M&P-15 accuracy?

Grayfox

Grayfox

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What kind of accuracy should I expect from an M&P-15 at 100 yards? Mine isn't impressing me much. Its got a Bushnell 1-4X AR Scope on it. I admit the rectile in this scope takes a bit of getting used to.
Ammo is American Eagle 55gr FMJ and IMI 62 gr. Green Tip. Maybe its the ammo or maybe its just me, but I'm only getting about 4" groups off the bench at 100 yards. :confused:
 
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Depends on the ammunition you are using and iron sights or scope. With quality ammo and a scope all of mine will do 2-3 inch or better groups,none get over 4 with sights and cheap stuff.
 
FWIW-Doubt if it's the ammo- In my experience AE ammo will stay under an inch in a properly benchrested bolt gun.
 
The scope you are using is the first problem. I love bushnell scopes, dependable, well worth the money, but the one you are using has a large dot, vs a fine reticle. I had tried using a Nikon 300P , with BDC, the glass is clear, movement is consistent and repeatable, but the reticle is too thick for any precision work. It is quick for an offhand shot at 50-100 yards on a 14 X18 target, but very difficult to shoot little groups. I do not know your finances, but a bushnell banner 3X 9 X 40 with a duplex, will tighten up your groups and can be had for $50 on gun broker used, has bdc reticle, auction going now. You need to be able to see your target clearly to be able to repeatedly put bullet after bullet into the "same Hole". Scope is most important, than the trigger, than the ammo, but at a short distance of 100 yards most any good ammo will do. After you change the scope, you may want to try different ammo. Also make sure that the bore is CLEAN, too often a dirty bore may appear clean to the eye, still needs cleaning. A copper cleaner will make sure you have it clean. Be Safe,
 
Grayfox said:
I admit the rectile in this scope takes a bit of getting used to.
Click to expand...

Sounds like rectile dysfunction. They make medicine for that...

Seriously, though -- that level of accuracy is about what can be expected with that type of reticle. I see similar on a lot of AR optics these days, and they are fine for the purpose intended -- fast, up-close shooting -- but far from ideal for long range accuracy.
 
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Yeah, this optic is sorta a cross between a red dot and a scope. But I don't think it works all that well as either. :(
I intended for this rifle to be used at short to medium range. I admit to being a bit of an accuracy nut. I guess I should try a different scope. :rolleyes:
Thanks.
 
Took my new Sport ll OR to the range for the 3rd time yesterday. 4x Tasco scope and inexpensive Russian ammo; shot well w/ one group at less than 3/4" at 50 yds. W/ an upgraded trigger (probably the Ruger)and better ammo, should be looking at 1 MOA.
Very happy w/ the rifle thus far, particularly for the cost.
 
If you really want to see how accurate your Mp 15 is 2 things should be done. First get some decent ammo like FGMM or Black Hills. 2nd ditch the 4X scope and get a decent scope. I'd recommend at least a 3-9X40. Leupold, Nikon or Weaver all make decent fairly inexpensive scopes. You should be able to get 1.5-2 moa 5 shot groups if you do you part. I have a 4-16X 0n my 516. Last thing you might consider is installing a Geissele trigger. It made a big difference in my 100 yard groups. Groups range ~ 1 moa sometimes better.
 
I have several boxes of good ammo; was just burning thru some steel cased shells that wouldn't run in my son's DPMS. The Sport ll didn't complain at all.
Trigger next then a scope; probably a 2-7 power tactical size, don't want/need a lot of size or magnification. Thanks for your input.
If/when I get into long distance, I'll probably build my next AR 15 w/ a 20" barrel. No place to shoot in the local area over 100 yds.
 
I shoot off a bag and use the Nikon P223 3x9x40.
The rifle is an M&P 15 Sport, 1/8, 5R rifling.
With handloads it is sub MOA.
So set up properly these rifles can be very accurate.
Jim
 

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I only know what my Sport can do. I've shot 8" groups at 200 yards standing up with no support using a red dot sight with mine. It shoots very accurate for the type of rifle it is IMO. I haven't ever shot it off a rest. I guess I didn't buy it for that kind of shooting. If I want to shoot from a rest I'll get out a bolt action rifle. I'm not saying it's bad or wrong or anything like that to shoot for accuracy. All I'm saying is I haven't really done it. But IMO shooting groups like I shot repeatedly at 200 yards indicates a rifle that will shoot small groups from a rest with the right ammo. BTW I was probably using American Eagle or PMC ammo. I was basically just plinking. I use Black Hills ammo for shooting small groups. I have a .223 bolt action rifle and it will shoot Black Hills ammo exceptionally well compared to plinking ammo. I don't buy steel cased ammo for my .223/5.56's. I gather up the brass and sell it and I end up spending about the same to shoot brass cased ammo.
 
I bought this rifle for close to medium range use. Actually, I bought it just to have one and piss off the antis. I'm really not a big fan of the AR. :rolleyes:
However, I do like my rifles to be accurate or at least accurate enough for the intended purpose. So I guess this one will fit what I bought it for. I would like to see just how accurate it can be.
I think my mistake was in the choice of scope. Like I said that reticle just wasn't designed for precision shooting. I do have several scopes on hand that I could try. But they're all 1" tubes and the current mount is 30mm. I haven't had much luck finding proper 1" rings for an AR locally that weren't very expensive. So I'll probably have to order some on-line. Understand that I just want to see what the rifle is capable of and the scope may not stay on it.
Honestly, for many years now my choice in a home defense rifle has been the M1 Carbine. I still like it in that role and don't know if the AR will replace it. If I want to reach out there, well that what the M1As are for. ;)
 
I like your thinking on your AR expectations. Im sure you will figure it out. I was not an AR fan until I needed one for IDPA 3 gun. Since then I have a great respect for what it can do. I have been pleasantly surprised at how well it shoots.
Best of luck.
Jim
 
People don't consider these much anymore, but a good quality 1" tube 4x scope with a plain, non-illuminated duplex reticle works quite well to at least 200 yards. Scopes without specialty features that few really need usually have very good resale value should you decide on something else later on, but it's hard to outgrow a quality basic scope.
 
I sighted in my M&P 15 Sport at 100 yds with a Vortex Strikefire II with Red/Green dot. The last four shots are in the center of the target after several adjustments. This was done from a sand bag rest.

mlOlN62.jpg
 
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