What scope do you have on your .17s?

Elkhuntr:
I guess I can't predict if your gun is broken in or not, but I'm wondering. Have you done anything with the factory trigger? I worked the trigger on my buddy's 17v and have it down to a crisp 24 oz. Even replacing the trigger return spring with one from a ballpoint pen (cut down, of course) didn't get the trigger to settle in and feel right. I honed it with a fine Arkansas stone and shortened the pull. I also replaced the sear spring with one slightly less powerful. Then I treated the sear and hammer with Brownell's action magic. Now it breaks like glass with no creep and very little pressure. 24oz. my be a bit too light for most people on a hunting rifle, but it suits the owner just fine. And me. I wish I could get my Remington 597LS just like it. (I might yet, I have a few ideas I might experiment with.)
Anyway, his rifle is one of the most accurate guns I've ever fired. When I was younger, trigger didn't seem all that important, but it sure does now. I've done a trigger job on every handgun I own, but then I was never into rifles like I was handguns. The .17 changed all that. I'll let you know what my Remmy becomes.
My buddy's 17v went from mediocre to fantastic with the trigger alone.
Hope this helps.
BRF

Elkhuntr:
Unfortunately, it would be very difficult for me to tell you what to do, where to do it, how it should be done, and when to stop. I owned my own gunshop for 7 years repaired a lot of firearms and did a lot of trigger jobs. Basically, I can tell you this:
1). The surfaces of the trigger and sear must be kept at their present angles.
2). A little stoning goes a long way, and the firearm must be put back together completely and often to check your progress.
3). The surfaces should be polished glass smooth without removing too much metal.
4). Brownell's "Action Magic" works really well if properly done.
5).If you have any doubt, have the work done by a reputable gunsmith.
6). There is a thin line between a good trigger and a dangerous one. A properly worked trigger will not trip if the gun is struck hard with the heel of your hand from any angle.
A good 'smith shouldn't be too expensive. When I was doing it I would have charged about $25.00 on the Marlin. Just for reference, Brownells does trigger work, so does Gander Mountain. There are probably many other chain stores that offer such services, perhaps right in you're area.
BTW, too much creep is caused by too long of a mating surface on the hammer where the sear rides, if that makes sense. It is generally corrected by stoning to make the shelf narrower. Again, it must be checked often.
Wish I could be more help. Good luck.
BRF

Elkhuntr:
Thanks a million for the invite. I'd be there next week if I could afford it. Not so much to hunt, but to meet you. Seems we have a lot in common. I'm sure we'de have a time. I haven't been to Washinton yet, but I'd sure like to make the trip. I have a brother in Lyman, Wyoming, and I've been out there several times, as well as Idaho and Utah. I also have a sister in Tucson, Arizona. My wife and I went there last May. The west is full of beautiful places, and I'm sure you live in one of them.
Whistlepigs are still alive and well in this part of Ohio, but a bag of 3 or 4 a day is pretty good.
By the way, I worked the Remmy over today, got the trigger down to 40 oz. and shot the best groups yet. I think I'll caress it a bit tomorrow and get it to about 30 oz., and then leave it alone. I eliminated all of the creep, and the trigger breaks real good. I'm happy with it, but I will push it further.
Also, I cut my bud's magazine down today, and he has a flush mag on his Marlin 17v. It's only 3 rounds now, but he loves it. It not only looks good, it's all he needs in one mag. Heck, the way it shoots with a 24 oz. trigger, 3 rounds is more than enough. (4 With one in the chamber)
Next weekend, I'm going to install a trigger stop for him, since the Marlin trigger moves about 1/2 inch after breaking. I will also jewel the bolt for him, and he is freefloating the barrel at the points where Marlin did'nt.
My Remmy doesn't need a trigger stop, it has very little travel after breaking.
The 3 rounder on the 17v is a wonderful improvement in the looks and feel of the rifle. Let me know if it interests you. Maybe I'll make you an offer you can't refuse.
Again, thanks for the invite. Who knows? Maybe I'll come out there someday just to find out why you left Ohio
BRF

BRF:
I think you're right, we would have a time and as soon as I can get out there to visit my brother, I'll look you up--maybe you can let me shoot that 597 I also wish we were closer--I need a CHEAP trigger job on my 17!! LOL seriously tho' I think I will let a pro look at it--I don't want to get to carried away you know? I would also like to look into the trigger stop you mentioned--I never really noticed, but you're right, it breaks and keeps going all the way back to the guard--guess it must be "normal" if your buds does it too? Would a rifle basix trigger cure all of my problems? Hey, a shortened mag would be cool--easier to carry to I think--let me know what you would charge cuz I would like to have one!! (see what you started?)I left Ohio purely for economic reasons--the type of work I did when I left didn't pay to well back there at the time (I was a car mechanic) now, 15 yrs later, I got hurt and can't do it anymore anyhow--but, that's why I left. I still have alot of family out there--all in eastern and southeastern part ot the state--I'm glad I "met" you and several others especially on this site--how did we ever shoot these things before computers came out?? LOL "talk" to you soon bud. elkhuntr