thanks again.

 

[Guest]

OK just let me know. I will clean it properly and use a very light coat of Break Free CLP when I am done. It won't collect dust and gunk up like the sewing machine oil does. When I'm done you will know whether or not it needs to go to a smith. I seriously doubt there is anything major wrong with it.