Picked up an older commercial FN 98 in 06 the other day. Overall it looks good and functions just fine. It has no marks that would immediately identify it's history. The stock appears to be a Richards or similar variant in the classic "sporter configuration." There are no marks on the barrel.

I mounted a Leupold M8 4x, and took a batch of Lake City Match M72 Ball ammo to the range today.

The rifle prints in a verticle pattern. The first round prints at 12 O'clock, and all subsequent rounds follow in an almost straight downward vertical line. There is very little horizontal variance. If you took rounds 2 thru 5 on any given string and overlayed them on the first round, you'd have a 1.25 inch group.

Bedding issue? How to proceed?

Thank you all in advance for you insight and input.

Tom/Durango, Co.

Stringing would be an indication of a bedding issue. What I would do.

Start with the obvious things scope mounts etc., then, check the action to make sure it isn't stressed or binding. Make sure both guard screws are tight, and then loosen the front guard screw while gripping the barrel and forend with your free hand. Watch and feel for any movement of the barreled action as you loosen the screw. There shouldn't be any.

Continue removing the screws and pull the barreled action from the stock and look the bottom and sides of the barrel over for any rub marks indicating contact with the forend. Examine the barrel channel as well for similar signs.

Look at the crown under a bright light while you have it apart for any signs of abuse or uneven wear and tear.

Diagnosis:

If the barreled action wants to climb out of the stock when you loosen the front guard screw that would indicate bedding trouble. Uneven or off side barrel/forend contact would likewise indicated bedding trouble. If the barrel is supposed to be floating and there is signs of contact between the forend and barrel, that would indicate a clearance problem.

For bedding problems, seek the assistance of a friend who is experienced in such things, or better yet, a Gunsmith.

Wespac,

Thanks! What a clear, concise explanation!

Tom, I can understand trying for improvement ,but that old 06 seems to be just great for hunting just as it is. If the POI does not change from one cold shot to the next cold shot ,that's all you need. I doubt if you intend to use it in a prarie dog town. roger

Thank you Westpac. Wouldn't it be nice if we could get doctors to talk to us like that? I'll play with it a little as time goes by.

Bartsche: Roger that. I was thinking the same thing. As a beater, I can't complain about its first shot/cold shot abilities. I bought it, well, "just cause." You know how that goes.
But I'll give Westpac's options a try and see how it goes.

quote:

But I'll give Westpac's options a try and see how it goes.

roger