'Precision' NR ACR - what can I expect?

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canucklehead

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Guys,

After much deliberation, I've decided on my next purchase. A non-restricted ACR.

Why? I want a semi-automatic rifle that's accurate enough for gophers (coyotes too) at 300yd, and something I can whack gongs with out at the range. My .223 Tikka Varmint is more than accurate enough for both tasks, but I really like the ability to follow up quick with the running gophers, and it's not really 'fun' to shoot either. :)

I'm done with the Swiss route (don't like non-floating barrel, and POI shift with bipod), don't want an XCR (ugh), and think SL8's are ugly and ridiculously large. The ACR is a nice looking platform, and I think I can make a nice setup with some good glass on top.

Since I'll need to get a new barrel made in any case - what would you recommend?

I was thinking 18.6" stainless match barrel, with .223 Wylde chamber, and 1:8" twist. I shoot 55gr almost exclusively (milsurp and varmint loads), but wouldn't mind working some 75gr Amax loads or something else for some longer range fun.

What kind of accuracy can I expect with this setup? My guess is a 1.5 MOA rifle, but I'm curious if the match barrel and load development can make it closer to 1 MOA (the minimum I consider for a varmint rig). Anyone go this route with Ian at Herron Arms and can comment on the accuracy? I know lots of reviews with the Questar setup, but I don't put too much weight in those. ;)

Any thoughts? Ideas? Reasons why this is a bad idea? Better alternatives?
 
If that barrel was put in an AR it would be Sub-MOA with factory ammo. I would think it should be the same for an ACR.
I wish I could say I have one. But the other issue that might be of concern is cost. $3k for the Rifle and another $800-$1000 for a barrel.

Trust me. I want one too.

But.. You first :)
 
Ian has my ACR right now and is performing pretty much the conversion you describe, except I've asked for a 5.56x45 NATO chambering. When I get it back I'll take it out for a couple of range sessions, then write up and post a range report.

Cheers,

Brobee
 
Rivet - actually the costs might surprise you. My plan is to buy a lightly used one in the US, and use Irunguns to import. Landed cost to me should be around $2000. Already talked to Ian about the conversion... should be less than $3K total cost once it's said and done... same price as a Swiss effectively, and should be MUCH more accurate.

Brobee - excellent! Really looking forward to hear the results! Did you go 1:8 or 1:7 twist?

Another question - is there any plastic on the barrel assembly? i'm planning on KG Gunkoting my barrel, and it needs to bake for a bit. ;) If there is plastic on it, I'll just have Ian cerrocote it while he's at it!
 
IRUNGUNS

Hmmm.. just the name strikes me funny. I bet the RCMP has a number of agents watching/tracking them.

Buddy in Florida didn't do the gun community any favours either.
 
To give Ian some flexibility regarding blank availability, I only asked that it be 1 in 9 or faster so I suspect it will come either 1 in 8 or 1 in 7. Regardless, I will confirm with Ian exactly which twist he sourced and report back when posting the range report.

I don't think there is any plastic on the barrel assembly.

Brobee
 
rivetc78 said:
If that barrel was put in an AR it would be Sub-MOA with factory ammo. I would think it should be the same for an ACR.
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It wouldn't be, unless you're a three shot group, only the best group counts, type of guy, lol .
I looked into doing the same thing.
Near as I could figure from checking out the other nr acr conversions, accuracy would indeed be in the 1.5 moa range. Tough to put up the cash for that when a $2000 ar shoots sub moa without any trouble at all.
I'd love to be proved wrong though.
 
Rivet...they are a CGN sponsor now... I would think the admins do their homework before blindly giving unknowns a safe place to sell their wares.. Either way, if I can't source one that way, I'll buy one up here.
 
Herron also has my ACR. I believe he is using a 1/7 18.6 ss Green Mountain barrel with a 556 chamber. That is what he uses on most builds unless the customer requests something different. Can't wait to get it back and see how it shoots. Have some 69g SMK's waiting for it!
 
Cool. I did not see that.
I checked it out.
All the best to them. Great pricing. They should get lots of business.

A few bonus checks coming by the end of the year. Might have to make a shopping list.
 
Also, I picked my ACR up for 2500 brand new. There is a used one on the ee for 2300 right now which would be great choice if you are changing the barrel.
 
rivetc78 said:
irunguns

hmmm.. Just the name strikes me funny. I bet the rcmp has a number of agents watching/tracking them.

Buddy in florida didn't do the gun community any favours either.
Click to expand...

LMFAO

I don't think I've seen someone else reply such negative replies as yours. If it's not to say that so and so isn't posting / starting a thread in the right section, its ignorant comments about a CGN sponsor.

C'mon man.
 
canucklehead said:
Any thoughts? Ideas? Reasons why this is a bad idea? Better alternatives?
Click to expand...

Which barrel blank will you going with? I know Ian offers (and prefers by quite a bit) Kreiger blanks (and who wouldn't!) - definitely would opt for it, even if its a bit more $$ up front.

If you get it Nitrided even better, however the cost is high as well.

What kind of profile are you thinking of going for?
 
canucklehead said:
Rivet - actually the costs might surprise you. My plan is to buy a lightly used one in the US, and use Irunguns to import. Landed cost to me should be around $2000. Already talked to Ian about the conversion... should be less than $3K total cost once it's said and done... same price as a Swiss effectively, and should be MUCH more accurate.

Brobee - excellent! Really looking forward to hear the results! Did you go 1:8 or 1:7 twist?

Another question - is there any plastic on the barrel assembly? i'm planning on KG Gunkoting my barrel, and it needs to bake for a bit. ;) If there is plastic on it, I'll just have Ian cerrocote it while he's at it!
Click to expand...

I doubt that... Most Swiss Arms rifles I've seen (mine and others) have shot sub MOA with good handloads or match ammo.
 
Ar180shooter said:
I doubt that... Most Swiss Arms rifles I've seen (mine and others) have shot sub MOA with good handloads or match ammo.
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Very possible I guess... I never shot anything but bulk fmj through mine. However, I think you're still limited for bipod type shooting and POI will be affected, no?

Plus I'm looking for something a little different. :)
 
canucklehead said:
Very possible I guess... I never shot anything but bulk fmj through mine. However, I think you're still limited for bipod type shooting and POI will be affected, no?

Plus I'm looking for something a little different. :)
Click to expand...

Using bulk/surplus ammo, mine will do around 2 MOA (this is after approximately an 8000 round count). Generally, the POI shift is about 1-2 MOA. I usually don't use the bipod, I use sand bags, resting the rifle just ahead of the magwell.

As for looking for something different, if it turns your crank, go for it.
 
Ar180shooter said:
I usually don't use the bipod, I use sand bags, resting the rifle just ahead of the magwell.
Click to expand...

I'll be shooting in the field (no tables) over 99% of the time, so good adjustable (and cantable) bipod is going to be a MUST. I'll be putting my Larue rail mounted bipod to good use.

I'm trying to decide if I need a Coyote Brown instead of black... :)

For optics I'm thinking probably a NF 3.5-15x50 or something similar. Maybe I'll try a Sightron offering this time... either way I'm liking the prospect of a VERY nice and accurate semi-auto rig for varminting!
 
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