Range Report with AR

[sfonelson]

Hey all,

I went to the range again this past Sunday morning and spent about three hours zeroing in my rifle.

I first zeroed in at 25 yards, then adjusted my front post two clicks down, then moved over to the 100 yard range. My groups were still two high, and I was holding my front post dipping in and out of the bottom of the center black spot on the target. I was using the Hoppes competition 100 yard targets. My groups were still two high and I had to adjust my elevation and windage.

During the next round I was right on. I shoot 20 rounds and every single shot was in the black spot near the center of the target. It was about a 10 inch diameter I think.

Anyways, after about three hours at the range, I can consistently hit within a 10 inch diameter at 100 yards. Not to bad considering this is my second outting with my AR.

All it's going to take now is just more practice to try and get my groups tighter. I read that someone got some new, thinner, front post and that made a huge difference. I am thinking about doing that.

Anybody else got any ideas?

Thanks!

[Juice5610]

wow 3 hours?!


ribz zero at the 50 yd

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=328143

[sfonelson]

wow 3 hours?!


ribz zero at the 50 yd

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=328143

Yeah, cause we would shoot for 15 minutes and then have another 15 minute break to check targets or so. So really, I was only shooting a couple times an hour, which is why it took so long. Plus, I really wanted to make sure my groups were right before adjusting my sights.

I originally wanted to zero at 50 yards, but the range doesn't have a 50 yard maker, plus I have the backup iron sights for my rear flip up, so there is no elevation adjustment.

Does anybody know if there is a way to achieve this without an elevation adjustment on the rear sight?

[Omega13device]

If you want to shoot small groups you need to shoot off a rest of some kind, like sandbags or a bipod. It sounds like you're shooting offhand (unsupported). Getting a smaller post won't help you shoot smaller groups.

Also, when you went from 25 to 100 yards you say you moved the front sight post two clicks down, which is the wrong direction. You want to move the front sight post in the opposite direction you want the POI (point of impact) to go. If you're shooting high, you want the POI to go down so you adjust the FSP up. A 25 yard zero will put you about 6" high at 100 yards. If you want to re-zero at 100 then you'll need to adjust the FSP upward.

Btw a 50 yard zero will be 1.5" high at 100 yards so with your target at 100 yards just zero so that you're shooting 1.5" above your point of aim. Now you're zeroed for 50 and 200 and you won't be off by more than 1.5" from 25-225.

[sfonelson]

If you want to shoot small groups you need to shoot off a rest of some kind, like sandbags or a bipod. It sounds like you're shooting offhand (unsupported). Getting a smaller post won't help you shoot smaller groups.

Also, when you went from 25 to 100 yards you say you moved the front sight post two clicks down, which is the wrong direction. You want to move the front sight post in the opposite direction you want the POI (point of impact) to go. If you're shooting high, you want the POI to go down so you adjust the FSP up. A 25 yard zero will put you about 6" high at 100 yards. If you want to re-zero at 100 then you'll need to adjust the FSP upward.

That is the exact chart I was looking for! Thanks!

When I meant two clicks down, I actually meant two clicks counter clockwise, which actually moves the post up, which in turn moves my groups down. Sorry, I choose the wrong verbiage.

I was shooting from the bench, but my hand was between the barrel and the bags. There was definitely still some play when shooting.

All in all, it sounds like I have the right info on how to fix things, it's just going to take practice and trigger time, which is fine with me!

Thanks!

[Omega13device]

Glad to help.

What ammo were you shooting? With irons you should be getting ~4" groups at 100 yards with decent plinking ammo, assuming you're doing your part.

If you're using sandbags you don't need to stabilize the front of the rifle with your hand. Try moving your support hand to the bottom of the stock and use it to gently but firmly push the stock into your shoulder to help stabilize it.

Also make sure you are squeezing the trigger gently rather than jerking it. When the shot goes off it should be a surprise. If it's not a surprise you may be jerking the trigger.

[sfonelson]

Glad to help.

What ammo were you shooting? With irons you should be getting ~4" groups at 100 yards with decent plinking ammo, assuming you're doing your part.

If you're using sandbags you don't need to stabilize the front of the rifle with your hand. Try moving your support hand to the bottom of the stock and use it to gently but firmly push the stock into your shoulder to help stabilize it.

Also make sure you are squeezing the trigger gently rather than jerking it. When the shot goes off it should be a surprise. If it's not a surprise you may be jerking the trigger.

I am using some of Russia's best, Brown Bear 55gr. =) I think it was $4.50 a box from cheaper than dirt. This is the cheapest stuff I found, so it probably doesn't help tighten my groups.

I will try moving my stabilizing hand to the rear stock. I have seen people do that when they are shooting, good idea. Thanks a lot for the advice!