Frustration with a new Henry single shot...

[Daveboone]

I had long wanted a compact quality single shot in .308, and was delighted when Henry came out with theirs. After checking them out, I bought one with absolutely the prettiest walnut stocks I had ever seen on an off the shelf rifle. I scoped it with a 2 x 7 Leupold VX 1which I formerly had on another .308. Only after I got it did I start reading about the very gimmicky trigger it has (very heavy pull, with an odd "step" just before the trigger release). I had pretty much gotten used to that, and thought I had it well sighted in earlier in the season. Last week I took it out just for a last few shots, and now cant get the dang thing to hold a zero. I am using quality ammo which initially grouped great, but now the damn shots are wandering all over. I was looking forward to using it this season, but my best guess is that the scope isn't holding zero. I have never had to send  a Leopold back for any reason, but first time for everything. Luckily I have my tried and true 8x57 Mauser in the wings. For me, too late in the season to worry about getting the Henry straitened out. 

[biggamefish]

I would make sure all your screws are tight on the scope mount. Start there and narrow things down

[stubborn1VT]

That sucks.  I had a similar experience with a new Savage 30-06.  Turned out it was really picky about ammo.  It would only shoot 1.5" groups with $40 a box Federals.  Everything else it spit out all over.  That rifle sits in my gun safe.

[ny hunter]

I would go over the scope mount and screws then the scope,,If it turns out to be the scope contact Leupold  and tell them you would like to use the scope for this up coming season you should get it back in time to sight in before the gun opener..

[moog5050]

If there is an issue after it was grouping well last time, I doubt it’s the gun.  I too would bet on mounting system or scope.  

[Daveboone]

Scope mounts / screws all checked out...it will hold a group for about three shots, then wander all over. I am sure it is the scope. I have already talked with Leupold...their turn around is less than a week, but I likely wont have a chance for range time after this for weeks. I will be using my old standby.

[Pygmy]

On 10/24/2019 at 9:44 PM, Daveboone said:

Scope mounts / screws all checked out...it will hold a group for about three shots, then wander all over. I am sure it is the scope. I have already talked with Leupold...their turn around is less than a week, but I likely wont have a chance for range time after this for weeks. I will be using my old standby.

Old Paul Mauser would be proud of you, Dave...<<grin>>…..

[dbHunterNY]

i would've said scope mounts too but seems like you've figured out it's the scope. normally it's not anything loose but just poor ring fit or screws tightened with uneven pressure.

[thphtm]

If you are not shooting off of a good solid bench with a quality front support under the front of the stock ( not the barrel) and a good support under the rear of the stock and squesing the trigger not jerking it . It could be you not the firearm.

Take one or two shots and let the firearm  cool off for an 1/2 an hour or more, come backand take 2 more shots and see if it hits near the first 2 shots , if it is , then you have a problem with the barrel moving as it heats up , when taking a number of shots all at once. That is why well known benchrest shooters only take 5 shots at a time . And I am willing to bet your barrel is not 1" diameter or more as on there rifles .

Hope you find out what the problem is .  

[Daveboone]

Well, got it straitened around. I found a new but never used inexpensive 4x shotgun scope, (Field and Stream...but the "B" label inside the adjustment cover makes me think Bushnell?)  which I decided to give a try. It certainly wasn't Leupold optics, but it held a zero like a rock, and in 1/2 dozen shots I had an inch group established at 75 yards, which is what my .308s are usually sighted for due to the woods hunting I do. Another quick shot at both 100 and 50 yards to be sure where everything was going, and I am happy for the season.