AR accuracy issues

[Colorado Osprey]

Before replacing the barrel, does it have a comp or flash supressor?
Can you remove it? It could be a slightly bent comp or supressor deflecting the exit gases resulting in instability of the bullet exiting the bore similar to a nicked up barrel crown.

If it doesn't can you closely check the barrel crown? Any nick could be the culprit.

These are some simple causes of poor accuracy that can be easily and cheaply fixed.

[OgenRwot]

I would be happy with 3 moa. Mine is more like 6. A new upper is not in the cards. What is the average muzzle velocity for most factory loads? I am loading to 3000fps according to Hornady's book. How about those free floating hand guards? Do they work? And what barrel would you suggest? I want to keep the same profile barrel.

Not to knock your reloading practices or anything but did you work up a load or did you just start at 3000 FPS? Every single rifle is different and therefore likes different loads. Start at or below 10% of max and work your way up. Shoot groups of each and see what gets you the best accuracy.

[RARGUNS]

There are a lot of things that can cause it to shoot inaccurate. Too many for me to speculate.

If you do end up wanting a new barrel, I would suggest a Black Hole Weaponry polygonal barrel. They are available in any profile, any length and match grade is also available. These shoot sub MOA and we have been doing a lot of builds with them with no complaints. And as aways, forum members get a discount.

[jmg8550]

The groups are pretty erratic. I have shot it off a bench with a grip-pod and a rear sight that I guess is a backup sight for the military. I have also used a Burris AR-332 3x prism sight with results that are not much better. I worked up my loads from 22.7gr IMR4895 with no real change in accuracy. I may need to try a better rear sight since the one I have seems a bit cheap and as the name implies a "backup" sight. It does have a flash suppressor that came with the upper. I have looked at it to see any bullet strikes, and there is no apparent problem there. It is the standard M4 type. I think it is removable, I just don't know much about the AR platform or how to tell if it is removable. My front sight isn't adjusted too far out. It is flush with the sight base. I torqued my rear sight to the flat-top to 20in lbs. I do hit what I aim at though. I was always told that AR's are inherently more accurate than say an M1A or Garand. And since Ar's are taking over service rifle, maybe that is true. I'm just not seeing it. Thanks for all the replies.

[RARGUNS]

I don't know where Winsor is but if you want to bring it by, I will take a look at it for you. I can probably tell you whats wrong with it. No charge.

[esaabye]

I hope you don't take this wrong but since I don't know your experience I need to ask...

When you are using the iron sights where is your eye focused (rear sight, front sight or target)?

When you are using the scope where is your eye focused (reticle or target)?

Any bucking or flinching when you fire, how is you breathing?

[jmg8550]

RARGUNS, Windsor is located just south of Fort Collins. Thanks, I may take you up on that offer. Although I have no idea where you are located.

esaabye, I am very experienced with scopes (I work for Burris in repair), and I'm very good with iron sights. 400 yards with an M1A or Garand no problem. And I compete regularly in service rifle and defensive pistol. I placed 1st at the Frozen Chosin last weekend. I focus on the front sight or with a scope, the reticle. My breathing needs a little work, but I am getting the hang of it. Bucking and flinching are a non issue. My trigger on the AR is the crappy single stage DPMS (lots of creep). I'm really not a fan of it since I'm used to the military two stage, and a 4 1/2 lb pull.