Is it better to ensure that a rifle is properly bedded before worrying about the barrel quality, according to Nathan Foster?

Ensuring the quality of the barrel is crucial when it comes to rifle performance. Nathan Foster emphasizes that the barrel is fundamental to achieving accuracy and consistency in shooting. A properly fitted barrel can vastly influence the shooter's experience and the rifle’s ability to perform effectively. While bedding the rifle is important for maintaining the relationship between the stock and the action for consistent accuracy, it does not compensate for poor barrel quality. In fact, if the barrel itself is not up to standard, no amount of bedding will allow it to perform at its best. Thus, checking and ensuring the barrel's quality should be prioritized before focusing on bedding adjustments. This approach leads to a more effective overall shooting system.