Thread: 3 shot groups are useless!

Originally Posted by Tahr

If overlaid over say a year there would likely be a 1" group or under, with maybe the odd outlier. Isn't that enough?

It would be interesting to see a few, if you have some from the same rifle without adjustments between. Overlay them and test your assumption?


I'm not going to belabour the point that I've made in almost every post on this subject, that yes, it is irrelevant to hunting at conventional ranges. But I will repeat it.

Originally Posted by gimp

It would be interesting to see a few, if you have some from the same rifle without adjustments between. Overlay them and test your assumption?


I'm not going to belabour the point that I've made in almost every post on this subject, that yes, it is irrelevant to hunting at conventional ranges. But I will repeat it.

I will have a go at a variation of your 10 shot group. Will fire 3 3shot groups and stand and walk around between groups. Will try a .223 and a bigger banger. I will post the result regardless of the egg on my face. When this rain stops.

Originally Posted by Tahr

I will have a go at a variation of your 10 shot group. Will fire 3 3shot groups and stand and walk around between groups. Will try a .223 and a bigger banger. I will post the result regardless of the egg on my face. When this rain stops.

I'm not confident that there'll be egg. But you'll be better placed to make data-driven statements after the fact! (statements which are irrelevant to hunting at conventional ranges)

Originally Posted by gimp

I'm not confident that there'll be egg. But you'll be better placed to make data-driven statements after the fact! (statements which are irrelevant to hunting at conventional ranges)

Sumarises the thread very nicely. But it also means my view of those who say (particularly when they are selling a rifle, be it used or new) that "its a tack driver, shoots MOA easy" is in most cases pure crap when based on a 3 shot group.

Originally Posted by Tentman

Sumarises the thread very nicely. But it also means my view of those who say (particularly when they are selling a rifle, be it used or new) that "its a tack driver, shoots MOA easy" is in most cases pure crap when based on a 3 shot group.

many of us will debate that for hours - put a dry rag thru barrel- take to range - have an accurate shooter put 3 shots thru - that will show what the rifle is doing - in real terms - any more is just playing - now argue that logic as long as you like - but for me it is that first shot - why because I zero my rifles and all I want to know is has it held its zero - a 3 shot group has its place and is better than no shot group and just go on a reputation that it shoots