A hunting rifle upgrade might be easier than you think. Watch this video for three DIY tips to upgrade your old hunting rifle.
Get New Glass
Your “old” hunting rifle might have some battle scars, but there’s a good chance it’s still a shooter. Maybe it just needs to be matched with a new scope to transform it into the killer rig that you demand for the field. Modern riflescope technology allows you to get a lot of quality for a small investment. Read this riflescope buyer’s guide to learn the basics before you decide to make your glass upgrade.
If you’re on a tight budget, Team HuntStand can vouch for the Burris Fullfield IV riflescope. With five different models, multiple reticle options, and adjustable turrets, you can almost certainly find a scope in the Fullfield IV family that has everything you need to hunt confidently from the whitetail woods to bigger western pursuits. Once you pair your old rifle with a new scope, you’ll have a setup that’s worthy of passing down through many future generations of hunters.
Rifle Barrel: Free-Floated or Bedded?
As explained in the video above, one of the easiest ways to improve the accuracy of your hunting rifle is to see if it shoots better with a free-floated or bedded barrel. Either option is a DIY affair. Experiment with both by shooting some groups to see what your rifle prefers.
Tinker with Your Bedding Screws
Another simple way to potentially improve the repeatable accuracy of your hunting rifle is to adjust the bedding screw tensions. Oftentimes this is just a matter of tightening the front screw and loosening the back. Test different tensions as you’re punching paper until you find the sweet spot. Use a torque wrench to ensure you don’t go overboard.