In big game hunting, the practical target size is closer to a foot than it is to an inch, and provided the hunter can always place his bullet somewhere within that foot, at unknown ranges, in a variety of light, wind, and weather condtions, he'll be able to put meat in the freezer. The most important element of a hunting rifle is reliability but on the heals of reliability are: a good trigger, that is neither too heavy nor too light, and is free of creep and over-travel. In the field, a rifle of mediocre accuracy with an excellent trigger is easier to hit with, than is an exquisitely accurate rifle with a mediocre trigger. The rifle must have sights that are easy to see against any background and appropriate to the conditions of the hunt. The rifle must have handling qualities that enable the marksman to carry it all day without undue fatigue, and bring it onto target quickly. If the hunter loves his rifle, so much the better. If he loves it, he'll care for it, and use it regularly, which increases his confidence and his love for it. All other concerns ranging from the cartridge the rifle is chambered for, to its stock and barrel material are simply personal preference and has little to do with the outcome of the hunt. For some people the 770 is enough, but not for the enthusiast.