If I could get it threaded for screw in chokes (even if I just locktited an IM choke in and left it there), make a new barrel band + front sight that would fix the regulation issues, and have the trigger worked on, it would be a nice little gun (but all that would cost far more than the gun would actually be worth afterwards). I know a lot of people have a thing for this particular model, but I have read more complaints than praise on the internet amongst the folk who actually own one. I'd say it's at least 15 pounds, and gritty. The regulation is terrible and unfixable, and the shotgun barrel is cylinder bore, which is pretty much worthless for anything but flushing grouse and shooting slugs (and it's useless for slugs with such bad regulation that is too much kentucky windage to be able to shoot consistently). The ammo trap is cool on paper, but in reality it is far faster to pull shells from a shirt pocket. I'm probably going to offend someone with my opinion, but this gun was the biggest waste of money I've ever made. Lyman #16 folding leaf rear sight (originally off the 24V). I feel like I am a very lucky man to have been given stewardship of such a fine rifle during my time on this earth.Ĭanadian nickel shoved between barrels to try to adjust the regulation (it still shoots slugs about 8" low at 50 yards, and there isn't anything more I can do for it.) It certainly shoots far, far better than I do. I'd probably feel safe making a bet that it would shoot through the same hole out of a ransom rest or somesuch. The fully soldered barrels make for very little barrel vibration, and I think this may be the most accurate gun I own.
Even without a scope, I can shoot 1" groups with the irons at 50 yards off the bench.
The older-style front sight is far more precise than the squared-off newer style. The regulation is pretty much spot-on (shoots slugs an inch low at 50 yards). This is tied with my Valmet 412 Shooting System as my Very Favorite Gun. Though the hammer is a little wobbly (pin wear, I guess) and the wood is kinda dinged up. It's about perfect as-is, for what it is. And that's with factory 170 grain Federal Power-Shok. It'll make quarter-sized groups at 100 yards with a passable bench-rest, which is probably all the better I can shoot. Wooden furniture looks like it's been dragged behind a car for 200 miles.ĭespite being a piece of junk, this is one of the most accurate centerfire rifles that I own, as long as you're only firing one shot every few minutes (otherwise the barrel heats up and it strings pretty bad). Trigger guard made from a piece of metal cut from a broken down lawnmower that's been out in the weeds for the past 20 years. Used Bushnell Banner 3-9x muzzle-loader scope with Weaver #74 scope base.Īxe handle wedge shoved between barrels to adjust vertical regulation (still shoots slugs about 4" low at 50 yards). Front sight broken off by previous owner.