The Three Shot Group and Why It Matters
The three-shot group is often used as a measure of accuracy in long-range shooting because it provides a snapshot of the rifle's consistency and the shooter's proficiency.
When firing a group of three shots, the shooter is attempting to shoot three bullets as close together as possible. If the bullets land in a tight cluster, it suggests that the rifle is accurate and the shooter has good marksmanship skills. On the other hand, if the bullets are widely dispersed, it suggests that the rifle may have consistency issues or that the shooter needs to improve their technique.
At long ranges, even minor variations in factors such as wind, temperature, and humidity can cause bullets to deviate from their intended path. Therefore, it's important to measure accuracy with a group of shots rather than a single shot, as a single shot could be affected by random variables.
By measuring the distance between the center of the three-shot group and the target's center, shooters can determine the rifle's accuracy and make necessary adjustments to improve their shooting. Additionally, knowing the rifle's accuracy can help a shooter estimate the size of the group that they can expect to shoot at longer ranges.