Finally got a break in the weather and took the 25/06 to the range. First day I had mucho trouble getting the gun sighted in. But, finally prevailed.

Second day first shot was 8 in. high, second was 6 in. high. The day before, I left the range sighted in 3 in. high at 100 yds. Started loosening the forearm screw and well, the impact started moving down to where it was on the first day. I'm thinking that this gun might benefit from a free floating barrel. I also think that this gun likes a fouled barrel!

The question now is how do I float the barrel? Can I just ream out the foreend until the barrel is free? Has anyone done this?

Bowman, you don't say what bullet you are using and I recall my M77 257 Roberts would not group well with bullets over 100gn. The current owner raves about it's good accuracy with 90gn Sierra Gamekings.

To accurise a No. 1, I relieve the forend to action so that I can get a tissue paper through. Then glass bed the forend to the hanger arm. Finally relieve the forend away from the barrel to free float it.

My No.1 22PPC (factory rifle)has grouped as small as .210 off the bench and holds its zero perfectly.

I had a 1V .25/'06 that shot very well with 100, 117 and 120 grain bullets using Norma MRP. Perhaps one of those "forend hanger" jobs would benefit your rifle.

Go to the Ruger -2 Group on Yahoo. There is a wealth of information in the files and lots of the folks have done extensive work on No. 1's.. I just cut a neoprene washer and put it between the forearm and the hanger. Seems to work.