best grouping we achieved at 100 yards was about a 3.5 inch group
You do realize that Mosins are shot in CMP GSM Vintage Military rifle matches don't you? To enlighten you, the X-10 ring of the 200 yard target used in such matches 3.5 MOA (or 3 1/2 inches at 100 yards). The average rifle is capable of cleaning the target, the reason they don't is the shooter not the rifle. Not many cleaned targets with any vintage military rifle.
my fathers rifle always had feed problems despite being very well cleaned after every firing.
Feed problems with the Mosin are shooter related, not rifle related, that is nothing to the bolt action to screw up, its about as simple as you can get. One on need to spend the time learning to shoot the thing. Dry firing will fix that.
I'm a CSM GSM Master Instructor and put on Vintage Military Rifle clinics. Often I see some one complaining about the Mosin "jamming" and some one next to him pick up the same rifle and make it sound like a semi-auto rifle.
The stripper clips for the Mosin are a bit different, they don't work like the clips for the Springfield, Enfield, Mauser, etc. It's really simple, and with a bit of practice one can load and fire the Mosin as fast as other surplus bolt guns.
To say they are over rated is kind of silly. I mean how do you "over rate" a $100 dollar rifle. The 3.5 MOA rifle you condemn is capable of hitting an E-Silhouette (man size) Military target to about 550 yards. It makes a great battle rifle for long distance shooting, well out preforming the AK. That's the reason the AK never really replaced it. The Mosin's were kept to extend the combat range of the infantry squad.
The Mosin is the oldest military rifle that's still being used throughout the world now, still being used in Afgan, and if you watch the news you'll see some floating around in Lybia.
No Sir, I don't think you can say the Mosin is over rated. Granted its not pretty, but pretty doesn't win gun fights.
I'm putting on a GSM Clinic on May 21st, I'm extending you an invitation to attend the clinic free of charge, bring your Mosin or use mine. I'll show you how to shoot it. Those suckers hold their own in the Vintage Rifle Matches.