M&P 15 pistol accuracy

[azezzo]

Just bought the m&p 15 pistol (ar-15) with the 7-1/2” barrel. Went to the range today tried 6 different types of ammo, 55 grain to 77 grain. Shooting slow and easy from a bench at 50 yards with a 3-9x42 sig sauer scope testing for accuracy. Shot about 200 rounds, and averaged 2 - 4 inch groups, again at 50 yards. To me this is unacceptable. Any one else with similar experience, what should I expect?

 

[BSA1]

Why put a scope on a 7 1/2” barrel? What is the purpose for adding the extra weight and bulk?

 

[cyphertext]

I would not expect the same amount of accuracy out of an AR pistol as I would a carbine or rifle.

 

[mscampbell2734]

I would not expect the same amount of accuracy out of an AR pistol as I would a carbine or rifle.

From a strictly MECHANICAL standpoint an AR pistol should be able to group in the same range as it's parent rifle.

From a SHOOTABILITY standpoint it's largely a matter of the shooters ability and knowledge of shooting the AR pistol vs rifle. It does have certain quirks and takes some work.

Shooting from a solid rest, concentrating on the fundamentals, is the start.

 

[cyphertext]

From a strictly MECHANICAL standpoint an AR pistol should be able to group in the same range as it's parent rifle.

From a SHOOTABILITY standpoint it's largely a matter of the shooters ability and knowledge of shooting the AR pistol vs rifle. It does have certain quirks and takes some work.

Shooting from a solid rest, concentrating on the fundamentals, is the start.

From shootability standpoint, I agree. The carbine, or even a SBR with a proper stock will be easier to shoot accurately than a pistol with the brace (unless you shoulder the brace like a stock).

Mechanically, I am not sure. The 7.5" barrel with a 1:7" twist will only give the bullet a little over 1 full rotation, where a 16" barrel will give the bullet two full rotations within the barrel to stabilize the round. Less velocity from the shorter barrel as well. Based on that, I would not expect the same level of accuracy.

 

[Racer X]

2"+ from a pistol pistol at 50 yards would be pretty good. Why would the AR platform be that much more accurate?

SBRs and AR/AK pistols really aren't for long range shooting. The bullet will fly hundreds of yards, but hard to be precise with them.

 

[bamashooter]

Velocity greatly influences accuracy at distances. Barrel length influences velocity.

 

[Ranger17]

I dont own an AR pistol nor have I ever shot one. This made me curious though and watched some video on it. Shooter was also at 50 yards, red dot/no scope but with a 10” barrel. Shooting off a table. And looked like similar results.
Not knowing how his set up, ammo (reload or new) and skill set compares to the OP the results probably dont mean much. But i have to wonder if 2-4” groups with a 7” barrel are respectable at that distance, without knowing more data?