Most stock rifles will outperform their owner's skill level. Increasing skill level through conscientious and consistent practice really yields the best results.
When I shot NRA High Power, I used a very lightly tweaked Bushmaster (Windom, ME) V-Match. Out of the box, it had a horribly creepy, gritty trigger. By focusing on my trigger stroke and basic marksmanship, I did fairly well. Replacing the factory trigger with a Storm Lake Machine match trigger added 25 points only because of the lighter, smoother break. That's when I followed basic marksmanship consistently.
Most stock rifles will outperform their owner's skill level. Increasing skill level through conscientious and consistent practice really yields the best results.
When I shot NRA High Power, I used a very lightly tweaked Bushmaster (Windom, ME) V-Match. Out of the box, it had a horribly creepy, gritty trigger. By focusing on my trigger stroke and basic marksmanship, I did fairly well. Replacing the factory trigger with a Storm Lake Machine match trigger added 25 points only because of the lighter, smoother break. That's when I followed basic marksmanship consistently.
An excellent take! Your experience mirrors most good shooters.