All this worry about how many shots are needed to determine a rifle's quality ignore the particular purpose of the rifle.
For a hunter: Two factors. First, does the first shot from a cold barrel always go to the same point of aim, today, as it did last week or last month? In the field, you don't get test shots and do-overs. Next, since I've rarely seen a hit after several misses, I have believed for many decades that three shot groups provide all the information that is needed for a hunting situation.
Target competition is a whole 'nother game. The number of required shots in a course of fire determine how many shots are needed in testing for group size. What good is a five-shot group if the course of fire is for ten shots?
After almost sixty years of shooting centerfire, my personal opinion is that after five shots, the shooter's ability at consistent hold/aim/press is being tested as much as is the rifle.
If the shooting is for testing and not in the field or in a competition match, the purpose is to gain useful information. If a three-shot group provides the needed information, more shots don't mean anything. If one wants to compare his five-shot groups with somebody elses, three shots obviously won't do it. Same for competition: The number of shots for an appropriate determination of accuracy must be the same as the required course of fire.
Opinions are fine, but think through the reasons.
Moderating hat on: Any more name-calling or snark and I'm gonna ban without warning. I'm thoroughly fed up with sarcasm in lieu of courtesy and politeness in what's supposed to be rational discussion among adults.
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