hey thanks for the help. i guess i had too much time to look at the barrel before i could get to the range to shoot.
after i finally got to the range this morning, this is what i shot:
I got a new 204 ruger barrel. after i put the new vx3 scope on, the first three sets at 50 yards were all under 3/4 and one group was at 3/8
after i had the scope sighted i moved out to 100. consistently had 1" with several in 3/4"
it ought to get better, the vx3 scope is new, so i was not quite used to the 20x setting, gotta hold really still, every little move is much more apparent.
so, the crown does not appear to affect anything.