ML3 grouping

[last bastian]

I just got a ML3 and I went to the range yesterday and did some shooting at 25 and 50 yards. I know that it is not a scope and it is not designed to split hairs but I was wondering what is satisfactory? Obviously, the smaller the grouping the better but what size grouping would be good at 50? If I was using my Leupold from 50, I would have nothing but a ragged hole, but its magnified and designed for pinpoint accuracy. The ML3 isn't going to have results like that. What size grouping do you guys have?

[JSantoro]

The ML3 isn't going to have results like that.

No, YOU may not have results like that. The device and the gun are certainly capable of it.

If you have a 2moa dot, and you're getting 1" groups @ 50yd, you're shooting within the borders of the dot as it prints on the target at that distance, and that's pretty good. The "one ragged hole" mantra still applies, though, as the gun and the optic are both capable.

What you are likely experiencing is having a more difficult time maintaining the exact same aimpoint because you can't see as many references without magnification. Many will choose a part of the dot (usually the 6 or 12 o'clock of it) and use that to judge their hold. Might work for you, too.

[last bastian]

great info! i'll definately try the 12 or 6.

[shootist~]

If just checking inherent accuracy, it helps to have a target that let's you see the edges outside the dot. A target set up for a cross-hair will be more difficult.

The pic is my ML3 (2 MOA dot) on top of a FAL at 200 Yds - from the bench. About 4" or a little under is what this same gun will do at 200 Yds with any optic. I just finished a new A/R and mounted the same ML3 on it. If it works like it did on the FAL, 300 Meter shots on a 18" gong (from a good rest) are not a problem.



Malon has a post on Arfcom showing some amazing groups with a 4 MOA dot Aimpoint:

[buckshot1220]

I can regularly shoot 1" groups @ 50yds with an Aimpoint M4 (2moa), sometimes a little better with a rest. I also have a T-1 (4moa) mounted on an AK that will shoot 1" @ 100yds, and yes I did just say AK, not AR. I don't really notice the dot size as being a huge player within 200yds, as someone pointed out it is more about referencing. Targets with large black centers like someone above posted are great when using a red dot as you can easily see the reticle on the black and center it.

[shootist~]

First thing to check if you are seeing poor groups is the mount. I was out a few days ago sighting in the ML3 on my N4 Light Reece build. I was also function firing, etc after changing lower receivers and adding an Omega 9 rail. I was having some problems and found the ADM Mount needed to be one notch tighter. (The group below was before I noticed the mount was just lightly snug, btw.)

Most of the sight-in was done with IMI M193 on the Gongs, but I did fire one 10 shot group on paper at 100 Yds with 75 grain .223 TAP (below pic). Despite heavy overcast / poor light (and old eyes) I was happy with the results. The group below is better than the one I did with a 4X ACOG on the first outing with this rifle using the same 75 grain TAP - and that was on a sunny day. That was before adding the Omega rail, however, which may have contributed some.

The 300M gong now fears me - a least on a clear day.