ORIGINAL: falcon
"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 shots at 500 yards with a rifle that shot no better than 1.25 inch 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.
Well, bedding is accually done at the action, we want good contact there,were the stock makes contact with the barrel, thats called free-floating, to releive the presures once the barrel starts heating up and changing the point of aim. As far as Carlos Hathcocks rifle, I cant say any different, it might have been 2"moa, I know it would take a hell of a lot to be able to take some of the shots he has taken with a rifle like that. And if you can do it to! my hats off to you!!! But then agan, were talking about one shot one kill with Carlos, thats a cold bore shot,the subject at hand is grouping! and like I said, there is nothing wrong with being content with an 1&1/4" group, some prefer better!