First, you've been given some excellent advice above. Make sure the gun is properly assembled and that the scope and rings are tight.

Next, remember there is no such thing as an "accurate" gun, accuracy is a product of consistency. A rifle that places rounds in a consistent place can simply be adjusted to be accurate (in others words, to hit where the sights indicate it should hit).

If the rifle is inconsistent, in other words it disperses shots widely, then you have a different problem and different possible solutions.

OK, the first thing I would try is to buy 2 different types of ammo.

Then, fire a 5 shot group with each of the 2 new brands. DO NOT adjust the scope between rounds, just fire 5 shots with Brand X and 5 shots with Brand Y. Don't cheap out and fire just 3 shots, this can give you inconclusive results. Fire slowly and let the barrel cool a little between rounds. Take your time.

What you're looking for is the ammo brand that places the rounds in the tightest group. At this point it doesn't matter if they're 5 inches right or whatever, as long as they're all in an acceptably tight group and all about 5 inches right.

What usually happens is that you'll see that one brand is noticeably more consistent than the other. In other words, one brand will have all shots inside of about a tennis ball where the other will be shooting about a softball size group.

Stick with the most consistent brand and NOW you can start making scope adjustments. Move your scope and then fire 3 rounds. Make fine adjustments. If you think you need to move 5 inches left, for example, start by only moving 3 inches. Confirm your adjustments are producing the intended result, don't "chase" by making large adjustments all at once.

BTW, this may seem obvious but I just have to say it: Make sure you're adjusting your scope in the correct direction. Let's say your 5 shot group is 5 inches to the right of the center. Then you want to adjust your scope to the left. Sorry, I just had to mention this on the off chance you might be confused because I've seen this happen.

Good luck.

Grouse