Savage MKII BTVS Bipod Accuracy Problem

[Izzy43]

I have had this rifle for about 4 months and have been struggling with its accuracy. Of course I have been through countless different ammos trying to see if that was the problem and got the same results with nearly all the ammo. Changed scopes, fooled around with torquing the action bolts, cleaned it and shot, didn't clean it and shot all with no success.

The problem was it seemed to shoot great for 5 or 6 rounds and then would start having fliers, then it would settle down again. It has been driving me nuts.

So today at the range I decided it might not be the rifle. I removed the bipod from the rifle and went to a sandbag rest at the front and found that was the problem. Shot a number of nearly one hole groups at 50 yds and the only fliers were caused by the trigger guy. What a relief to finally discover the cause of the inaccuracy. The bipod was good and tight but I guess it may have been flexing when I fired causing the barrel to move slightly.

Just posting this for general info for those who may have bipods and experiencing a similiar issue.

[sarge1572]

it does sound odd.

How was your bipod mounted?

Jeff

[socalblue]

My guess is that you have a problem in your prone mechanics. This becomes clear when moving to a sandbag v bipod. You are likely not consistently square to the rifle & are putting some side pressure on as the bipod is loaded.

[Izzy43]

it does sound odd.

How was your bipod mounted?

Jeff

Bipod was mounted to a sling attachment point. I ensured it was tight as I had it come loose once before so I always check it at each range visit. Could be the bipod (Winchester clone of the Harris).

[Izzy43]

My guess is that you have a problem in your prone mechanics. This becomes clear when moving to a sandbag v bipod. You are likely not consistently square to the rifle & are putting some side pressure on as the bipod is loaded.

That is certainly possible so I'll pay some attention to that and see if my accuracy improves with the bipod. Odd that the Marlin is fine with the bipod. It actually shots better than the Savage. But different type stock than the Savage and a better trigger.

Edit: I didn't mention in my original post but I was using the bipod from a bench.