A Tale of Larger Groups and a Loose Sear

[6and7mm]

Yowza! My rifle used to win about every match it shot in, or at least it came across the finish line swappin' paint for first place. How many gear gremlins do we have to chase to keep our groups tight and well behaved on target?

I noticed that my little 6BR wasn't keeping the the five shot groups as tight as it used to. I also noticed I wasn't winning small group anymore either. Grrrrrrr...

After evaluating a few things, I determined that with 1,700 rounds on the barrel, within a two-year period, it may be time to change the firing pin spring.

The rifle is just under 17 pounds, uses a Nesika J action, and sports a Brux 1/8 barrel. And the rifle can race with the best of 'em.

We'll, with the bolt removed, and in the disassembly fixture, I loosened the first set screw, and removed it. This is when I noticed the cocking sear was loose and no longer tight against the firing pin with the 2nd set screw. Grrrrrrr....

I went ahead and changed the $15 firing pin spring that I purchased from Jim Borden. Now, with the new spring and tightened set screws, the rifle should be able to start bringing home some blue ribbons once again, as well as some green ones

Folks, do what I did before you need to do it. Go give your rifle a once over inspection. And be sure to check your bolt assembly throughout. This way, you can stay on center and keep those groups tightened-up.

 

[jonbearman]

I think we all have been there and at the worst time possible.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

So did that fix it or you just figure that was the problem?

 

[6and7mm]

I 'figured' that was the culprit. I had too many Labor Day family commitments to confirm it at the range as of yet.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Dont take it for granted- theres a lot of actions that have the firing pin held on by a pin so check everything else out real good too

 

[6and7mm]

Dont take it for granted- theres a lot of actions that have the firing pin held on by a pin so check everything else out real good too

Yes. One step at a time. At this juncture, if what I have found doesn't address the issue then I may have to accept the barrel has fought the good fight and simply doesn't offer the accuracy it once did. But I think the gremlin has been identified
I just need time to validate it.