Accuracy - its always the basics

I've spent several years trying to get a really classy 22 rf that shoots better than "well" (yes everyone says get a Annie 1422, job done, but I don't like them and everyone has one!). My goal is to shoot the Canadian Gun Nutz 5x5x50 - 5 consecutive groups, each 5 shots at 50 yards or metres. Lots of people claim their rifle will do it, but go a bit quiet when asked to produce one simple page of evidence!

Anyhoo several years ago I happened across one of the Miroku made Winchester Model 52 replicas - used but it looked real nice. These are very close copies of the Winchester Model 52B sporting rifles, which in turn were based on the Winchester Model 52 target rifle. In their day were sort after for their superb design and accuracy. Back then (pre 1946) they were very expensive, nowadays in just about any condition original sporters are worth megabucks in the US.

The replica's however have a patchy reputation for accuracy, there are several reports on Rimfire Central where guys have tried 4 or more replica's to find one that shoots.

Mine didn't shoot. I tried at least 6 different .22 target ammo's from cheap to very expensive and none of them gave anything better than about 20mm at 50M - hopeless.

Eventually I put the rifle up for sale, and the guy who was "marketing" it for me bore-scoped it, only to find the barrel had some old rusty area's and two deep pits half way down. I couldn't sell it like that so repossessed it and thought " bugger it, I'll rebarrel the bloody thing".

Last night I spent several wakeful hours going through all the Model 52 replica accuracy threads on Rimfire Central. Nothing really stood out although there were a few stories of changing the barrel pressure point/front bedding screw that had apparently borne fruit.

So this afternoon I tore my 52 to bits for the umpteenth time and cleaned the barrel. It didn't look rusty or pitted to my naked eye. I adjusted the bedding slightly, and removed the front barrel screw (half way up the barrel like a CZ452). 20 minutes sanding later, free floating barrel.

Went out and shot it. Now this is a seriously nice rifle to shoot, it has a decent sized stock, and the trigger let-off is as good as it gets, although a little heavy - probly 2.5-3 lbs I'd say. I shot 5 different target ammo's and the worst group was 0.635, the rest under 0.5. This all done after 5 pm in slightly windy conditions with a 9x scope.

Anyone want to buy my 1415-1416 Annie??