How accurate should this be?

[Mmelaney]

Ok, I've seen a lot of people talking about scopes, groupings, etc. My question is;

How accurate should my 15-22 be?

Currently I can do about a 6" group at 100 yards. I am using a Bushnell 10x40 scope and shooting off hand on a bench. I've removed the endcap from the handguard because I was effecting my groupings with my grip.

I know ammunition has a lot to do with it so I exclusively shoot CCI MiniMags. I've ordered a Shoowrench to check the barrel tightness.

I just don't feel like that's good enough. Can someone let me know if I'm crazy?

Mike

 

[OKFC05]

Probably about 1" due to ammo, 2" due to gun, and 6" due to shooter, if everything on your gun is adjusted and tight.

Aligning the sights is easy, it's letting off the shot without disturbing the sights that takes lots of practice.

When I can get my act together, I shoot the 4" by 6" rams at 100yds with my 617 revolver (iron sights). The gun/ammo combination is capable of hitting a silver dollar.

 

[Mmelaney]

That's what I expected someone to say. As long as it's common shooter error I'm ok with that. That just means I need to practice more with the trigger. I figured that was the biggest component. I'm still going to make sure everythings tight though just for piece of mind.

 

[Rustpot]

With what your gun shoots best people have been getting 1.5-2 MOA groups with their guns (that's 1.5-2" at 100 yards). Try some different brands, people seem to be getting tighter groups with Winchester brands (Super X and 333/555 bulk) and Eley target.

Also try shooting with the front end supported. Sand bags, a normal rest, even your range bag will be more stable. The intent is to limit the number of points of the rifle you're influencing. Ideally you'd have the stock supported as well so only the trigger is resting on you.

Modifying the trigger is a good step if you haven't done that yet. Lighter springs and polishing the interface surfaces are the simplest things you can do and cost less than $20. A lighter trigger means the shooter has to put less force into the gun, the muscles in the hand flex less, and the trigger will break smoother with polished surfaces so there's less jerk.

 

[8000fthi]

Since getting mine back from S&W for oob discharge, I have only had it out once and shot the 1in red bull out of a target at 25yds with 100 rounds. I shoot off a bipod front grip. It is a very accurate 22 rifle. 100 yds is a little far for consistent accuracy for a 22 IMHO.

 

[Scuds03]

When I'm doing my part as a shooter I've been able to consistantly achieve 2-3 inch groups at 100 with Winchester 333/555 bulk ammo and a 3-9 power optic with OEM trigger.. Any wind at all, even a breeze and fogettaboudit

 

[CajunMouseSniper]

Typical of groups I'm getting at 25, 50, 100 yds using 3x9 scope and CCI Blazers. Rifle is capable of better groups than this using premium ammo.

 

[grimreaper21]

very nice. how do you feel about the power of the 3-9 at 100 yards?

 

[CajunMouseSniper]

very nice. how do you feel about the power of the 3-9 at 100 yards?

Works well for me. I have a lighted reticle and with the scope on 3x can shoot with both eyes open for quick target acquisition but my eyes are not as good as when I was younger so appreciate the 9x at 100 yds.

 

[Mmelaney]

Typical of groups I'm getting at 25, 50, 100 yds using 3x9 scope and CCI Blazers. Rifle is capable of better groups than this using premium ammo.

I can probably match that at 25 and 50 but my 100 is easily double that. I'm guessing it's operator error. I'm used to a Ruger 10-22 so I'm still adjusting my shooting style a bit.

I can't tell you how much I love this rifle. I can shoot all day for under $50 and have a great time doing it.

My girlfriend is hitting 4" steel plates at 100 yards 10 out of 10 times which is another indication of operator error.

You guys have been great. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Mmelaney]

Next question. One to ponder for all;

How accurate could it be?

 

[CajunMouseSniper]

Next question. One to ponder for all;

How accurate could it be?

Rifle was not really designed for accuracy like some bench rifles, and will never be a 'tack driver" but with the right ammo I can hit pretty much whatever I shoot at out to 100 yds. This is my best group shot with Aguila Match Rifle at 25 yds. However...my favorite thing about the 15-22 is if I miss on the 1st shot I can quickly follow up with 24 more!

 

[Mmelaney]

Rifle was not really designed for accuracy like some bench rifles, and will never be a 'tack driver" but with the right ammo I can hit pretty much whatever I shoot at out to 100 yds. This is my best group shot with Aguila Match Rifle at 25 yds. However...my favorite thing about the 15-22 is if I miss on the 1st shot I can quickly follow up with 24 more!

Don't forget one more important part. You'll look damn good doing it.

I dont expect to be shooting dimes at 100 yards. If I wanted to shoot dimes at 100 yards I would have paid for some high power rifle with some super scope. I like to push the limits though. I want to see just how good I can get it. I was told in high school not to go in to engineering as a career because I was terrible at math. I've been doing it for almost 20 years now without making any major mistakes. I like a challenge so I say 100 yards and a 1" group of 5 is a challenge I want to conquer. Who knows if I'll get it but I'll have fun trying.

 

[scootle]

Rifle was not really designed for accuracy like some bench rifles, and will never be a 'tack driver" but with the right ammo I can hit pretty much whatever I shoot at out to 100 yds. This is my best group shot with Aguila Match Rifle at 25 yds. However...my favorite thing about the 15-22 is if I miss on the 1st shot I can quickly follow up with 24 more!

I think the 15-22 can do pretty decent. I took mine into the 25yd indoor range tonight to sight in my PA 1x 2moa red dot sight and MBUS irons. Some of my sight-in groupings tonight using the RDS were decent enough, I think, at 25 yds (using a GripPod LE) with CCI Mini-Mag 40gr solid nose ammo:



Lower left group of 5x shots was a bit loose (my fault, no doubt), but my subsequent groups of 10x shots each were close enough for gov't work! Figure a 2moa dot covers about 1/2" at 25 yards, so I'm satisfied.

As a relatively new 15-22 owner... and new shooter to boot... I am pretty happy so far!

 

[Scuds03]

If you check out pages 2 and 3 of the Ammo Talk thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/146665-ammo-talk.html
I have a bunch of pictures of groups with various non-match ammo's and distances. This is one of my better 5 round 25 yard groups using cheap bulk win 333/555 ammo and a RDS: