My .270 would shoot 100 yd groups around 1 3/4"-2 1/4" with all ammo tried, which in reality was good enough to hunt with. But like you said, why settle when there are alot of guns out there that shoot much better. The hornet, which shot groups around 1 1/2"-2", was still a decent shooter, but i guess i just expected more out of the rifle than what i ended up getting. Also, the price of hornet ammo was starting to get to me. Despite these bad experiences, i cant say enough about 10/22's, mkII pistols, and ruger target rifles. I have the first and second and a buddy has the third. All are excellent guns.