A 3" three shot group is hardly minute of squirrel head. As I would have measured that group center to center on the furthest separated shots. Nor is doing it once any indication that it could happen the next time out. There is no way that a .22 caliber could ever compete long range with a .17 HMR rifle. But it does show that a rifle often will make a person just have a great day on the range. And since I shoot on average five days a week, this is a real nice day for me. I am really enjoying the new rifle. If you ever get a chance to shoot one, I suggest you give one a try.