Hello again,
I would like to give kudos to altamont for their willingness to permit me to return the rifle stock after miscommunication.
So, range day. I spent two days at the range, put 40 shots downrange (20 corelokt 130 grain and 20 wincester ballistic silver tip 130 grain), aside from becoming familiar with the firearm and multiple shooter errors, the rifle was shooting roughly 1 MOA at 100 yards. The only noticeable difference between the two ammo types was how remarkably clean the wincester burns. That alone is worth the extra $10 to me.
I shot the corelokt in Keystone, Colorado with an elevation of roughly 9,350 feet elevation. Day two I shot the wincester at roughly 5500 elevation in Erie, Colorado. Both days crystal clear skies.
when I focused on my breathing, concentrated on proper trigger pull and did not jerk from excitement/nerves, it was consistently placing 1 MOA triangles. I was taking roughly 3-4 shots two minutes apart, and then cleaning the rifle and letting it cool down. For a brand new rifle with cheap scope rings, I was very pleased. Any shot placement that was outside of 1 MOA I could honestly say was user error and/or heated barrel. Yesterday I shot the corelokt alone and today I shot the wincester at a range with my buddy. He verified with me on multiple shots that it appeared I was responsible for the misplaced shots. I figure that the combination of my unrefined technique, new rifle and middle of the road ammo provided less than optimal results and I have 100% confidence in the accuracy of this firearm. Trust and believe I will be focusing significant time with this rifle and learning how to become a better shot.
I'm shooting a Nikon Prostaff IV BDC reticle 4-12x40mm scope (love it! can't beat it for the money).
at 200 yards my buddy and I shot nearly the same exact hole on our first shots when we agreed where to aim (wasn't sure with the wind and change in distance- and I didn't adjust the scope until after he shot). Even the gentlemen assisting at the range was impressed with that accuracy with factory loads.
my impression: Beautiful rifle, although the magazine and bolt feels cheap, is definitely a very accurate firearm and it will be quite some time before I learn to maximize its potential.
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below is my issue with the service:
After having dealt with Mossberg customer service, I was very close to selling the new rifle and my 590 because I have never experienced such disrespect, ineptitude and overall inconsiderate service from any company. This alone will prevent me from ever recommending Mossberg to anyone ( and I love my 590). I simply cannot stand behind a company that places such a low value on customer service. This is as nice as I can be after 7 straight days dealing with customer service. I was told I would receive a confirmation email (4 calls later- still no email), after placing the order for the laminate stock (89.95 shipped - nice!), I had to call 4 times to get an update on the tracking number. order placed early monday, still did not get processed wednesday, and finally someone there actually pushed it to expedited delivery. day 4, finally received a tracking number and the service rep said it wouldn't be there til tuesday, but when I checked, it was due to be here friday. It came friday. Wow! Unbelievable. Although I am excited, I hope to never have to contact them again - I may just sell the rifle rather than have to go through that mess again.