So I finally shot my ar. I took it and 50 rounds to woodland park to zero the aimpoint. I figured I would check function. Just put a big circle out there and shot at the middle 3 shots at about 15 yards. Then when I hit paper I tried the rest at a 25/100 compensated target at 25 yards. All the shots were all over the place but generally low and way right. After getting frustrated I stood up and shot at 10 yards again and they were all dead center but 4 inches low or so. Back to the bag at 25 low and right.

 

Attached are the first three shots standing unsupported

 

I know I'm not an expert shot, and finding somewhere to shoot the actual distance prone would be ideal, but how would I at least get close with the current setup

Well I think your problem is obvious....The target is sideways.

Also, make sure you're mount is tight to the upper, and the sight is tight inside the mount. Have you checked your eye dominance? What ammo?

If I had to guess, I'd say you have discovered why free floated hand-guards matter. How much pressure are you applying to the hand-guard and and barrel while you are doing this? Try using a magazine as a mono-pod and putting no pressure on the barrel and see if this changes. I'm guessing that you are resting the hand-guard on the bag and pushing against to stabilize which is pushing on your barrel.

If I had to guess, I'd say you have discovered why free floated hand-guards matter. How much pressure are you applying to the hand-guard and and barrel while you are doing this? Try using a magazine as a mono-pod and putting no pressure on the barrel and see if this changes. I'm guessing that you are resting the hand-guard on the bag and pushing against to stabilize which is pushing on your barrel.

 

I was thinking this too... but then... low and way right? Wouldn't upward pressure on the handguard/barrel cause the shots to be high? 

The biggest issue is not that you bend the barrel enough to deflect the shot, that is hard as barreld are rather solid things. The issue is that you interfere with its natural whipping motion when it fires and change its harmonics. The resulting change in impact doesn't have to be directly correlated with the direction of the pressure.

 

The other issue could be a radically different head position but that shouldn't be that big of an issue with a parallax free (mostly) red dot.

It is a free floating handguard. M855. The problem is most likely my lack of skill. I just didn't think if have more success free standing

The biggest issue is not that you bend the barrel enough to deflect the shot, that is hard as barreld are rather solid things. The issue is that you interfere with its natural whipping motion when it fires and change its harmonics. The resulting change in impact doesn't have to be directly correlated with the direction of the pressure.

 

The other issue could be a radically different head position but that shouldn't be that big of an issue with a parallax free (mostly) red dot.

 

All valid points Vlad but not at those distances.

I'd check the mounts for misalignment.

Bore sighters save ammo.

Yep which is why I said I was guessing

 

As always if you doubt your rifle, get a different shooter first to give it a try, it might not be the rifle

The biggest issue is not that you bend the barrel enough to deflect the shot, that is hard as barreld are rather solid things. The issue is that you interfere with its natural whipping motion when it fires and change its harmonics. The resulting change in impact doesn't have to be directly correlated with the direction of the pressure.

 

The other issue could be a radically different head position but that shouldn't be that big of an issue with a parallax free (mostly) red dot.

 

What do you mean you can't bend a barrel? You some kinda girly man?!?! Hahahahahahah!

 

That makes sense. I love this forum. I learn something new every day!

Yep which is why I said I was guessing

 

As always if you doubt your rifle, get a different shooter first to give it a try, it might not be the rifle

I guess I should be clearer. I'm assuming this is 100% on me. I have little to no ar15 experience besides shooting a friends. I'm just wondering how to zero when my personal ability is shit

I guess I should be clearer. I'm assuming this is 100% on me. I have little to no ar15 experience besides shooting a friends. I'm just wondering how to zero when my personal ability is shit

when are you going back to woodland park?

Hopefully this weekend. If someone is available to help ill guest them in.