5" from the center doesn't have to mean a 10" group either. It could be much smaller.

I think some had primitive scopes - I saw a special on the history channel that describes it. Very interesting stuff. Here is the link for the history channel special posted on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XJmWXsZKNk

The Civil War sharpshooter bit starts around the 11 minute mark.

Still, shooting 5-10" groups at 200 yards with open sights or a primitive scope is pretty impressive in my book.

Especially, considering the guns, and ammo they used then. Nothing like what we have today.

During The War for Independence "Morgan's Rifles" were pretty good in the accuracy department as well.

Yep, they could hit a nose at 200 yards...