50 years isn't long in rifle terms.
The 700 was 8 years old.
Pre-64 M70 was a 6 year memory.
Savage 110 was here.
Talking accuracy, no need to mention Ruger. Well, compared to those
times, things are better.
But, now everyone has the cheap ass clunkers that shoot wel.
Then, there is Tikka. Cheap to build, not cheap. Or (mostly) cheaply built.
I think precision has improved. It's easier to maintain good tolerances
on mass produced items today. And lessons have been learned.
Consider bedding. The floating recoil lug was a cheap easy adaptation.
But, it allows for easier/quicker/better bedding.
Look at cartridge design.
There is more knowledge on how to design an accurate cartridge/chamber.
And that, along with better tolerances makes for a better interface.
Plus everything has improved if accuracy is thge goal.
Brass is available that is better than custom worked over stuff was.
Powders are more stable, consistent.
Bullets have been mentioned.
Nobody uses mounting systems common in 1970.
BSA's Winchester is a nice example. Of one.
Steve said that we haven't made big advances in absolute top
accuracy. Well? If you consider the very best ever attained as
maybe all that is possible (nothing is perfect), I'm willing to bet
that getting to that level is much easier.
Just something I read once about Stoner rifles in competition.
The quote was something to the effect,
"If you build 10 AR's,, and 10 Garands or M1a's, you will have
10 A R's that will compete at the top levels. Maybe 3 or 4 of the others will.
Another 3 or 4 are good enough for lower levels. 1 will need redone, and will
improve. And 1 may never shoot well.
I think that's where we are at. Overall the factory rifles are better.
The ability of good smiths to turn out stunningly accurate rifles has
become routine.
Me? Eyes are older. Body is shakier. Less patient. Shoot less.
I'm worse.
