HW/Weihrauch HW 30 and 97 not used for 2 years, accuracy poor

[azscot]

My HW 30 .177 and 97 .25 have sat for 2 years, stored muzzle up in a gun safe. Took them out yesterday and both shot all over the place, 3 to 4" groups. I shot over 20 rounds through both with no improvement. The groups varied both horizontally and vertically, but vertical stringing was most apparent.
I figure the vertical stringing is caused by inconsistent velocity but don't understand the wide horizontal spread.

My first thought is that the seals aren't sealing properly from sitting so long. Both rifles have Vortek seals. Could they need re-lubing?

Is there any way to re-lube the seals without taking the rifles apart?

Or should I just keep shooting them?

Any ideas?

 

[cjtamu]

My first guess would be breech seal after sitting that long. Try tissue paper test to see if you have a leak there. I’ve shot some guns that have sat for awhile and after 50+ shots they’ve settled in and velocity has increased and ES decreased. But never had them shoot groups like that. Might pull some patches through the barrel just to rule that out.

 

[blackdiesel]

The first thing I check when groups are scattered is the scope to make sure it's not moving around, I just remove it and mount it from scratch.

 

[TheWhiteBreath]

Have they been sitting in the safe because you haven't been shooting at all for two years? Were you shooting from a rested position, front and rear? Have you taken the shooter out of the equation as much as possible?

 

[Sqwirl57]

Pull some Ballistol patches through the barrel followed by dry ones until they come out clean. Personally I'd just tear them down and give them a clean and relube but thats up to you. Shooting them will likely get the juices flowing again too.

 

[Mycapt65]

Shoot them more. 50 shots isn't hardly enough to pass judgment on the guns. If you haven't shot a springer in two years you may have forgotten some of the springer shooting basics. I'd give it at least another couple hundred more shots.

 

[azscot]

Have they been sitting in the safe because you haven't been shooting at all for two years? Were you shooting from a rested position, front and rear? Have you taken the shooter out of the equation as much as possible?

I was shooting off sand bags at 25yds with the scope set at 12X. After trying to shoot off the bench without a rest and realizing how much practice I need to get back to how I was shooting.

 

[azscot]

Shoot them more. 50 shots isn't hardly enough to pass judgment on the guns. If you haven't shot a springer in two years you may have forgotten some of the springer shooting basics. I'd give it at least another couple hundred more shots.

Thanks. I wasn't sure how many pellets I might need to put through them.

 

[KWK]

Do the seals honk when you cock them? A lot of guys will mess their pants over this but I had a springer do that and I put some chamber oil in it and it still shoots very well a few years later. It's not a target rifle but shoots about like one. I had nothing to lose I was going to open it up. But shoots so well I won't yet. I don't shoot it every day or week for that matter. I might part retire after next year. Be more time for fun then. Maybe.....
I do enjoy working. Yeah

 

[azscot]

My HW 30 .177 and 97 .25 have sat for 2 years, stored muzzle up in a gun safe. Took them out yesterday and both shot all over the place, 3 to 4" groups. I shot over 20 rounds through both with no improvement. The groups varied both horizontally and vertically, but vertical stringing was most apparent.

Thanks for all the help. I put more pellets through them and worked on my rusty technique. Now they're back to what I'd expect except for a few flyers that could be me rather than the rifles. Glad it wasn't anything more serious.

 

[Keene]

Stock Screws?

 

[azscot]

Stock Screws?

Yes, stock screws. Thanks for reminding me. Since the rifles have settled down with more shooting, I don't think the screws are a problem but I'll check them.