Model 7 Predator Update

[FireBallGuy]

After finally loading some ammo and getting out to punch some paper I have come to the conclusion that this model seven is CRAP!!! Shot exactly 3 groups that actually resembled a group and the rest looked like I was patterning a shotgun!?! These results were with varget and 32 grain b.kings and vmax's. Factory ammo did not fare much better. Have a bunch more loads to shoot using benchmark using 32's and 40's (39's). After only 60 rounds there were signs in the stock, fairly abvious I might add the the barrel was making heavy contact on the little tab at the front of the stock. My gunsmith suggested that he should bed the action and float the barrel, is this a step in the right direction? Any suggestions would be great.

[Rick in Oregon]

FBG: Nothing wrong with a Model Seven at all, but remember, you're dealing with a factory stock rifle there.

Your smith is right, it obviously needs proper bedding/floating, maybe trigger work and possibly the crown recut. It's a shame we have to do all this work to a new factory rifle, but with costs going up all the time for the big makers, as long as it goes 'bang', it goes out the door, and all the final fit and finishing is left up to us; at least it is if we expect decent accuracy.

The Model Seven action is a very good one with great accuracy potential, assuming the barrel is of equal quality. For me, it's a regular routine for a new rifle coming home to get inspected, and almost always gets the barrel floated, action bedding (with 2" of barrel bedding right under the chamber area), trigger tweak or replacement, and the crown cleaned up or recut. If you can't do the work yourself, plan on having your smith take care of it, and your rifle will take on an entirely new personality and give you years of satisfaction.

[FireBallGuy]

At least my smith knows what he is talking about. And thank you for your interest. The trigger has allready been done, just a bit under 3 pounds. Was thinking about replacing it but I am rather fond of remington's new trigger, while not the last word in precision, for my situation and shooting style it is great. Going to drop the gun off with him tomorrow and get him to fix it up. It is a really cool little rifle and this winter when I am up to my waiste in snow dog hunting this light short little beast will work just fine.

[Rick in Oregon]

FBG: Good deal; you'll love the little rifle once your smith has had his way with it. That will money well spent. For dogs, the little Model Sevens are excellent, short and light, swings fast in a blind if one sneaks up on you, and a joy to carry in the field all day.

Here's mine with a target of opportunity while out cruising the open desert here.

[glenn asher]

Varget, while excellent in some cartridges, is awfully slow for 32 grain bullets, too. That might also be a sticking point for accuracy. I'd try Benchmark or H-322 for a bit more velocity, and probably better accuracy, too.

While I think Varget is the "A" ticket in .22/250, it's even pretty slow for 39-40 grain bullets in the .204 case. No doubt there are other powders to make your .204 happy, but those two are the ones I use.

[FireBallGuy]

Going to get the gun bedded and floated anyway, I have a bunch of stuff made with benchmark as well. Have not had a chance to shoot them yet. A switch to H322 might be in the works if all of this fails.

[Monashee]

I'll be interested to hear how your rifle shoots after bedding.I picked one up a couple of weeks ago,it's shooting just under an inch with factory 40gr Vmax.I'm waiting for some 35gr Bergers and some Nosler .204 brass to arrive,and then we'll see!A trip to the my smith for bedding won't hurt,so far I have no problems with the factory trigger.Keep us posted!Regards,Monashee