In Search of Accuracy - the AR Platform

[DoxaPar]

Looks like we have similar taste.

I really dig this upper from them:
http://megaarms.com/ar-15/upper-receive ... o-ch-slot/

[DoxaPar]

Just to clarify, my question wasn't meant to disparage you or anyone else, I was just curious.

There's nothing wrong accuracy wise with button rifled barrels, it's just I get about double the accurate life from single point barrels like Krieger.

No problem. I really appreciate the feedback you guys provide. As such, I'm already checking additional options you guys pointed towards.

Cheers!

[FJ540]

Unless they've changed their supplier, White Oak uses Wilson Blanks.

Wilson Arms, not Wilson Combat, and yes that's true - as does Cooper.

[shooter115]

I find it kinda funny that Hmac says the AR platform doesn't really lend itself to accuracy considering it's probably the most accurate semi-auto platform out there, but....whatever.

A while back there was a thread on Snipers Hide that challenged folks to put their money where their mouths are, titled ".5MOA all day long". Yea we've all heard the BS on the internet about how my bone stock rifle will shoot 1/2" groups "all day long". Those that really know anything can quickly pick out the douchebags and know they are full of it. Within a couple days, of course there were tools out there showing pics of their .2MOA groups with a factory DPMS sweet 16 and a fricken Eotech.....oh sure, but what do you expect from the internet.

The actual challenge was to put 6 .5MOA groups on a single piece of paper. Being the type that likes this type of thing I took my varmint rig to the range knowing that it is fully capable of shooting .5" groups, but 6 in a row would be a stretch. This is an AR that I put together originally about 10 years ago and was the first one I ever built from scratch. It's a real mutt, but here are the specs:

Bushmaster lower receiver with a plain Jane A2 stock and a Jard trigger set at 1lb 2oz. Upper is a DPMS Hi-Rider with a Lothar Walther Var-Match 20" 1-9 twist H-bar contour barrel and matched bolt with a cheap DPMS free float tube. Optics are a Sightron 4-16 S2 in Burris Signature Zee rings. I put this barrel on about 7 years ago so it has a lot of rounds though it and much like Toby Keith "It ain't as good as it once was", but it still shoots pretty good. Load is 25.5gr Varget behind Hornady 55gr V-max with std CCI 400 primers.

Here is the pic from my actual target shot at 100 yards with (6) 5 shot groups. Now I did take my time and let the barrel cool between groups, but all I used for a rest was a Rock Jr. and a rear bag, nothing tricked out.

The bummer with this barrel is it doesn't like anything over 55gr, but since all I use this thing for is coyote hunting and P-doggin it works for now.

That said I have several AR's that will shoot 1MOA or less, in fact they all do, if I had one that wouldn't there would be some new parts on the way. But of all of them this is the the closest I have to one that shoots .5MOA "All day long".

And yes I stepped on my dick on the second to last shot on group #6, which could have been the best group on the sheet. **** happens

[Hmac]

I find it kinda funny that Hmac says the AR platform doesn't really lend itself to accuracy considering it's probably the most accurate semi-auto platform out there, but....whatever.

That's not what I said. The design concept behind the AR platform is about reliability, firepower, and combat accuracy, not long range precision. That doesn't mean that it can't be made into an accurate precision rifle, and I certainly agree that it can. But when I get really old and decide to shoot benchrest, I doubt that I will be choosing an AR as the rifle I use.

[shooter115]

I find it kinda funny that Hmac says the AR platform doesn't really lend itself to accuracy considering it's probably the most accurate semi-auto platform out there, but....whatever.

That's not what I said. The design concept behind the AR platform is about reliability, firepower, and combat accuracy, not long range precision. That doesn't mean that it can't be made into an accurate precision rifle, and I certainly agree that it can. But when I get really old and decide to shoot benchrest, I doubt that I will be choosing an AR as the rifle I use.

Well I apologize for misinterpreting your post, but when I saw a 16 MOA rifle refereed to a good AR, I about went cross eyed.

[Hmac]

I find it kinda funny that Hmac says the AR platform doesn't really lend itself to accuracy considering it's probably the most accurate semi-auto platform out there, but....whatever.

That's not what I said. The design concept behind the AR platform is about reliability, firepower, and combat accuracy, not long range precision. That doesn't mean that it can't be made into an accurate precision rifle, and I certainly agree that it can. But when I get really old and decide to shoot benchrest, I doubt that I will be choosing an AR as the rifle I use.

Well I apologize for misinterpreting your post, but when I saw a 16 MOA rifle refereed to a good AR, I about went cross eyed.

Ah. I see your confusion. I want to be able to hit that 50 yard 8 inch circle 30 times off-hand, standing, but that's more about me than the rifle. I didn't mean to imply that 16 MOA would be anywhere near acceptable performance at 50 yards from a rest. Sorry for not being clear. Using training ammo and a RDS, I'd be pissed if I couldn't get 3-4 MOA from 50 yards.

[Pat]

After reading all the posts (thanks, guys!), I decided to spec out my new rifle with the following:

1. Rifle length gas system (the bullet spends less time in the barrel once the bolt starts moving).
2. Free floated barrel.
3. Eotech with a 7x magnifier.
4. Heavy barrel.

Here are the results from my new DPMS Tac2:

2013 Golden Bullseye Award -
Shooting Illustrated's Rifle of the Year
Shooters know that longer sight radius’ allows the shooter to draw a better sight picture, improving accuracy. The Tac2 is built on that foundation. Features Magpul ACS stock, Moe Grip, and back-up sight, and debuting DPMS’ new M111 modular handguard system, this carbine is equally suited for a multigun competition or a tactical defense carbine. Utilizes a full rifle length gas system for minimal felt recoil.

http://www.dpmsinc.com/TAC2_ep_89-1.html