"If one feels an inch and a quarter group is ok thats fine, I wouldnt want to take a shot at 500yds."

I've taken lots of successful shots at 500 yards with a rifle that shot no better than 1.25 inch, five shot groups. Retired USMC Major Jim Land says that Carlos Hathcock's sniper rifle was about a 2 moa gun and that the barrel had small pits.Well, Hathcock did pretty well with that rifle.

"and wood stocks that come into contact unevenly on the barrel"

That's called bedding and that was covered.

Every time i read this kind of thread i am reminded of the used Remington 700 in .22/250 that i bought with a shot out barrel. Had a Hart barrel put on it. That barrel never shot better than 1.25." The gunsmith sent that barrel back andput aDouglas premium barrelon it: That one shot worse than the Hart. Sent it to Remington to be re-barreled: Instant .5 moa gun. Had the gun re-chambered for .22 Cheeta and it is still a .5 moa gun.