Measuring accuracy or consistency

[MarkL]

Just FYI guys, this thread wasn't meant to be about hunting. Well, maybe varmint hunting, but not deer hunting. I am perfectly aware that 1.5 inches of accuracy is more than adequate for deer hunting. Most deer hunters never shoot or measure groups. My son dropped a deer this season with a .357 Magnum carbine that shoots about 4 MOA. I never had any doubt it was up to the task.

In short, I get it: The need for accuracy (and measuring it) depends on the application at hand.

The original question was basically academic. I was hoping for basically academic answers, rather than being told the question is moot or anal (which I admit it is in SOME circumstances). I enjoyed every response and agreed with most of them, but felt some were "off topic".

And just in case it isn't obvious, there are applications where 1.5 inches isn't so great. Varmint hunting and benchrest competition come to mind. I imagine there are other applications where 1/2 inch groups are meaningfully better than 3/4 inch groups. To some people, it is NOT a waste of time to look for better, more efficient ways to measure and compare accuracy.