What AR15 5.56/.223 upper for target work?

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bikemutt

bikemutt

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I've decided to add a 5.56/.223 upper to the collection for target work. The only rifle I have in that caliber right now is a Ruger Gunsite Scout which I thoroughly enjoy shooting, a semi-auto seems like it would round things out for me. I already have a lower with a 2-stage trigger I like so I really don't want to buy a whole rifle.

Anyway, my other uppers are all PWS so my first choice is to go with a MK118 which is their DMR model in the MK1 series. It can be had for roughly $1200 lets say. My wish for this rifle is to shoot a minimum of 1 MOA groups at 100 yards using ammo it likes, even if it's not cheap ammo. The furthest I'd imagine shooting with it is for now is 200 yards. I'll shoot it suppressed with a 30 cal suppressor for the most part. The upper does have an adjustable gas block for use with various ammo and suppressor use.

So THR, what other uppers should I consider in that price range or less?

Thanks
 
For great accuracy at that distance I would consider a 16 varmint barrel. The most accurate rifle I have ever shot was my RRA 16 Varmit. It would do 5 shot 3/4 MOA no problem and if I was up to it, close to 1/2 MOA on occasion, obviously with match ammo in both cases. It shot every load I tried well, even bargain PMC, S&B, Remington, etc. I remember being shocked by a ten shot group just over 1 MOA with Remington cheap stuff. Must have been some luck involved, it was obviously a good lot, but still I had no idea the ammo was capable of near that.
 
RRA and I'll post my pic of my best.

ar_77gr_group2.jpg

RRA 20" 1:8 bull barrel, .223 Wlyde, Fed. Gold Medal 77gr.
 
Palmetto State Armory has some right now as low as $180. I have had a few and have had NO issues. As accurate as my RRA or Spikes.

They have plenty of different ones on sale.
 
hardenedarms.com out of WA has really good deals. Never owned own, shot one or actually seen one but alot of good reviews on sites and their FB page.
 
200 yards or less a varmint barrel is a good idea unless it is a 1:9 twist AND you want to shoot heavier bullets. If your will be shooting 68gr or less, you should be good.
 
I have a RRA A4 Varmit 20" that will shoot 1/2" MOA. I have put 20 rounds through a hole the size of quarter using a 69 gr SMK pushed by IMR4895.
I believe the barrel is by Wilson, stainless and 1:8 twist.
 
You might also want to look at a Stag 3G upper. 18" fluted floated heavy barrel. I can't compare it to the RRA's or others but supposed to be a good shooter. I sold mine because I didn't like how it made the AR very front-heavy. But that's likely going to be the case with any of these 18" (and longer) varmint guns you choose.
B
 
I have a RRA A4 Varmit 20" that will shoot 1/2" MOA. I have put 20 rounds through a hole the size of quarter using a 69 gr SMK pushed by IMR4895.
I believe the barrel is by Wilson, stainless and 1:8 twist.
Click to expand...

This is what I have. It is outstanding.
 
Another vote for White Oak Armament (WOA). I have their heavy barrel upper in 20" and love it, the gun is way more accurate than I am. My friend also has their 16" version with same results.
I got the 1:7 twist and it likes everything from the 75 gr. all the way down to the 50gr. I don't think you can beat it for the price. I looked at building my own upper with similar components and it would've cost more than their complete upper was.
 
bikemutt said:
I've decided to add a 5.56/.223 upper to the collection for target work. The only rifle I have in that caliber right now is a Ruger Gunsite Scout which I thoroughly enjoy shooting, a semi-auto seems like it would round things out for me. I already have a lower with a 2-stage trigger I like so I really don't want to buy a whole rifle.

Anyway, my other uppers are all PWS so my first choice is to go with a MK118 which is their DMR model in the MK1 series. It can be had for roughly $1200 lets say. My wish for this rifle is to shoot a minimum of 1 MOA groups at 100 yards using ammo it likes, even if it's not cheap ammo. The furthest I'd imagine shooting with it is for now is 200 yards. I'll shoot it suppressed with a 30 cal suppressor for the most part. The upper does have an adjustable gas block for use with various ammo and suppressor use.

So THR, what other uppers should I consider in that price range or less?

Thanks
Click to expand...
Check out the Wilson Combat "Super Sniper" in .223 Wylde (5.56 & .223 )
 
$1200 for an upper is in range of a JP upper. You won't find more accurate than that.

Personally I shoot an 18" RRA, but the JP would probably beat it.
 
Thank you all, the RRA upper seems to have the votes. I spoke with a local long range shooter today who confirmed the RRA. But he did mention the JP. I'll look into that one but for now I'm inclined to go with RRA.
 
Bikemutt, a $1200 budget should easily get you the accuracy that you are looking for. I agree that RRAs are accurate rifles, I have a 16" Tactical Entry. My DPMS Bull 24 is as accurate as the Rock Rivers, both for much less money than you are willing to spend.

c5eb4547-c7cc-491c-b932-34af234395fd_zpse3f13adb.jpg
 
Last edited:
I couldn't stand my own indecision, the rifle that came the closest to what I want is the Rock River Arms Advanced Tactical Hunter (ATH), I, umh, "pulled the trigger" on one yesterday :)

Thanks for the help, I'll post up when it reports for work.
 
done

I see that the decision was made.
For myownself, I have a 20" HBar (a Colt rifle) with a 1-8" twist. Despite that fast twist, the gun shoots bullets as light as 52 grains very nicely.
The best 100 yard group that i have out of any of my rifles was that weight bullet from that upper. It was a 5 shot one half inch group shot with metallic sights shot during load development.
I do not know how that would hold up at longer distances.
 
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