Originally Posted By Hunter8282:
Are there any surefire tips for determining if the rifle/scope is starting to loose accuracy, or if as I am aging, I am simply not as good of a shot as I once was?

Rifle in question is Ruger M77 .270 with Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9 scope.  Bought new back in 1999/2000 I would guess.

I am now 46 and can definitely tell I am having issues with eyesight changing, and my body is not as steady as it once was.  Like I can often see/feel the rifle moving with my heartbeat when shooting on a bench.  I certainly don't remember that when I was 25.

Undoubtedly, I have a feeling it's me and I just need to spend more time of the rifle during the summer/early fall.

Originally Posted By Hunter8282:
Are there any surefire tips for determining if the rifle/scope is starting to loose accuracy, or if as I am aging, I am simply not as good of a shot as I once was?

Rifle in question is Ruger M77 .270 with Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9 scope.  Bought new back in 1999/2000 I would guess.

I am now 46 and can definitely tell I am having issues with eyesight changing, and my body is not as steady as it once was.  Like I can often see/feel the rifle moving with my heartbeat when shooting on a bench.  I certainly don't remember that when I was 25.

Undoubtedly, I have a feeling it's me and I just need to spend more time of the rifle during the summer/early fall.

Originally Posted By raf:
If you haven't had your eyes checked recently, now would be a good time to do so.  Good vision is fundamental to accurate shooting, no matter what type of sights are used.

As for "feeling your pulse", suggest getting a checkup by M.D. to ensure things are OK with your blood pressure.

I'm not an MD, so take advice for checkups as a helpfully intended suggestion, and not medical advice.

Usual suggestions for ensuring scope/rings/mount are all secure also pertain.  Scopes have been known to fail completely and partially.

 Suggest you investigate whether or not there is a specified torquing pattern for rifle's action-to-stock screws, and what the torque values of the screws might be.

Consult the specific owner's manual for your exact rifle.  Owner's manuals Here   Defaults to "Pistol"; click "Rifle" at top and find yours.

On my Ruger GSR rifle (which is a different, but similar rifle), the torquing instructions and values are these:
"d. Install screw at rear of Trigger Guard loosely.
e. Install Front Mounting Lug and firmly tighten screw. (This screw is angled
and draws the barrel-action assembly into the bedding surface of the stock.)
This screw should be tightened to a torque of 90 in-lbs.
f. Tighten screw at rear of trigger guard to a torque of 10 in-lbs"

As far as can be seen, these torquing instructions for Ruger GSR rifle are not specified in the M77 nor the M77 Mk II Owner's manuals.

Checking muzzle crown with a magnifying glass and good light for damage/imperfections also suggested.  If you don't know what you are looking for, your gunsmith ought to be able to check it for you.

Trying different types/brands of ammo might also help.

Best of luck!

Originally Posted By FightingHellfish:

That 90 in-lbs that Ruger has published for the GSR does not seem consistent with how they leave the factory.

I recently read that figure, torqued mine down to 90 and discovered the stock was no longer free floating. I relieved the barrel channel so it's clear. I haven't had time to shoot it since. I'm quite curious to see how it effects accuracy which was okay, but not great before.