1. Considering the amount of testing, set-up, and verification involved in accurizing, how well do you think Nathan Fosters prescribed methods remove the rifle as a variable?
I believe that if you follow Nathan Fosters Prescribed methods for testing, setup, and bedding a rifle correctly then it should remove the rifle as a variable. This is why I said earlier on that I would probably start with the shooter and see if they have the skill or ability to make the shot at the distance they wish to achieve using an already proven accurate rifle. Too many times in my line of work I see individuals who purchase the top of the line rifle and equipment only to find out that they have no idea how to get an accurate shot off with it. Nathan fosters not only gives the individual the correct way to do these things but will usually offer some kind of alternative way of achieving the same result. What I like about this is that the individual who may be attempting to do this themselves can pick the method that best suits their needs or comfort level and give it a shot. An example of this is when he suggests using an aluminum arrow shaft as a pillar when bedding a rifle (Foster, Page 128). This is something that a lot of people might have on hand already and will aid in someone’s ability to better accurize the rifle thus taking the rifle as a variable out of the equation entirely.
2. What other variables might also contribute to issues with accuracy?
Taking the rifle out of the equation still leaves a number of different variables that can contribute to issues with accuracy. The shooter’s ability, quality of the firearm or the ammunition being used, weather conditions, what caliber is being shot at what distance and the list goes on. Simply having an understanding of these factors may help someone to better understand why they may not be hitting their target come time to shoot at a distance.
Resources
Foster, Nathan. The Practical Guide to Bolt Action Rifle Accurizing and Maintenance. Terminal Ballistics Research, 2014.
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