Need Opinions on a New 5.56 BA Rifle

[WR Moore]

Probably a 1-12 twist in the barrel. You might want to check that. If so, that'll limit the length/weight of bullets you can shoot accurately. But, if you're cranking out ammo in the 50-60 gr weight range for other purposes, should do just fine.

 

[pharmer]

It's 1 in 9 or maybe 8, very fast. The cleaning rod made almost 4 turns from receiver to muzzle. The stock is a problem. I tightened the main screw and the rear trigger guard screw. Bolt won't close fully, although the striker will fall when OOB. Closed the bolt fully, tightened again, bolt is hard to manipulate. Not having a trace of lube wasn't helping, bore was filthy. I'm sure this rifle will teach me much over the duration of my possession. Joe

 

[pharmer]

Update: took a box of 20 Federal 55 gr 5.56 M 193 and the Remington out again. Shot 1st 5 rds at 25 yds. Way high, right 1st shot, next 2 low left. OK, on the paper. Moved out to 50 yds, pasted over a couple 25 yd hits, better moved out to 100 yds for the "fine tune" and the results are evident, walking it in down, left, right. Last 5 shots were a bull at 6 o'clock, a nice, centered, 3 shot triangle with a flyer at 3 o'clock caused by "fat boy breathing."
Now, If I could just figure how to load the "blind" magazine in the crudely hogged out Boyd's stock. Shot pretty much single shot, which a Rem "push feed" is perfect. Joe

 

[Bald1]

Nice score on Remington. What was the original issue with the Interarms mkx? Is that the same as a Zastava? Because I've been eyeballing one of those.

 

[pharmer]

The Mk X was made by Zastava in the 1980's. Very accurate but always had problems setting off hard primers (I bought a couple cases of IMI 62 gr SS 109 when I bought the rifle in 1989, would fire maybe 1 out of 3). Last year even with Federal, which were 100% previously, would go maybe 1 in 4 or 5.
I took the bolt apart, cleaned and lubed all the internals, no improvement. I called Zastava in Texas and they wouldn't work on anything that old. I don't have any experience with new production, probably good stuff. Joe

 

[SF VET]

a few years ago, bought a slightly used Browning X bolt, 223, wood stock, nice rifle. Put on a scope, and it would not group at all at 100 yards. I was frustrated, and checked the on-line spec's of my Browning, suggesting it had a quick twist. Then I checked the actual twist with a cleaning rod, and found my rifle was a 1/12 twist, and not accurate with my heavier 62 or heavier rounds. So loaded up some 40 grain Vmax, and my rifle immediately shot one inch groups at 100 yards.

I dropped by the selling LGS, and mentioned that all it needed was the correct wt bullet, and the sales chap, a friend, told me the prior owner brought it back because it wouldn't shoot. I suspect he was shooting store bought heavier bullets, and all it needs is the 40 grain bullets to match its 1/12 twist.

So a suggestion when searching for a bolt 223, check the twist compatibility for what you have to load it with to. NV

 

[hardluk1]

pharmer Might be after looking at the holes scattered all over that target it might be the interarms was not the problem . Might be the problem is you till you get your eyes fixed . If your interarms shoot good at one time ether the barrel needs a proper cleaning - copper build up removed
or your the problem . Its also to bad your skeptical of the major manufacturer's "budget lines" as a couple of them are very good hunting rifles .

You really did not learn anything on this tread so good luck in the future .

Oh your M855 ss109 is a cartridge with a had primer and a steel top that's never been very accurate . All your old rifle might have needed was a new firing pin spring or maybe a firing pin too and Never Lube where the firing pin and spring does it job . Bone dry only . . What a waste to sell it with out really sorting it out . Zastava USA still sell that same rifle and has parts .

My wife had to have eye surgery for the same condition you have but she could still shoot 1.5" MOA groups with my savage stevens 200 or savage mk11 bv 22lr with a good scope . Not bad for 2 rifles very capable of sub moa groups and still put on a good show on the defensive handgun range at home as that's really not an iron sight issue . Post surgery shes as good as I am or better at times with 22lr handguns or rifles and 223 long guns . At 68 years old and 5-2 she does not like shooting my 308 any more .


Hope you figure something out to help with accuracy but that might require Lasik eye surgery to fix your issues .

 

[Bald1]

The Mk X was made by Zastava in the 1980's. Very accurate but always had problems setting off hard primers (I bought a couple cases of IMI 62 gr SS 109 when I bought the rifle in 1989, would fire maybe 1 out of 3). Last year even with Federal, which were 100% previously, would go maybe 1 in 4 or 5.
I took the bolt apart, cleaned and lubed all the internals, no improvement. I called Zastava in Texas and they wouldn't work on anything that old. I don't have any experience with new production, probably good stuff. Joe

PHARMER if I can ask, how much did you get for the MK X ? I only ask because asking prices are kinda high. I wonder what real world values are. Gunbroker is not much help. Thanks

 

[alwslate]

It's 1 in 9 or maybe 8, very fast. The cleaning rod made almost 4 turns from receiver to muzzle. The stock is a problem. I tightened the main screw and the rear trigger guard screw. Bolt won't close fully, although the striker will fall when OOB. Closed the bolt fully, tightened again, bolt is hard to manipulate. Not having a trace of lube wasn't helping, bore was filthy. I'm sure this rifle will teach me much over the duration of my possession. Joe

It seems to be teaching you why it was cheap to buy.

 

[pharmer]

pharmer Might be after looking at the holes scattered all over that target...

I was adjusting the zero after every 2 or 3 shots once at 100 yds. Yes the 1st 7 were a result of the "walk in" but the last 5 were acceptable. Never been "precise" or claim to be.

Oh your M855 ss109 is a cartridge with a had primer and a steel top that's never been very accurate . All your old rifle might have needed was a new firing pin spring or maybe a firing pin too and Never Lube where the firing pin and spring does it job . Bone dry only . . What a waste to sell it with out really sorting it out . Zastava USA still sell that same rifle and has parts .

I know. I still have 3 0r 400 rds of the IMI in 30 rd boxes. Shot the other 2K through AR's with no problem.
Yeah I tried to get parts and no, current Zastava parts win't fit and they won't bother with a 35 y/o gun. They were nice on the phone though.
My wife had to have eye surgery for the same condition you have.......

Yes but "modern medicine" has decided my cataracts aren't serious enough to fix. Lasik don't fix "farsightedness" too well.

Lastly, I got $350 for the MKX. I paid $189 in 1989 for it and put a couple thousand rds through it. I started negotiations at $500 but after "full disclosure" of the light strike problem I took the $350 offer. I truly hopt the 'ol boy didn't just slap a $500+ price on it and sold it without disclosure. I did find a partial bolt in a gun trader but at $150 incomplete it seemed wiser to take the $350 and go with the Remington. Live and learn.

Joe

 

[Narragansett]

The best part of finding a gun is the hunt. Take your time. Advertise in the Want to Buy section on this forum.

I did the same thing years ago, and bought the sweetest Belgium made heavy barrel browning in 222. Safari grade and built on a Sako short action. With a tuned handload at 100yds, I can cover 5 rounds with a nickel and sometimes smaller.

Unless you are dead set on a 5.56 or 223, look for one of these. Beyond that look for a heavy barrel Ruger 77 in 222, 223, 22-250

Enjoy the hunt!!!

 

[LVSteve]

The Mk X was made by Zastava in the 1980's. Very accurate but always had problems setting off hard primers (I bought a couple cases of IMI 62 gr SS 109 when I bought the rifle in 1989, would fire maybe 1 out of 3). Last year even with Federal, which were 100% previously, would go maybe 1 in 4 or 5.
I took the bolt apart, cleaned and lubed all the internals, no improvement. I called Zastava in Texas and they wouldn't work on anything that old. I don't have any experience with new production, probably good stuff. Joe

Wouldn't a new striker spring have fixed all that nonsense?

 

[BAM-BAM]

Another shout out for the CZ 527 line........I've had one now for over a decade and they are great shooters. the .332/5.56 are built on a mid size Mauser action and good to great walnut stocks.... classics. Note: The CZ owner's manual says it's ok to shoot either .223 or 5.56 in these guns.

I now have three; two Americans (3rd flush fit and 5rd mag versions) and and a FS/Mannlicher.

All have single set triggers standard, all have been sub MOA. I got the Americans used; first for $300 from a friend at the range who wanted to "upgrade"to a CZ 527 heavy barreled Varmint version and the second for $400 at a LGS. The FS/Mannlicher [highest MSRP) was $700 new. I love mannlicher stocked guns.

5rd Mags are interchangeable in all three .. all wear Leupold scopes.

Highly recommend! An old school classic rifle! Some stocks are collector grade.

I also have the Ruger American that takes AR mags.... good shooter but a "utility" rifle IMHO.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

I have two. A Remington 700 Tactical (20" heavy barrel ) which is very accurate and especially loves the lighter bullets for some reason. I've probably had it 15 years. Recently I found a used Winchester XPR in .223 with FDE metal and the Strata camo stock at good price and took a chance on it. It has a 22" sporter weight barrel with a brake on it. It seems like a good shooter so far, just getting started working with it. It takes a detachable magazine, I wish it took AR mags, that would be great. I'm. Wanting it to shoot 60 to 64 grain bullets for coyote calling and such. I had a Nikon Monarch 4.5-14x that seemed appropriate for it, so that's what it's wearing for now.

I agree the CZs are super-nice. A buddy has one in .223. If I were after a "looker" as well as a utility rifle, that's what I'd buy. I like that they are appropriately sized to the .223 cartridge.

 

[pharmer]

Wouldn't a new striker spring have fixed all that nonsense?

Absolutely. Unfortunately, the rifle became "unreliable" in the last few years. I put way more effort to find parts/ repair that rifle than any other firearm I have owned. Originally, I was willing to trade a Model 28 for the b/a .223. Instead, I took the $$, added $150, kept the 28. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Joe

 

[Bald1]

BAM BAM did you know the quit making the 527.they replaced it with the 600. Reviews are not great. I've been looking at some 527s on my quest for the MKX. I want a small blue and walnut mannlicher stocked 223