The Essentials of a Precision AR-15

[hikeeba]

Dang. Almost had to call for the dogs to help me find this thread again...

Actually, right out of the gate Molon posted Without making this overly complicated, you need three basic components for a semi-automatic AR-15 to produce its best mechanical accuracy (technically, precision): a match-grade barrel, a quality free-float handguard and match-grade ammunition

MistWolf, I wasn't referring to Molon when I addressed sources taking about the Three Bs of Accuracy. I was merely pointing out that it has been my experience that some other folks haven't mentioned the free-float handguard as a major component in realizing mechanical accuracy potential of an AR-15. I thought Molon's post was spot-on.


Thanks again, Molon, for starting this thread. I recently took a step towards the 'better accuracy' realm, and this thread is both timely and very relevant to my interests.

[MistWolf]

...MistWolf, I wasn't referring to Molon when I addressed sources taking about the Three Bs of Accuracy. I was merely pointing out that it has been my experience that some other folks haven't mentioned the free-float handguard as a major component in realizing mechanical accuracy potential of an AR-15. I thought Molon's post was spot-on...

Gotcha.

Molon, your post came at a good time for myself as well. I'm gathering the parts to build an accurate rifle length AR

[Molon]

Dang. Almost had to call for the dogs to help me find this thread again...

Exactly my point about moving this thread from the AR General Discussion forum.

[decodeddiesel]

To the Moderator who moved this thread from the “AR General Discussion: General topics relating to the AR” forum, to the “Precision Rifle: Bolt guns” forum,

A semi-automatic AR-15 is not a bolt gun.

Molon

Agreed. This discussion is especially pertinent to AR General Discussion IMO.

[constructor]

Good trigger and a real long range cartridge doesn't hurt.
6mmBR or 6BRX can have 100" less drop and 20" less drift than a 308 shooting 175 SMks at 1000yds.
6BRX mag and function test video- 95gr SMK with a BC of .480 doing 3180fps from a 22" barrel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je3ulQuG3S0

[boltcatch]

Well launching the projectile in a consistent direction, having the projectile travel the same path far down range consistently (wind drift and whatnot), and how much leeway the shooter has for ranging error (bullet drop) are 3 different issues with a bunch of different solutions.

Within a specific caliber you sometimes cannot greatly improve all three of those things at once, so yes, moving to a different caliber can improve your results downrange. I'm happy enough with my 75gr OTM's.

[11B101ABN]

Great info, thank you much.

[J Krammes]

Good thread... I built an 18" AR recently for long range purposes. I used a White Oak SPR barrel for the build. I just picked up a Vortex 6.5-20x50 Viper. I just need a mount and I can get shooting. I did do somewhat of a barrel break in, but the scope I used sucked and I have not had it out since. What type of mounts do you guys like for this type of platform? I was planning on getting an American Defense Recon unless I get a better recommendation.

Jeremy

[mizer67]

Molon,

Did you have the Krieger profiled and cut down, or is that thier standard 20" HBAR DCM version?

[Molon]

Molon,

Did you have the Krieger profiled and cut down, or is that thier standard 20" HBAR DCM version?

The AR in the top picture in the original post has a 20" Noveske HBAR. The bottom picture in the origianl post has a 24" Krieger VarMatch barrel. I also own a couple of the 20" Krieger DCM HBARs, which of course are outstanding barrels too.


20" Noveske HBAR.






24" Krieger VarMatch





20" Krieger DCM HBAR






16" Krieger "DCM" HBAR





....