I have a Marlin, and I can hit a quarter 5 out of 7 times at 100 yrds, thats what, a 1 inch group.It has the stainless barrel, not sure if yours had it or not, but I am impressed with it. I was shooting 17 grain Hornady V-Max through it. I've had 2 different scopes on it, and it shot great with both. I too wanted the savage, but I got a good deal on this Marlin from a friend, so I figured I'd give it a try. Were you using a STEADY rest, or was it free hand, or maybe off a bipod, cause I know I can't get those tight of groups off a bipod, and not even close free hand.