[martinw]

I have a brand new Savage Mark II with factory-installed Weaver scope. I could not zero the rifle right from the get-go. A few rounds would land on top of each other or millimeters apart and then without any scope adjustment the next few rounds would land in a completely different spot on the target but still in a tight grouping. What do you suspect the issue is? Riflescope rings? But if the rings than I'd think that every shot would feel errant. I'd be grateful for more experienced shooters sharing their expertise. Thanks!

 

[xjsdvr]

I'd start with...

bedding and parallax adjustment.

 

[gunpa]

Where are the different groups landing. Up down left right and how far apart?

 

[MikeG]

Something is loose. Start with the base, then rings, then possibly try another scope. Just go in order or you'll chase your tail forever.

 

[martinw]

Where are the different groups landing. Up down left right and how far apart?

At 25 years the groupings are as 10 inches apart, in all directions: up, down, left, right.

 

[JBelk]

Scope or mounts.

 

[martinw]

Something is loose. Start with the base, then rings, then possibly try another scope. Just go in order or you'll chase your tail forever.

I will check the base and the rings, and then report back. Thank you!

 

[shreck]

Sounds like a dodgy scope or punishment for activates in a previous life.
Last one was a joke but that is what it felt like last time I had an issue like that.
Although I did send a 17 wsm back to savage for similar reasons .
It would shoot a group to the left .next mag would go to the right.

I would mount another scope and try .
Sounds like there is some pretty good potential.
How far apart are the groups?

Cheers.

 

[MontyF]

If the scope mounts aren't torqued, it wouldn't be the first time I've seen it on Savage factory mounted bases.

Like was mentioned start at the bottom and work your way up. If the mount screws aren't bottomed out or loose, check out the rings. If they tighten up on the base, then try a known good scope.

 

[Big 5]

Scope, mounts, first of all, then probably need rebed the rifle and check the crown for nick or something..The wood sounds like perhaps the screw are loose or they are not pulling the gun down into the wood or plastic..

 

[martinw]

Thanks everyone! Yep, just the scope was loose. Tightened the rings and all is good!

 

[shooterPaul]

Good to hear that the "problem" was an easy fix for you.
Now, get out there and kill some targets - recoil therapy is the best therapy in the world!

 

[CSM19Z5M]

If it were me, I would remove the scope from the rings and remove the rings and basses and start from scratch. I would never trust a factory mounted setup regardless of who it is. Reinstall the bases and tighten correctly, install and lapp the rings, reinstall the scope and torque everything as speced. If it still shoots the same, you have a bad scope and the crosshairs are moving in tandem changing the aiming point. Good luck.

 

[MikeG]

By chance did you see that he solved the problem two posts above yours?

 

[BE Brickey]

Check the screws on the scope mount. Rings, ring to base screws. I got a 116 from Savage in 6.5 C and I didn't find out just how loose things were until after I had shot an Antelope with it.

 

[MisterEd]

This thread demonstrates the importance of verifying zero with more than a few shots. And to be absolutely sure give the scope a light knuckle bump between your last two or three groups.

 

[martinw]

All good now. I learned a lot, got all the right tools, remounted the riflescope, all works perfectly now. I am having so much fun that I bought another rifle, scope, etc.