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My Chapuis 9.3 was scary accurate when I first got it (2 ea L's & R's in <1" @ 100yds, benchrest, S&B ammo). After about 100 rounds or so the accuracy seemed to have "gone south". The "groups" were non-existent with bullet impact @ 100 yds +/- 5" (vert. and horizontal)and purely random. As noted in an earlier post, I wasn't sure exactly where the problem(s) were occurring, but have since sorted it out for the most part.

The first problem was the scope (Leupold VX III 1.5X5). I took the scope off the rifle and replaced it with another scope I had on hand on another rifle (Bushnell Elite 2x7). The randomness went away immediately. This is the second time that particular scope has failed. I sent it back to Leupold and they reportedly rebuilt it, at least that is what the form included with the scope indicated when I got it back. Anyway, it's off to Leupold (again) with a request to replace it rather than repair it, but we'll see what comes back from them this time around.

The second problem is definitely the rifle. It is now cross firing about 2.5" at 100 yds. I've eliminated the ammunition as the problem as my chronograph showed the ammunition used in the first groups with a velocity of 2230 fps, while the last ammunition showed 2229 fps (same ammo, brand, conditions, etc.). I've looked at the rifle pretty closely, and cannot see what might have changed. The only ammunition that has been used is S&B factory, and handloads using Nosler Partitions (286 gr.) and Ballistic Tips (250 gr.) over either H4350 or H4831. The barrels and rib seem to be attached (no gaps, etc) even though that appears to be one of the Chapuis' more common faults. My gunsmith has had threee Chapuis with loose ribs (2 ea 9.3's and one .375 H&H) in for his repair. Since I'm no way an expert in these rifles, I'm pretty much stumped at this point. Accuracy wise, 2.5" cross firing @ 100 yards (6.3 cm @ 90 m) to me is not good enough. If I thought that 100 m/yds was all the range I needed, I might stop "as is", but no way is 100 m/yds adequate here in the NW for hunting purposes.

The rifle has a one year warranty which will be up in another few months, so I contacted the dealer where I bought the rifle (W. Larkin Moore) and their response was 10 cm @ 80 m was the Chapuis acceptance standard, so I was on my own, so to speak. That is disappointing to me.

If I'd known what the Chapuis standard was, I might not have purchased the rifle. I was advised by many knowledgeable DR fans prior to my purchase that, on average, the Chapuis would most likely be the most accurate, besides being the "toughest" among the entry level rifles, and based on that information, I bought the UGEX.

I just got off of the phone with my gunsmith and he will re-regulate the rifle for me. The only plus I can see out of all this is the rifle will be re-regulated for a handload using bullets and powders commonly available here in the NW (WA State, USA). I've pretty much settled on 4350 powder, H or IMR, and Nosler partitions for the load. Any recommendations for me? TIA Pilgrim

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