what would you do

[jay43]

i have just gotten into 100 to 200 yrd shooting at the range (longest range avaiable) and find it more challenging and enjoyable than shooting inside. I shoot now with my bushmaster 16 inch ar a3 with a swival bipod and Nikon Buckmasters 4.5-14x40w/ao. I find that i could use a couple of more inches, but we probably all could. I can't add a free floating front end cause my muzzle brake is permanetly attached, MA compliant model. So I have come down to two options. I could buy and have installed a 24inch varminter heavy barrell with a free floating forend, or buy a Savage 10fp in 223 and use the scope bipod etc on it. I like the savage model and am dead set on that model.
My qusetion is basically which one of those options could i get the most accuracy out of. I know bolt actions a generaly more accurate than semis but the ar platform has accuracy on par with most bolt actions. both options will cost about the same in your opionion what would you do

 

[Slugless]

I ended up with 2 A3 receivers, a GI profile barrel & a target model.

I'll probably float the target model. Ordered a RRA 2 stage, consider that, JP, whatever. Everyone seems to recommend a new trigger as a minimum.

I'm fixin' to buy a Monarch 4x16x42 for the target model. How do you like your Buckmaster? What scope mount?

ARs are fun, versatile.

 

[jay43]

I love the buckmaster the optical clarity is phenominal. I was comparing a leopod vx1, busnell elite 3200, and the nikon. and the second i looked through the nikon i said I'll take it, it was clearer than the other 2 plus had the adjustable objective definitly recomend it. right now I have a 5inch long riser on my flat top, that raises the rail up half an inch and then have the scope mounted with standard rise scope rings, it provides great clearance, but its not to high to get a good cheek weld

 

[jpwilly]

I did the same thing...got a new 20" target varmint upper with bull barrel on my M4 lower. Eventually I got a new lower with a NM trigger and fixed A2 stock for a few hunderd! and now have 2 AR's. For target shooting I prefer at least 12-24 power from a bench rest. With this setup from my DPMS I get .75 to .5" 5 shot groups very consistantly. My Dad even picked it up for the first time and shot from the bipod no sandbag and put up a better than 1" 5 shot group the first time. He was impressed.

 

[trueblue1776]

DPMS offers some great target uppers (if you want a new upper), the A3 20" Bull goes for about $450 from Midway. It comes with a whole new bolt carrier, so you'll have a spare assembly, or you can sell it for some dough.

But, the Savage is a nice gun, it never hurts to diversify!

 

[JonB]

Personally, I would diversify and get the Savage. Always more fun (to me) to have a couple of different rifles for the range.

 

[RustyHammer]

Buy a new upper.

 

[Medusa]

does the new upper or rifle make you a better shot? I'd take max out of that rifle you already got. A thought - I've seen good results at up to 300m with Galil SAR & 8x PSO sight, and that has 13 inch barrel

 

[ArchAngelCD]

As for only having a 200 yard range to shoot at, NRA-CMP uses different size targets to simulate longer distances on shorter ranges. At 100 yards they use a B-27 but they sanction using smaller targets to simulate 400 yards on a 200 yard range. Sorry I don't remember all the target numbers but you can easily find then online.

 

[Medusa]

It's just me, but adding to what I've said already, I'd train to shoot the rifle standing, unsupported. There's a saying here - shooting standing separates men from kids. Meaning that even inexperienced fellows can get good results when shooting prone, supported, but it takes skill to hit what you aim at when shooting standing.

 

[HorseSoldier]

If you're wanting a better target rifle set up, +1 on the idea of just buying a new upper. No point in messing around with rebarelling -- unless Massachussetts has some legal issues with ordering an upper through the mail that we don't have to deal with here in America

That said, a 16" barrel with optics should give you all the accuracy you need for 100-200 shooting (and then some).