About AR-15 Accuracy & Barrel Selection

[socalbeachbum]

I'm wondering whether upgrading barrels would gain me any accuracy given what I use my S&W MP15OR for, which is informal target shooting. I use match grade ammo, a 3.0 lbs trigger, a Weaver 3-12x50 scope I really like for it's eye relief and clarity, a free float handguard, Harris bipod, and presently use the factory 16" barrel. Making groups under an inch normally.

I bought and tested a Lothar Walther 16" SS medium profile (35 oz) barrel with no measurable improvement benchrested at 100 yards. I thought of trying a Wilson Combat 18" SS match grade barrel (34oz), but asking myself if the improvement, if any, would be noticeable?

I'm asking for input because I'm thinking unless I go to a concrete bench, sandbags front and rear, maybe more magnification, that I would not see a real improvement.

Anyone?

 

[redbullitt]

It sounds like you are good to go to me. Consistently under an inch with a gasser is good shooting. Your stated purpose is informal target shooting, so my suggestion would be to invest that barrel cash elsewhere.

One of the best improvements I made to my precision ar15 was an adjustable cheek piece on the stock. Length of pull adjustment is very helpful too. Consistency was improved tremendously thanks to a good cheek weld and natural poa in shooting positions.

Aside from that, hand loading ammunition with a load developed for that particular rifle will give you the most notable gains in performance.

 

[W.E.G.]

If you are already shooting sub-MOA groups, what more do you want of that rifle?

Even if you could cut those groups in half, what benefit would you derive?

 

[redneck2]

By far, your greatest improvement would be hand loading if you don't already. I assume you don't if you are asking that question. Consistency of bullet quality and brass/load will trump anything with the rifle itself.

Match grade ammo is OK, but if I were shooting for ultimate accuracy, with wouldn't be with something out of a store.

Accuracy really boils down to three things. Ammo quality, barrel quality, and technique. If any of these suffer, results are poor

 

[chris in va]

If I'm not mistaken, the early Sport (which I have) and the OR have the 1:8" gain twist 5r barrel made by Thompson/Center (verification needed). It's reportedly a very accurate barrel in it's own right. I've never benched my Sport as I don't like using scopes but reports are very encouraging.

 

[strambo]

Outside of a competition setting, I would spend money chasing tighter groups with an AR 10 style rifle that is consistently doing under 1 MOA already.

 

[greyghost01]

I have a Windham Bushmaster M-4 style it has a stock 16" barrel I always shot it with irons or red dot, I just recently changed hand grip to a 15" Troy battle rail, And butt stock to a Magpul CTR , Put a Vortex scope I think its a 4-12x40 on it, It shoots clover leafs at 100 yds with 55 grn v-max and Tac powder I was amazed at the accuracy in it, I was going to re-barrel it but with groups like this, Im not doing anything to it

 

[socalbeachbum]

I certainly agree about handloading. And getting the rifle to fit you well. I have an adjustable buttpad that is great, allows you to really get a solid and repeatable hold. I have a spacer block that sets back the pistol grip for a more correct distance to the trigger. I'll look at the rifling, is one able to visually tell it is or is not the 5R rifling?

I know my MP-10 is supposed to have 5R. Any these replies make me think I'm done tinkering with this AR, it is light, accurate enough for what I do with it, and looks nice too.