The other day I had decided to buy a new .22 rifle. I left work early to hit the gun store but when I got there strangely they were closed. Maybe it was a sign...when I got home I pulled out an old family gun which was ugly when we got it, then suffered damage in a water leak. When Dad passed away, I kept this one as it wasn't worth much but had some sentimental value. Being desperate for a new .22 I soaked this rusty piece in Hoppes and buffed away. I was surpised that most of the rust came off or at least was toned down. Best of all the bore looked decent.
Tonight I put a BIG spare scope on it and took it to the range. I believe it shot as well as I've seen it shoot. These four groups were at 25yd rested. Best group is .52" and was loaded as a single shot. When feeding from the mag, it was shaving a chunk off of many bullets. I also shot a group offhand and it was just a hair over an inch. I don't shoot rifles off hand much so I was pleased.
Having established that the gun still functions, I plan to give it some more restoration. I'll refinish the stock and try to find an aperture sight for it.
So...nothing earthshaking here, but I was happy to turn back the clock a few years with this rifle and hope to continue to do so. It is a Stevens Model 84C BTW. I'm not sure how old it is but it's been in the family for at least 35 years and looked pretty old when we got it. Just thought I would share a happy, stress free range trip.
Tonight I put a BIG spare scope on it and took it to the range. I believe it shot as well as I've seen it shoot. These four groups were at 25yd rested. Best group is .52" and was loaded as a single shot. When feeding from the mag, it was shaving a chunk off of many bullets. I also shot a group offhand and it was just a hair over an inch. I don't shoot rifles off hand much so I was pleased.
Having established that the gun still functions, I plan to give it some more restoration. I'll refinish the stock and try to find an aperture sight for it.
So...nothing earthshaking here, but I was happy to turn back the clock a few years with this rifle and hope to continue to do so. It is a Stevens Model 84C BTW. I'm not sure how old it is but it's been in the family for at least 35 years and looked pretty old when we got it. Just thought I would share a happy, stress free range trip.
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