Training conundrum...?

[Blinking Dog]

One thing you should consider is zeroing the weapons iron and red dot sight (if applicable). Unless you just have absolutely have no flippin earthly clue how to zero. I'm not trying to insult your intelligence if you have already done this, but it seems you haven't fired too many rounds through one.

You didn't insult me. I asked for advice and you gave good advice.

I didn't mention this in my post, but I spent quite a few years in the uniform many, many moons ago so I am not a complete novice. I have zeroed my BUIS and red dot to 50 yards, and have done some plinking. But back in the day I was taught to shoot with the old chicken wing, so I need to learn some kind of more modern technique.

[Jay Cunningham]

Here's a pic of mine, what do you think? Correct or not?

That staking looks lousy from your pic - it's just a punch straight across, no metal has been pushed into the top of the screws.

[Blinking Dog]

That staking looks lousy from your pic - it's just a punch straight across, no metal has been pushed into the top of the screws.

How do I fix that? Is it as easy as using a punch or chisel and really whacking it so the screws physically can't move?


EDIT: I found the carrier staking discussion thread. From what I can tell, I can either try whacking it freehand with my punch or buy a MOAKS for $100+. I'll try the non-MOAKS way first. I'm cheap.

[Blake]

I'm not sure what kind of training you are attending, but you may contact Mr. Howe and see if he has a key staker. It is common for instructors to have some basic tools. I would consider this before pounding too much on an expensive bolt carrier, you screw it up and you will be spending $100 regardless. Just a thought.

[rhino]

If you want to put rounds through your gun to make sure it functions well, make sure the shooting you do serves other purposes as well.

As others mentioned, get a good zero. Keep refining it until it's as close to "perfect" as you can get it.

Then, if you worried about bad habits, just work on your marksmanship. Shoot groups at 25, 50, and 100 yard.

[Submariner]

Good point on ZEROing.

Find out what zero MSG Howe recommends and zero your carbine there.

Then verify the zero. Then mark your sights.

Showing up to a class without a hard zero wastes everyone's time.

[ToddG]

Showing up to a class without a hard zero wastes everyone's time.

I took what was supposed to be a "beyond Advanced level" pistol/carbine class from Awerbuck a few years back. We spent the first two hours of the 3-day class getting zeroed.

[Treehopr]

From the last class I took with him Paul advocates a 100 yard zero.

[markm]

I'll try the non-MOAKS way first. I'm cheap.

You should be able to stake it without the tool. It's not difficult.

[Larry Vickers]

In the future simply trim down the front sight assy and use the factory pinned on gas block/FSB arrangement and do not replace it with either a set screw or clamp screw gas block

that is begging for trouble in an AR - particularly a DI gun

be safe

LAV