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Phoenix Arms HP-22 -- suddenly not accurate

GraceGrace Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
edited March 2009 in Ask the Experts
I'm new to shooting so not sure what to do w/my gun. Prior to today, my HP22 was as accurate as my other guns w/problems being due to my aim. I've been using Winchester ammunition.

Today, it was way off, up and to the right. One of target shooters at the range shot it and got the same result. He adjusted the rear sight and it was better, but still not close to being on target.

I bought a box of Federal ammo today, if that makes any difference, AND I forgot to clean it after my last practice. Shot probably 60 rounds through it then. Thoroughly cleaned it prior to that.

One guy told me to send it back to the factory but before I do that, I was wondering if there might be another reason for the sudden inaccuracy. It hasn't been dropped or tossed around and is always stored in its case. It's had about 600 rounds put through it.

Thanks!
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Comments

  • rock,roll,n,loadrock,roll,n,load Member Posts: 698 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Check the barrel for lead build up. Some of the Winchesters are known for leading, specially the white box Wal-Mart stuff.
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  • model1892model1892 Member Posts: 88 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I never thought Winchester White Box was really that dirty. I'd shoot winchester white box over magtech, blazer brass, and federal anyday!
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  • brier-49brier-49 Member Posts: 7,104 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It's not the dirty, it's the lead build up. Yes it will affect accuracy. Give it a good cleaning.
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  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    +1 on brier -49 we had a new shooter on the range with a BUCKMARK after 200 rounds the bullets started key-holing I tried to push a bare cleaning rod down the bore after taking the barrel off. I had to drive it down the bore and it pushed out enough lead to make 1/2 dozen bullets I spen 20 minutes cleaning bore used some good ammo and it shot 3/4 inch groups at 25 yards.
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  • GraceGrace Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Alright, I just scrubbed it clean. I'll try it again tomorrow and see what happens. I hope that is the problem, easy fix.

    Thanks for the advice!
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  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    When you say its "not accurate" do you mean that:

    a. The group size has suddenly become large or

    b. The point of impact has changed? (IE the gun doesn't shoot to point of aim anymore, but the group size is still small).



    If its a, I agree, a dirty (leaded) barrel can be the culprit. Clean the gun thoroughly including scrubbing the barrel. When you have the gun stripped down for cleaning, also do an inspection to make sure that none of the parts are worn or damaged.

    If its b, that usually means a problem with the sights. Inspect them carefully to make sure they aren't bent or damaged. Front sight too.
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  • iwannausernameiwannausername Member Posts: 7,131
    edited November -1
    Define way off? And like above, is group size similar just different point of impact?

    If group is OK, then sights, or possibly the new load (how way off? at what distance?). If group is not OK, then cleaning, or different ammo. If both, then both.

    In other words... hows it shoot now with the ammo you were using before the new stuff?
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