ric, I am assuming you are a hunter, and not just a target shooter. I' d have to say that you are taking the wrong attitude on this matter. Hitting the vital zone is a good thing, don' t get me wrong. But, remember that you are shooting at a non-living stationary target. An animal will not be stationary. So if you are shooting a 3" group at 30 yards (which is considered about average), then you will have some latitude in the animal moving. Always strive to be the best shooter you can be and when you are shooting 3" goups at 30 yards, then go for 2 1/2" , then 2" .