What kind of accuracy should I expect from my AR?

Sporting Lad

Sporting Lad

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So I've got this new CAR 16 and I'm wondering what kind of accuracy other members are getting with theirs.
I tried sighting in at 25M the other day, then 100M, but I was using the 'detachable carry handle' sight and was
disappointed with the results I was getting. I know a lot of it has to do with my aging eyes (I consistently was among
the highest scorers in my company during my time of service). My recent results are remarkably higher when using a
rifle with a good scope (e.g. 1 MOA @ 100 w/ my .22, and 1 MOA @ 300 w/ my .308) so I don't suspect my marksmanship skills.
I'm reading that the AR is capable of hitting out to 500M with iron sights and so on, but that's not going to happen for me.
Not without any magnification, at any rate.
Yesterday I borrowed the Redfield 3-9x40 from my .22 & put it onto the AR's Pic rail hoping I will be able to print 1 MOA @ 100 with it.

So my Q is--Is it reasonable to expect an AR to be an MOA rifle 'out of the box'?
And: What's the average size group (ie not "best ever!") that other members are getting, and what type of sights are you using?

thx
 
Sporting Lad said:
So my Q is--Is it reasonable to expect an AR to be an MOA rifle 'out of the box'?
And: What's the average size group (ie not "best ever!") that other members are getting, and what type of sights are you using?
Click to expand...
No, no out of the box ARs can be expected to consistently shoot 1 MOA. Ones done up in target format (free-floated match barrels, lightweight aftermarket triggers, good target optics) can do 1 MOA. With a half decent scope like yours and fairly good ammunition I'd expect 2 MOA or so...plus or minus a bit. Some advice--don't worry about accuracy unless yours is way off. There have been a lot of threads in the last couple of weeks here about accuracy expectations. These rifles are not designed for precision and to be overly concerned about accuracy from the bench will detract from the fun that can be had shooting them
 
I have used, 16, 20 and 24 inch barrells. Chrome lined, stainless, out of the box and match grade. Crazy part is, if you work with the gun and see what bullets it likes you will be surprised what it can do. I am confident simple things, like good ammo, an accuwedge, and good trigger, good scope, well rested at the range - A one inch group or slightly less should be achievable all day long.

I have had a 16" stainless shoot tighter groups than my 24". The only downfall for the 16 is that at longer distances (500) the drop in muzzle velocity began to hurt the groups (the wind can then play havoc on you).
MS
 
S&W M&P 15 Sporter, 55 gr V-Max, W-748 (I can't remember the charge...I'm look'n), 100 yds, 10 shots pre group..

What do you think?

WP_000628_zpsde515f8d.jpg
 
Most of the ARs are 2moa on average with good quality non match ball ammo. If a particular rifle likes a particular ammo, it can do better than that, and vice versa it could go all the way up to over 3moa.
 
Sporting Lad said:
Hey, thx for showing me your stuff, guys. I want to get back out to the range again this week and have another go.
I'll send you my results.
Cheers,
SL
Click to expand...

I'll be at the pcdhfc range 7 and the lower ranges this thursday and this friday with my colt and my tavor. Come say hi if you're around, I'm the tall cammo pants guy with the beard.
 
You got a LOT of ranges over there! How many ranges you got over there?

mikethebike said:
I'll be at the pcdhfc range 7 and the lower ranges this thursday and this friday with my colt and my tavor. Come say hi if you're around, I'm the tall cammo pants guy with the beard.
Click to expand...

So, are you telling me you've misrepresented yourself in your avatar??
Oh, re-study my own avatar--see where it says "Vancouver"? Look on the line below it where they put the word "Island".
I'm over across some ocean from you. I generally shoot at the Parksville-Qualicum range (100 yds max!). Twice per month I'll go over to the range at
P. Alberni where I shoot with their "Irregulars" at 300 yds. Camp R. has a 600 yd range, but I have not been there yet.

What, you have seven ranges over there??
 
Sporting Lad said:
So, are you telling me you've misrepresented yourself in your avatar??
Oh, re-study my own avatar--see where it says "Vancouver"? Look on the line below it where they put the word "Island".
I'm over across some ocean from you. I generally shoot at the Parksville-Qualicum range (100 yds max!). Twice per month I'll go over to the range at
P. Alberni where I shoot with their "Irregulars" at 300 yds. Camp R. has a 600 yd range, but I have not been there yet.

What, you have seven ranges over there??
Click to expand...

Sorry, I'm blind this morning.
 
Sporting Lad said:
So my Q is--Is it reasonable to expect an AR to be an MOA rifle 'out of the box'?
Click to expand...

Firstly, I think it is important to talk group size. Lots here believe 3 rounds does it, some like 5 rounds and others still are fairly demanding and want 10 rounds minimum as a clear indicator of the variables between rifle and ammo. I fall into the later and train and test with minimum 10 rounds, and push for tighter groups, but when I compete none of that matters, because the bull is 3-4moa (it just gives me more 'breathing room' or room for error in my shooting).
As already indicated, Some rifles are exceptionally accurate, some aren't. Most generic rifles with generic ammo are going to turn out 3moa groups, even if the shooter is benefitting from the use of an optic. Irons you might be pushing a bit more; 4-5 moa is fairly 'normal' from what I see shooters turn out at the range. Irons are going to test the shooter, though, so that doesn't really accurately represent the rifles mechanical accuracy. I truely believe rifle barrel quality has risen in ARs in the last 20 or so years. I think with the right ammo and good optics, a decent AR today can turn out -/= 2" groups.
The beauty of the AR platform is the simplistic means to gain accuracy - float a good barrel and feed it great ammo - the rest is all shooter.
 
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