Barrel / Stock / Accurracy???

[ghosthunter]

My gun was holding about an 8" group so I thought that the scope wouldn't hold zero anymore. I went and bought a new scope, mounted and bore sighted it, and when I went to go shoot it my friend found that the barrel and stock weren't seated together well. So I immediately thought this was the problem and tightend the barrel and stock up and the groups were back on track. I never shot it with the barrel loose and the new scope so I was never sure if it was the scope that made the difference or the tightening the barrel and stock. Will the barrel and stock being loose affect accuracy?

 

[Whelen Man]

Most definitely. Even the amount of torque on the action bolts after they're seemingly tight will have further effect on accuracy. Even though you don't see it that barreled action moves in the stock after you pull the trigger before the bullet leaves the barrel. It must move the same amount each time and cannot do that readily in a loose fitting stock.

 

[Mausermeister]

What he said.

 

[ghosthunter]

Thanks gentlemen. That's the answer I was looking for. Some of my friends told me that it had nothing to do with it because the barrel is attached to the scope but I gave them the same exact answer given above. Thanks again.