Accurate AR for Newbie

[maintenanceguy 510]

I've been hunting and shooting for almost 40 years.   I own several firearms of all types including several rifles.  I do not own an AR and am considering purchasing one.

 

I'm a believer in function over form - I'm not interested in all the cosmetic features that make an AR look tacticool.  I do like that they seem to be very reliable, compact, and there are unlimited parts available.

 

What I am interested in is accuracy.  I'd like my new AR to be at least 1/2 MOA and better would be nice.  I'd also like ballistics that would allow consistant shots out to 400 yards.  I'm not sure 5.56 reaches that far consistantly.

 

So, if you were buying an AR and were primarily interested in accuracy to 400 yards, what would you buy.

 

Oh, I'm also looking to spend no more then necessecary.  If something that does all of this is available for $700, I'm happy to pay that and skip the one that's $2000 but looks way cooler.

[Cixelsid 1]

5.56mm will penetrate one side of a steel helmet at 600 meters.  For 1/2 MOA you would need a match grade barrel.  Something like this https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1162

[checko 180]

https://www.stagarms.com/model-6-super-varminter/

[pbkid6974 1]

get a match grade crowned barrel. if you are going to build i would look at a matched receiver set with a tension set screw. and i wouldn't buy any AR, you get much more bang for your buck if you build it. do your research and buy good stuff the first time.

[njJoniGuy 2,131]

https://www.stagarms.com/model-6-super-varminter/

An outstanding choice.

It's the same one I use (except mine is the left-handed version) to shoot Across The Course (200-300-600yd) and MidRange Prone (600yd) matches at Cumberland.

 

And I made Master (94-97%) with mine the end of last season.

 

Add a good match trigger (like a Geissele HiSpeed) and front and rear match sights and you'll find that the shooter is the weak link in that chain, not the gun.

 

On the other hand, there are shooters using Service Rifles (20" bbl A2's) and kicking butt out there at 600 slow prone. But they are the exception rather than the rule.

 

And all this in .223Rem!

 

Come on down to Cumberland this weekend.  Opening match for the new season for both High Power Disciplines.

PM me for more details.

[M1152 713]

 

Cheesy picture but I’m trying to do something similar, scope will be exchanged within a few weeks. shot it last week so far so good

 

• PSA lower
• Magpul pistol grip & enhanced trigger guard
• Varmint Exterminator 20in Upper Receiver Assembly
• Badger Ordnance Tactical Latch GEN II
• LPK from Brownells
• Repurposed RedField 2x7 scope
• River Rocks/A2 Stock Kit
• Geissele SSA trigger
• Shown with 10 rd Democrat “clip”

 

PSA lower and WW upper fit perfectly opposed to my last assembly which was a Spikes lower and WW upper

[T Bill 649]

Built one with a Wilson Arms 1:8 SS Wylde 24" Bull barrel, solid Hogue handguard.  RRA lower with 2 stage match trigger and RRA Operator A2 stock.  Groups better than me.  Will try to get pics if camera will work.  Cost of build w/o glass was under $1,000 about two years ago.

[DargZ 5]

If you are interested in accuracy, I would suggest a White Oak Armament. They make the barrels up to 26" match grade Wilson blanks and a headspaced bolt carrier group. They are designed for the High Power Rifle Competition market. Match this with a heavier grain bullet and you should be able to go past 600 yards with no issue.

 

http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/home.php?cat=259

 

Just to note that they are not taking orders for service rifle uppers but are taking orders for match and varmint uppers.

 

You can then mate it to any off the shelf lower. The only other thing I suggest is a good trigger.

 

Glass is another entirely different issue and can cost as much as the entire rifle itself.

[Golf battery 1,223]

Democrat clip. I like that. Catchy.

[louu 399]

I'm subscribing to this thread because I'm in the same boat as you Maintenanceguy. 

 

That Stag arms looks pretty sweet.

[edwill86 0]

We picked up a stag model 2 5.56/.223 NJ compliant from HG in easton in for 800 b4 tax. We are really happy with it.

[louu 399]

Any differences in accuracy or barrel life between Chrome lined and stainless steel?

[n4p226r 105]

generally speaking stainless is more accurate, chrome lasts longer.  generally speaking.  

[T Bill 649]

 

RRA lower with RRA 2 stage trigger, Operator A2 Stock

Hogue grip

Troy battery assist device

Wilson Arms 24" SS "Wylde" 8T Bull Barrel w/Rifle length solid handguard

Chrome AR-15 Bolt

Optics 8.5-25 X 50 illuminated reticle with sunshade

Harris Bipod

[louu 399]

Beautifulllll T Bill, What did that scope cost you?

[T Bill 649]

This is a Sightmark scope. Retails for around $200. Very clear, but not the final option. It is taking up residence here until I can decide on a better one. Gets the job done out to 400 yards. Has its faults, but very good at this price point. Really looking for a first focal plane option in the future.

[Old Glock guy 1,127]

We picked up a stag model 2 5.56/.223 NJ compliant from HG in easton in for 800 b4 tax. We are really happy with it.

 

I have the same one and love it, although I've never tested it beyond 100 yards.