Hello JD,

My standards are based on the worst group a rifle will dependably produce, rather than an average. The parameter I’m trying to estimate is, where can I depend upon the next shot to go? If I can reasonably believe that the next shot at a game animal will be a killing shot, I’m satisfied the rifle is up to the task. That decision depends on the worst group and the range.

For example, if your records indicate that your Mannlicher will dependably produce groups no worse than two inches, then you could reasonably take shots on deer at 300 yards (assuming the skill at field shooting, range estimation, and wind doping, of course). On the other hand, a rifle that sometimes produces three-inch groups should be limited to 200 yards or less, even if the average is smaller. You may have different views on the actual numbers, but the method is what I’m trying to illustrate (I'm actually more conservative than this example might suggest).

My point is, neither the best group nor the average of groups will allow you to make good decisions. If the best group is 1/2 inch, can you depend upon it? If the average is 1.2 inch, can you be sure the next shot won’t be farther out than that? But if your worst group (of many) is 2 inches, you can be reasonably sure of where your next shot will go.

Take care, Tom