Is there a sub moa 5.56 semi auto that isn't an AR15?

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someguy2800

someguy2800

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As the title says, I got curious by another thread in here, is there a semi automatic rifle you can buy in the US, chambered in 223/5.56, will shoot sub moa, and is not based in any way on an AR15? Not really looking to buy anything, I am just curious and want to broaden my horizon a bit. I love my AR15 as a varmint rifle but I don't think I'm aware of anything that can compete with it toe to toe in terms of mechanical accuracy in a semi auto. Anything out there that I'm missing?
 
Well, if its AR15-compatible lower isn't a disqualifier, there's the BRN-180. It's still a flavor of AR, but it's not the AR.

Pew-Pew got some sub-MOA groups in their review of a Gen2 upper (warning: this website is lousy with pop-ups!):
https://www.pewpewtactical.com/brn180-gen2-review/

I would imagine the .223 Desert Tech MDRX and the civilian version of the FN SCAR could chase the one MOA mark, but I don't know this for a fact.
 
Dave DeLaurant said:
Well, if its AR15-compatible lower isn't a disqualifier, there's the BRN-180. It's still a flavor of AR, but it's not the AR.

Pew-Pew got some sub-MOA groups in their review of a Gen2 upper (warning: this website is lousy with pop-ups!):
https://www.pewpewtactical.com/brn180-gen2-review/

I would imagine the .223 Desert Tech MDRX and the civilian version of the FN SCAR could chase the one MOA mark, but I don't know this for a fact.
Click to expand...

Never heard of the desert tech mdrx, thanks for that. Their bullpup bolt action is my bucket list rifle that I'll never buy.
 
someguy2800 said:
As the title says, I got curious by another thread in here, is there a semi automatic rifle you can buy in the US, chambered in 223/5.56, will shoot sub moa, and is not based in any way on an AR15? Not really looking to buy anything, I am just curious and want to broaden my horizon a bit. I love my AR15 as a varmint rifle but I don't think I'm aware of anything that can compete with it toe to toe in terms of mechanical accuracy in a semi auto. Anything out there that I'm missing?
Click to expand...
It won't get there but the closest I can think of is the Mr1, handloading might get you to sub moa, several reviews with 55gr vmax type ammo claim right at 1 moa.
 
I suspect it's a self-limiting class. There isn't a lot of market demand beyond the military-style class for centerfire semi auto rifles and carbines on the small 22 caliber end of the cartridge spectrum. Given the AR fairly dominates that field, that's going to be the common flavor you are likely to find. I don't think the BAR and similar traditional styled hunting rifles were chambered smaller than 243. Before the AR varminting had been primarily a bolt gun affair.
 
I would and do prefer my Mini-14 and SKS rifles over my AR. I could sell the AR and never miss it. But I am not getting rid of my Mini-14. Or Marlin Camp Carbine either for that matter. I would have a Ruger 9mm carbine if they weren't so silly expensive right now.

Oops. My goof. I forgot the OP asked about a sub MOA 223 carbine. Oh well. First mistake I have made today. :uhoh:
 
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I've gotten 1.5moa with bulk 55gr. plinking ammo out of my sig 556 and a cheap 1-4x Leatherwood scope. With load development and a better scope I don't doubt it is capable of sub moa accuracy.
 
ThomasT said:
I would and do prefer my Mini-14 and SKS rifles over my AR. I could sell the AR and never miss it. But I am not getting rid of my Mini-14. Or Marlin Camp Carbine either for that matter. I would have a Ruger 9mm carbine if they weren't so silly expensive right now.

Oops. My goof. I forgot the OP asked about a sub MOA 223 carbine. Oh well. First mistake I have made today. :uhoh:
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Oh, the irony!
 
When it comes to semiautos the AR is very hard to beat. When it comes to 223/556 chambering Savage and Remington come to mind. Any rifle can be sub moa, it’s a matter of how much money you want to put into it.


Here is an honorable mention

HK SL8-6
 
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someguy2800 said:
silicosys4 said:
I've gotten 1.5moa with bulk 55gr. plinking ammo out of my sig 556 and a cheap 1-4x Leatherwood scope. With load development and a better scope I don't doubt it is capable of sub moa accuracy.
Click to expand...
Looking for non AR15 rifles
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Technically the Sig 556 is an AK variation. Mine shoots very well, and I like it a lot, but I have never wrung it out at 100 yards with good ammo.
 

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My Mini 14
31EC7F4C-3837-4819-8F5F-8231A9111B31.jpeg And 26.0 gr CFE, 55 gr FMJ
Look up “mini 14 accuracy” March 2015
 

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