At about 15 yrs, my first new rifle was a Stevens semi-auto, tubular feed .22LR. It only had iron sights for much of it's life, until getting a cheap Weaver .22 scope.
I didn't shoot groups with it back then, but killed lots of rats and small game and plinked lots of cans, etc. Once I fired 10 shots at a sitting rabbit and could see right through it, but it didn't keel over until I reloaded and put one through the head.
After a couple of years, I took it to the range and was absolutely appalled at it's poor accuracy, about 2" groups at 50 yards (scoped)! I was so ticked off at that dismal accuracy, I traded it immediately!
There was no difference in it's killing ability, since most shots were under 20 yards, but my faith in it was gone.
Anyone else have examples?
I didn't shoot groups with it back then, but killed lots of rats and small game and plinked lots of cans, etc. Once I fired 10 shots at a sitting rabbit and could see right through it, but it didn't keel over until I reloaded and put one through the head.
After a couple of years, I took it to the range and was absolutely appalled at it's poor accuracy, about 2" groups at 50 yards (scoped)! I was so ticked off at that dismal accuracy, I traded it immediately!
There was no difference in it's killing ability, since most shots were under 20 yards, but my faith in it was gone.
Anyone else have examples?