Accurizing the Levergun

[crabo]

I have a Marlin 94 Cowboy with the24" barrel. I can get 3" groups at 100 yards with several different loads and boolits, both plain based and gas checked. I want to get to 2". I have firelapped my barrel, put in a good trigger, one piece firing pin and I am using a scope for load developement.

I was reading M.L. McPherson's "Acurizing the Factory Rifle" and I was wondering if any of you have done some of the techniques he discusses like the application of the RTV sealant, glassbedding forends, lightening magazine tubes and more.

Anyone done any of this and what were your results?

Thanks,

[hyoder]

Lap the crown.
Loosen the forearm and mag tube, rearrangealittle and tighten back up.
Split an O ring and put it between the barrel and foreend and move it up and down the barrel and test groups at different locations.
Do only one thing at a time so you'll know what helped.

[stubshaft]

On my Marlins I have found slight restrictions where the magazine band is located. Poured a lap and smoothed out that area and they shoot great both the Ballard and MG rifling.

[izzyjoe]

what cal. you are shoot'n 38/357 44m. or 45.:castmine:

[crabo]

357 mag 160 grain plain base with 13 grains of 2400. I am using the boolit shown. However, I can get the same groups with several other boolits, gc and hp.

[mastercast.com]

Folks,

If you want maximum accuracy with a lever gun, load the tube under the barrel with one or all it will hold.

Every time you fire a shot, put another loaded round in the magazine. It keeps the weight under the barrel the same and prevents vertical sringing.

One inch groups are possible with the above at 100 yards, with a good rifle.

[crabo]

I'm working this up for pistol cartridge silhouette. You only load 5 and shoot 'em out.

[Calamity Jake]

I'm working this up for pistol cartridge silhouette. You only load 5 and shoot 'em out.

Then single load for both accuracy work and the match.
You don't have to load 5 in the tube for the match.

[Jon K]

Then single load for both accuracy work and the match.
You don't have to load 5 in the tube for the match.

Let me point out NRA rules:

3.1.3 Cowboy Lever Action Silhouette Rifle

4. Firing period will include 30 second ready(loading) period, and 2 minutes for 5 shots. Ammunition must be loaded through the tubular magazine.

Jon

[ammohead]

Is loading during the 2 min firing time forbidden? If not load another round into magazine after each shot.

ammohead

[MtGun44]

I would suggest that the shorter barreled models have an increased
likelihood of better accy to an effectively stiffer barrel, less affected
by all the stuff hanging off of it.

My Guide Gun is very accurate, running at or under 2" for 5 shots at
100 fromthe bench, in .45-70 caliber.

Bill

[Jon K]

Is loading during the 2 min firing time forbidden? If not load another round into magazine after each shot.

ammohead

That is loading thru the tube....I've seen it done...but looks like more trouble than its worth.

Jon