Took them to the range yesterday, along with some Federal bulk box .55gr .223.
Bore sighted them and then shot some paper. First actual group I shot was 5 rounds that looked like 3, which I thought was pretty good for this ammunition, which is pretty inconsistent with powder charges. ES of 63 fps between 7 shots does not inspire confidence! Twisted some dials, took a few more shots and I was zeroed in
Next rifle was a bit weird, was sort of spraying bullets like a drunk guy relieving himself at the company picnic. Shot 10 rounds with no real consistency. I was like WTF? Then I noticed that the muzzle cap was only half installed and loose. Maybe this is the problem? I screwed it on tight and tried another 10 rounds. They pretty much punched out the center of the target.
Was that the problem? Seems to be, although it is such a minor thing I suppose it could have effected the barrel harmonics. Or it could just be that the first ten rounds were so inconsistent they threw them around and then I lucked out with the next batch. Anyways, I don't care that much as these are not going to be "group shooting" rifles, just steel plate smackers.
The bolt operation is a bit lousy. Could be due to the use of the AR magazines, or maybe it just needs to get worn in by a few hundred bolt manipulations. I like the magazine release quite a bit. Many bolt action magazine releases suck, but this is a simple AR style button.
Anyway, I need to get a scope, rings etc and would love to hear your impressions and recommendations to set this bad boy up and of course check out some pics for inspiration. Thanks!
