Stock Bed - Would Ya?

[Gonfishn]

Ok, so I took my baby out to the farm and set up a target at 100' to see where the new scope was shooting - oh by the way, its a Ruger #3 in .223. Anyway, finally found out where it was hitting, made the adjustments, and moved the target out to 50 yards and did some more adjusting. Ultimately I had it out to 100 yards using the first circle below the crosshairs. I like it, I really do, it's a nice "heavy gun" and I think that adds to its allure on the range. I was firing in three's, and the best I could get was a one inch spread with one in the center and the others clustered about it (this was at 50 yards). On the hundred, did a bit worse but not that bad considering my age (I know, I hadda have some excuse didn't I?) I have a beautiful burled walnut stock on this baby, obviously someone did some pickin at the factory and therein lies my conundrum. I'm seriously considering bedding the stock but I really don't want the bedding to show between the walnut and the barrel as one looks down on it. May sound a bit picky but what the heck? I'm aware of the .223 dynamics, drop and rise, so I took all that into account when shooting. Any thoughts guys, any recommendations on who to do it? I'd post a pic but can't figure out how to do it :-(

 

[picketpin]

It's doubtful that bedding is the answer. Especially in a #3 with the front band on the forearm. Accuracy level is about normal for a #3. You'll probably get more from finding the right screw tension on the forearm and what load your #3 likes than just about anything else. I have a lot of #1s and a handful of #3s and only one is "bedded" and it came that way when I bought it used..

RWT

 

[pisgah]

I am curious about a couple of things. First, why use the first circle under the crosshairs? Second, with initial results that good, why not just try another load or three to see if you get even better results without altering anything on the rifle?

 

[Gonfishn]

I am curious about a couple of things. First, why use the first circle under the crosshairs? Second, with initial results that good, why not just try another load or three to see if you get even better results without altering anything on the rifle?

You're right, of course, this was the first time out and we didn't have a lotta time so we tinkered a lot with the sighting. I've tightened up the screw a bit without overdoing it and zeroed at 100 yards and have improved the accuracy just a hair BUT believe me I'm more than satisfied with the results. I love this rifle (actually all number 3's and 1's). I'm weird though, yes I admit it, my favorite calibers are .223 and the 7.62x39. I still owe a debt of gratitude to a fellow Forum member for selling me his brand new, in the box, S/S light sporter 7.62. Believe me he coulda got a better price but I think he knew it'd be going to someone who appreciated it.