I inletted the forend of a stainless 1-B .243 for the Hicks and changed to a Moyers trigger. Although I've put five in .75 (edge to edge) off the bench 100yds, barrel heating and stringing still appear regularly as do bad days and pulling a shot or two. More consistent shooting with a box-stock 1-V in 6mm so I agree that a lot of barrel wall helps with repeatability. I also like the 1-s .45-70. Have a 2.5X Weaver on mine.

jack