Accuracy like quality is a perception. Good enough for some but not good enough for others. So we must look carefully at the criteria and how the term is applied. When I see accuracy test, I ask several questions:
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Does the person testing fully understand every element that affects accuracy?
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How was the test prepared?
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Were all things equal for every shot?
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How consistent was the ammunition?
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What is the potential of the firearm?
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Was the firearm equally prepared for each shot?
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Sights or scope used?
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Was their any affect by the environment?
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How good was the shooter?
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How was the group measured?
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Was someone just lucky?
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Can they do it again and again?
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What does the shooter/tester consider accurate?
For years I collected Sako rifles, all shot under 5/8″ groups with careful hand loading, even the 375 H&H Magnum. I considered that accurate enough. I have a Remington 40X in 222 Remington and it shoots under 1/8″ groups (0.0410″ three times in matches as I remember) and I don’t consider it accurate enough. Friends of mine have shot the Remington and were never been able to get anything better than 3/8″ groups. Same day, same rest, same bench, same ammunition. So how accurate is the Remington?
For us that believe accuracy is when only one hole appears on the target everything must be considered and absolute control is applied to everything possible. The more that is left to chance the more opportunity for failure. For some like the 22LR rimfires shooters are at the mercy of the manufactures if measuring or sorting is not understood leaving only trust and instincts or guessing.
When MTC speaks about accuracy, we are looking at measurements into the thousands of an inch (.001). This is the dimension that can win or loose a benchrest match. Usually this requires us to never be satisfied with our accuracy results. MTC is attempting to understand issues that are beyond our ability to control, specifically the wind.
Understanding the wind is equal in importance to any or all elements of accuracy shooting. It is the one single factor that we have no control over for our ability to achieve the success we are attempting. Purchasing high quality components usually results in better performance and we have several brand choices. With the wind we have no choice.
So the bottom line is no matter how careful we are or how much money we spend, we will never know the full potential of ourselves or our equipment unless we understand and react to the wind. This cannot be accomplished without the tools designed for this purpose.