Thread: .22 sporter accuracy

Originally Posted by mudgripz

You are right to question accuracy from this little Annie. Group sets average from 24mm to 35mm at 50 - or approx 1" to 1.4". That's actually about double what I'd expect from this rifle - I'd be thinking averages more like 0.5 - 0.7". Some basic Annie models like the 1415, 1450 etc are not match shooters, but still one would expect better here.

Some good suggestions above. You can also check other basics to eliminate poss causes on inaccuracy. Structurally some 22 makes can have looser chambers, unevenness (tight and loose spots) in bore, loose barrel pinning, and faulty crowning. Gunsmith could check that but wouldn't expect first three in an Annie.

Then check usual suspects.. Bore cleaning as discussed earlier - one gunsmith mate used to occasionally Jiff stubborn barrels to get them like new - not too often I hope, but I can confirm it does work. Then remember not to shoot too many rounds continuously through a standard barrel 22LR - they can warm some and you can get an element of heat distortion. For example a Henry H001 lever 22LR I bought which after 6-7 rounds opened up from 0.75" groups to 2-3". Then have a look at that bedding job. Bedding and or floating on 22 sporters can work, but also may not. Gunsmith mate and I both did the experiments and after a time didn't bother. Depending on your bedding setup, experiment with screw pressures. Then be prepared to change scope. Have had several rifles that should have done better - and then suddenly did so after swapping a proven scope onto them.

Something not quite right here and shouldn't be too hard to track it down, get that 1415 shooting better.

Thanks for the input @mudgripz I’ll keep forging on with it, next step is a light bore polish. I’ve got a VX1 3-9 spare that Ill try on it too. The crown and bedding are good. I think that there is a large element of technique at play, these light sporters seem to be finicky to shooter input on the bench. Will keep at it and see how it goes.