Looking for personal opinions here.
Would you be willing to pay a premium for a rifle that shoots at a particular accuracy level? If so, what would be the level that you would be willing to pay extra for?

The reason for my question is that a number of times I have seen people selling guns at the large gun show which we have locally twice a year, who have attached several targets and this seems to be something that they use as a selling point for the rifle in question. One instance that I looked at real hard was where a supply outfit had a Remington PSS rifle and scope combination that they were trying to sell. The note card sitting next to the rifle listed a price and said that the rifle was new in the box and unfired except for the attached test targets. One target was at 100 yards and had four separate 5 shot groups, all of which were measured at less than 1/2". The second target was marked 200 yards and had four 5 shot groups which were all tiny as well. I don't remember the specifics, but until I saw the 200 yard notation, I thought they were 100 yard groups.

Without a doubt, I would pay extra for a more accurate whatever, how much would depend on the gun and its intended usage.
I am always somewhat skeptical of groups with rifles, unless I know the current owner/shooter since a)they don't have to be with that rifle b) they don't have to be at the range specified and c) even if a and b are not involved it could be a one time fluke.

At what level of accuracy would I begin to consider paying extra for the rifle? Probably something on the order of 1/2 of the expected level from a decent example of that gun from the factory.

On the other hand, while a very accurate .375, .416, or larger might be nice to have, tack driving is not really a big asset considering the ranges at which they are normally used.

All of my hunting rifles are custom guns that average 1/2" groups at 100 yards.For the extra money I not only get better accuracy but the barrel weight,length and contour I prefer the stock pattern and measurements that fit me,a much better trigger and much better overal workmanship as well.

What Stubblejumper said!!!!!!!!!

That is exactly what I have been doing for the last few years. As he said, you not only get the desired accuracy you also get the fit and feel that you want. Besides, from what I have seen lately, trying to get an accurate rifle "out-of-the-box" is like trying to win the lottery.

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Pausing to reload,

Rick

Never volunteer. Trust no one. Expect sabotage.

Arnold Arms in NW Washington, had an accuracy program where they would do certain items and gurantee a 1/2" 3 shot group from your rifle and I believe the cost was either $200 or $300 when it started. They were deluged with work and ended up farming a lot of it out. The price ultimately went up and lately I don't even know if they are in business.

In my estimation, one minute of angle guns are way overrated for hunting. You not only don't need that kind of accuracy (bench accuaracy) it does you little good. When you race up a hill all day and get an off hand shot at an elk, the difference between your rifles accuracy and a 1/2" bench gun is not what is going to take the animal down. I'll put my money on someone who knows how to shoot over someone who spent the money for accuracy. Combine those two and you have a winner but you will have it with just the first guy with the skills.