How come this rifle is so accurate? It was a cheap, used Mossberg 702 Plinkster ?

Question

It is the really (lots of plastic) cheap 18" barrel one, the 37001. I bought it used for $70, with two magazines. The dealer gave me a 50 round box Remington Thunderbolts and a couple of TQ-2 paper targets for 75' rimfire. Right from the start, I was able to put 5 out of 5 on the 2.375" black several times. This is standing. Benched, I can get .5" groupings from my Marlin 981T at 50 yards, but certainly not standing.

Another shooter out back at the shop's range took 5 shots and also did this. All he could say was "Whoa!" The gun looks unused. The dealer said he cleaned it and sighted it in for 75'.

I have other guns and I am an OK shooter. This shoots better than anything else I own! I can't figure out why... The dealer is going to service my Marlin 981T which can't do this, to see if he can improve it. Any explanations? Thanks.

Answer 1

Guns are usually not priced on accuracy alone and .22 guns are notoriously accurate even at cheap purchase prices.  A Savage MKI single shot or MKII repeater with a scope can easily shoot under 1" at 50yds. when employed by the right person.  The difference in prices usually reflects metal-to-metal tolerances, finish work, parts quality, and stock material.  Cheap .22 rifles are great tools but do not have the service life like more expensive models.  For example, a CZ-452ZKM will be around a lot longer than a Savage or Marlin bolt-action.

But realize that a 452Lux is over twice the price of a basic Marlin or Savage bolt-action.  The same can apply for automatic .22 rifles.

Answer 2

I own the same rifle, which was previously known as the magtech 7022 before mossberg took it over and yes they are very accurate rifles. I have been able to hit almost the dead center of the 100 yard target at the shooting range here in my hometown, and I haven't adjusted the sights on it or anything. I wonder if it's because of that front sight because it has a hood around it and a fat round top, which is almost like scope cross hairs.  

Answer 3

Put it into perspective.  

A 2.375 inches  group at 75 Feet equals a 10MOA accurate group.   Shooting off hand and creating groups that size reflects on the shooter and not as much the rifle except to say that the shooters are able to shoot alright with the rifle.  

Even your "cheap" rifle is easily capable of 4MOA or better groups.  

Answer 4

I concur, even a cheap rifle mechanically is capable of getting that kind of accuracy, the limiting factor is the shooter.

Probably this rifle simply fits your shoulder or arm length a bit better than your marlin, or your marlin is in drastic need of serious cleaning