Most common rifle used in matches

I love my stock Flat top Colt Sporter with 20" 1:9 twist Hbar. Shoots cheap ammo like a dream, and it didn't break the bank to buy either. Got it used off the EE and put a Trijicon ACOG on it (though that was more expensive). But I'm sure a half decent hunting scope would work just as well.
 
Some really good info, thanks guys. Question about using the ar15, do you guys reload or do you just use factory ammo? Is it just the cost of ammo that makes the choice of rifle AR15 over something like the M14 or M1A more popular?

Tor
 
Tormentor said:
Some really good info, thanks guys. Question about using the ar15, do you guys reload or do you just use factory ammo? Is it just the cost of ammo that makes the choice of rifle AR15 over something like the M14 or M1A more popular?

Tor
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It's not just the cost of ammo, there are other factors that put the AR ahead of the M14/M1A. You will shoot lots of ammo doing service rifle, so the cost of ammo is something you will need to face. .233 ammo is a lot less expensive than .308, and much easier to find.

Recoil is another factor. You will be shooting fast in service rifle, and .223/5.56 doesn't move off target as much as .308, so your shot recovery is faster. Saving time on shot recovery equates to more points on your score.

Ergonomics is another, the ergonomics of the M14 are not as great as the AR platform. That means it is easier/faster to manipulate the AR than the M14. Magazine changes fore example, faster and easier with an AR. Again, faster and easier equates to more points in the long run,, and over 12 matches, that is a long run.

Most guys reload for cost and convenience. Some don't bother and shoot white box, others that can afford it shoot factory match ammo. Surplus ammo is getting hard to find, and is getting pricier by the year.
 
I reload my match ammo, but I have to practice with a .22LR 10/22, and I do quite a lot of dry firing in my basement for my positions. And of course I cannot forget that tighter groups & higher scores also can be obtained quicker with a well used gym membership ;)
 
What would you recommend for best sort of entry level scope purchase for an AR that I wouldn't regret? I'm thinking either Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40 or a Falcon Menace. Is there anything else in this sort of price range?
 
So far, I think my Falcon Menace 1 1/2 - 5 should do the trick. After the elevation has been wound up and down a number of times, I will have a better idea about repeatability. Adjustments seem to be predictable. Power range is suitable, reticle is OK. Works fine without batteries for its dot. It is not a small scope though.
I'll be establishing walk back zeros this week. Walk back, walk foreward, see if the settings repeat.
My rifle is a real bitser, assembled from odds and ends.
 
Thanks a ton Sheldrake, that is some great food for thought. What do you think of Bushmaster? Good AR platform, or will it need lots of work to make it compition worthy?

Tor
 
To tell you the truth, I was kinda hoping to pick up something that isnt restricted, that is why I was leaning toward the M1A. Maybe I should be looking at swiss arms? Or do you guys have another suggestion? Maybe one that wont brake the piggy bank, man swiss arms are expensive.

Tor
 
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It really depends on the course of fire offered at your local club, and whether you plan to attend other matches in your Province, out of province, or NSCC.

I think you will find alot of opinion here is born out of experience with the DCRA program and course of fire.

If your local matches only allow for up to 200 or 300m and you don't plan on attending matches abroad, you could tailor your rifle and your ammo to suit.
Some clubs also split optics and irons into two catagories.

For the money and cost of ammo, I don't think you can beat an AR with handloads.
For scopes, I think a variable with good high and low range of magnification with turrets is optimal for across the DCRA course of fire. (I personally run a 2.5x10 NSX Nightforce)
 
Had the opportunity to do a bit of shooting with the Falcon Menace 1 1/2 - 5. There would seem to be two problems with this 'scope. First, they do not seem to be in stock at present. Second, total amount of available elevation is limited. Initially I ran out of adjustment going from 100m to 500m. Shimming the rings cured this problem. I will replace the el cheapo rings with a pair of Burris Signatures.
Otherwise, the 'scope seems to be useful, no complaints.
Hopefully Hungry used his this weekend, and will comment.
 
Just unloaded the car and did some laundry after shooting this weekend at the Borden Service Rifle match. What a great time.

Okay, I just loved the Falcon Menace 1.5 x 5 x 30mm. What a great opportunity to test this unit after I dismounted my amazingly great Fake-ACOG (shot really well at the meter range of Connaught, in Ottawa 09-10 May)

All of the comeups matched my data from my previous optic, the Leupold MR/T 3 x 9 x 36mm Mark4 M1. Not a worry about running out of elevation when shooting at 500 yards with a 100 yard zero.

Here's what I observed:

Zero at: Index (dial) reading

100y 0
200y 2
300y 4
500y 9

There , we did not even need ONE complete revolution to get to 500 yard mound.

Hope this helps.

:cheers:

Barney
 
Hungry said:
Just unloaded the car and did some laundry after shooting this weekend at the Borden Service Rifle match. What a great time.

Okay, I just loved the Falcon Menace 1.5 x 5 x 30mm. What a great opportunity to test this unit after I dismounted my amazingly great Fake-ACOG (shot really well at the meter range of Connaught, in Ottawa 09-10 May)

All of the comeups matched my data from my previous optic, the Leupold MR/T 3 x 9 x 36mm Mark4 M1. Not a worry about running out of elevation when shooting at 500 yards with a 100 yard zero.

Here's what I observed:

Zero at: Index (dial) reading

100y 0
200y 2
300y 4
500y 9

There , we did not even need ONE complete revolution to get to 500 yard mound.

Hope this helps.

:cheers:

Barney
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Interesting!
I had worked out come-ups with both Winchester 69gr. factory and my handloads. The Win. shot a bit flatter, but not a whole lot. Handload was Winchester case, CCI primer, 23.5gr. W735, Hornady 68gr. HPBT. Haven't chronied the load yet.
My come-ups were greater than Hungry's. Will check the actual numbers, and post them later. Slightly different come-ups at MilCun and at Connaught, both are metric, who knows? Connaught required a bit more elevation. Incidentally, that load shoots really well through the 1:8 barrel (SAAMI chamber) on my AR. FWIW, when zeroing - and this was for the purpose of establishing come-ups, not shooting groups - my last three shot group at 500m was under 3". Now a 3 shot group lacks statistical significance, but the rifle can sure hold the 5 at 500m. I was very pleased with my scores in Matches 9, 10 and 11. Will have to try the Hornady load in my bolt rifle, chamber is cut with the same reamer.
Incidentally, I have another upper with 1:12 SP1 barrel, which is not a very good choice for longer range, being limited to 55gr. bullets. For CQB and other shorter range shooting, it is great. This leads me to suggest, respecting the Falcon Menace 'scope, don't buy one, buy two! Where have I heard that before?

Here are the come-ups:
Win. Hornady
200m 0 0
300m 4 5
400m 9 9 1/2
500m 12 12 1/4
I suppose these values differ from Hungry's because the rifles, line of sight, etc. are different, as well as the ranges being metric.
Come-ups at Connaught were about 1 min. higher. As Hungry pointed out, less than one turn.
The reticle works very well, image is clear and sharp. The dot is small enough that it works well at long range.
 
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