I have had eight or so of the H&R rifles. I had the 223,243 Ultra, 30-30 30-06 280 Rem,44 Mag, 45-70 and a couple shotguns. They all shot better than a 200 dollar rifle should shoot. My 243 shot 1-1 1/2 groups all the time. It seemed to shoot the lighter bullets a little better than the heavy ones. My 223 shot sub one inch groups and also shot light bullets best. Someone stold my 223 but I have a new stainles 223 on order now. My 280 NEF has a 26 inch barrel and shoots very well. I could hunt anything in North America with that rifle and not feel under gunned at all. Good luck with yours.