Fired my AR for the first time: 3 newb followup questions

GSoD

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
49   0   0
Finally got to fire my new to me, newly assembled AR last night.

LOVED IT! Generally I view shooting a gun as shooting a gun. This was literally a pleasure to shoot.

Anyways, enough gushing to the choir, I have some followup questions:

a) I had read that it was recommend to shoot with the nose touching the charging handle (I'm shooting through A1 iron sights). Is this true? It felt a little uncomfortable / awkward.

b) I zeroed it at 25 yards with 55grain bullets. How high will these shoot at 100 if I aim at the centre of the target? Will this put me on paper at 200?

c) For the iron sighters, how large of a target to you usually shoot at for 100 or 200 yards? I was previously a scope guy and printed my targets off the internet onto 8.5 x 11 sheets. Turns out I can't see those at 100 let alone 200.

Thanks,

ST
 
nose touching the charging handle?! Who needs a buttstock with that kind of nose weld!
 
Nose barely touching the C/H is how most of us shoot. If you have an M4 type gun 10.3" to 16" I would recommend a 50m zero. This will generally give you a flight path that is within 2.75" of your hold to 220m(or there about). I have been using only irons again after much scope time too, you will need a 6 o'clock hold for most shooting. Try running a C7 front post as well, it is tapered and thinner.
 
a. I've never heard of touching your nose to the charging handle. Do what feels comfortable and is instinctively easy to replicate over and over that gives you the proper sight picture.
b. Go to scribd.com and look up a copy of the US Army M16/M4 marksmanship manual. In this manual are tables and graphs that show bullet trajectory of 55 and 62 gr rounds out of 20 and 14.5" barrels at differing distances.
c. Shoot whatever target you're comfortable with. Challenge yourself.

I remember shooting my first AR15. It really was an awesome experience. :)
 
Sparrow - It's a 20" if that matters. I'll look into that C7 post. I did think the current one was a little fat for precise hold.

Dasq - That's what I was thinking when I first ponied up to it. I have an adjustable stock on there now but was going to try a a2 stock. But that will definately make it hard to get snuggled up to the C/H if that is what is suggested.
 
Your position depends on your intended use. If you wish to play an action "sport" the nose to charge handle (or close to) will be your best option. Keeping your shoulders square to the target will allow you the freedom to move in any direction from a stationary position or on the move. NTCH(nose to charge handle) is where most people will end up when they have adjusted the stock to allow for a squared up stance. NTCH also allows for easy reference with regards to your cheek weld so as to remain consistent. This is more important with irons and magnified optics than with a CCO. NTCH or a squared stance if done properly will allow you to transition from rifle to pistol(or vise versa) without the need to move your feet or upper body. Aside from hand placement, you stance should be the same for both rifle and pistol. NTCH or a squared stance also aid in controlling recoil.

TDC

ETA: the 50 yard zero is excellent and there are targets that are ideal for this. Other than zeroing, use whatever you want for target style.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom