Many, many years ago I bought my first 30-06. I scoped it, loaded a bunch of ammo and went to the range with a buddy of mine who is a really an expert shot. After firing 20 rounds or so and hitting everything but what I aimed at, I got mad and said this gun is a piece of crap.
He quietly took the rifle and proceeded to shot the nicest clover leaf you ever saw at a 100 yards. As he handed it back he said,"It ain't the rifle. Now go buy a set of ear plugs." I did, and I've never had a problem since.
