That's a great group for a Frankengasser. It is a known phenomena for gassers to have a first round flyer (not always). The theory is that the first round is loaded into the chamber differently from the rest because of action speed, etc.
I think he's spot on, and have argued this in the past.
I like my MPA chassis on my Competition bolt guns, and they are set up for the "precision" hand placement. It feels natural, allows for better cycling of the bolt, etc.
ARs have more stuff happening than a bolt gun, and needs more input...
I usually find a KOA close by, rent a cabin (usually heated/cooled) for about $70/night with Mil discount and I'm set. Bring a sleeping bag, towel, and shower shoes, good to go.
Reloading for the match season, lifting at the gym, planning hunts and fishing trips (time consuming and fun geeking out over maps), catching up on reading, build a new gun, tying flies, dry firing, etc.
That gets me through the winters.