Can't zero in 10/22 iron sights @ 50 yd

[atto]

Hey everyone,
I took out my vintage 10/22 (1989 ) and shot about 400 rounds, but I just couldn't zero it in. I adjusted the sights (up, down, and nudged it left and right) to no avail.

I am using stock iron sights and it always shot to an inch or two to the left, sometimes also a little low. This was at around 50 yards with bulk Winchester ammo.

What could be going on? Could the barrel be bent?

[TURBOELKY]

Did you have the rifle on a stand, on a bag, or just holding it? Sounds like the way I shoot my pistol at 50 yds. low and left...

[atto]

I was prone and resting it on a bag.

[rimfired]

Hey everyone,
I took out my vintage 10/22 (1989 ) and shot about 400 rounds, but I just couldn't zero it in. I adjusted the sights (up, down, and nudged it left and right) to no avail.

I am using stock iron sights and it always shot to an inch or two to the left, sometimes also a little low. This was at around 50 yards with bulk Winchester ammo.

What could be going on? Could the barrel be bent?

Before you start looking at potential problems with the rifle, ditch that crap ammo and get something more reliable. Try some CCI, Federal, or Aguila (personal favorite). Bulk Winchester and Remington are notorious for inconsistency. So try that and see what happens.

[bjl333]

OK ... I had to take my 10/22s for a look.

The factory sights have no windage adjustments. If your rifle shoots left with everything it shoots then you could drift the rear sights to the right. To do that you'll need a piece of wood to put under the barrel where the sights are at, and someone to hold the rifle TIGHT. Take a punch and a drift the sights to the right little by little. Since there is no left/right adjustment this is the only way you can adjust the sights.

If the rifle shoots low with all the ammo the you could adjust the sights up 1 little notch at a time, you'll see the notches on the rear sight.

EDIT: NO your barrel is not bent ... The 10/22s are the most accurate and durable rifle out there !!

2nd EDIT: Just saw you adjust the sight left and right with no avail ... Did you try putting a scope on the rifle to see if it is shooting straight and grouping ?? I have 3 10/22s and they'lll shoot the X out of the targets everytime ....

[Seesm]

Some 10/22's are a bit picky ammo wise... So yeah try some better stuff... I like the cheap dirty stuff... Like I like my ladies... JK

[50BMGBOB]

If you where on paper, does it group? Make sure it groups, good ammo, action screw tight, barrel retainer tight, etc. Then adjust the sights

[caoboy]

Can you try zeroing in at 25 yards then moving to 50?

[five.five-six]

that win bulk is dirty crap, get some good ammo

[atto]

I agree, that ammo was pretty bad. I'm going to get a box of some match grade and see what happens, thanks for the suggestions!

[kmca]

Just because the Winchester is dirty, doesn't mean it's "crap". 22's are notorious for liking a particular type of ammunition. Two of mine won't shoot Federal bulk, but does like Remington. I've tested them with several different match grade ammunition. The best for my gun was Eley. It grouped about 1/8" better than Remington. I think the match stuff was about $7.50/box of 50, where the Remington was $18/box of 500. For that price difference, I'll live with the larger groups.

[ojisan]

Actually, the front sight is windage adjustable...just knock it side to side with a flat tipped punch.
It should normally be centered on the barrel.
Instead of trying to deal with a zero problem at 50 yards, start at 7 yards, get things centered, move out to 15 yards, then 25 etc.
Also be sure the barrel is perpendicular to the receiver...it can be installed twisted slightly to one side or the other...this moves the front sight to one side and down.