AR15 accuracy expectation - Range report

[OR4NGE]

So I bought my first AR15 and brought it to the range.

Wanted to post my initial results and get feedback to see how it compares so I can improve.

Ammo used is PMC X TAC 5.56 55gr FMJ M193

I first went to the 36 yards range and used a 3 MOA red dot sight, firing using improvised support position.

After zeroing I shot 4 10 round groups, Average for the 4 groups was 2.07 or 5.755 MOA.

Then I went to the 50 yard range and used a 1-4 rifle scope, firing from a bench with a UTG bipod.

After zeroing , I Shot 5 5 round groups averaging 1.311 or 2.622 MOA

Then I went to the 100 yard range and averaged 2.645 MOA over 5 5 shot groups


So TLDR : 5.75 using improvised rest and 3 MOA dot

2.645 using 1-4 optic using bench + bipod.

 

[b_w.]

Sounds about right.

 

[cr5]

Depends on what brand your rifle is but that's perfectly acceptable and normal for a run of the mill AR running half decent ammo.

Just wait though, I'm sure someone will come along soon to tell you their Norinco AR-15 will shot 1 moa with Norinco white box with an Ebay knock-off red dot.

 

[FirearmsEnthusiast]

I'll be the smart-ass that chimes in and says that the original poster is discussing precision, not accuracy.

Group size = a claim of precision.

Hitting the center of the target = a claim of accuracy.

Also, for the benefit of fellow member cr5:
"My Norinco AR-15 will shoot 1 moa all day with Norinco white box with an Ebay knock-off red dot."

That said, the OP's precision claim is reasonable given the rifle/ammo/optic configuration...

 

[FirearmsEnthusiast]

OP - are your groups round(ish), or is there more vertical or horizontal dispersion?

Vertical dispersion can be due to variations in muzzle velocity (more of a factor at longer ranges), while horizontal dispersion can be wind, technique, etc.

It also may not appear if the source of error is the 3MOA red dot.

Next step - mount a higher-magnification scope on the AR and shoot from a supported rest out to 100 yards and post your 5-shot groups here...

 

[Murray 3-D]

I'll be the smart-ass that chimes in and says that the original poster is discussing precision, not accuracy.

Group size = a claim of precision.

Hitting the center of the target = a claim of accuracy.

Also, for the benefit of fellow member cr5:
"My Norinco AR-15 will shoot 1 moa all day with Norinco white box with an Ebay knock-off red dot."

That said, the OP's precision claim is reasonable given the rifle/ammo/optic configuration...

Fair point, but what u stated is exactly like going around and telling people that its tissue paper and not kleenex.

Everybody will agree, but most wont give a sh!t haha. The term has been mis stated for so long, nobody wants to change it.

 

[OR4NGE]

OP - are your groups round(ish), or is there more vertical or horizontal dispersion?

Vertical dispersion can be due to variations in muzzle velocity (more of a factor at longer ranges), while horizontal dispersion can be wind, technique, etc.

It also may not appear if the source of error is the 3MOA red dot.

Next step - mount a higher-magnification scope on the AR and shoot from a supported rest out to 100 yards and post your 5-shot groups here...

Groups are round and nice. I was thinking exactly the same thing. I have a leupold vx3 3.5-10 lying around that I will mount next session and share results. Might buy a box or 2 of federal gold medal to compare.

 

[cr5]

Also, for the benefit of fellow member cr5:
"My Norinco AR-15 will shoot 1 moa all day with Norinco white box with an Ebay knock-off red dot."

All my guns shoot sub moa