This was my first attempt at a long range AR build, Areo upper/lower, Craddock 22” barrel with head spaced bolt, Geissele SD-3G trigger, Magpul gen3 PRS and Bipod, Odin works Adjustable gas block and Handguard, Scope is Burris 4-20x50 XTR 2. Started breaking in the barrel took 1 shot than clean 5x followed by 5 shots and clean 5x. My first ever 5 shot group turned out the best I switched to 3 shot groups and always screwed up 1 shot. Basically got the gas block tuned, scope zeroed, and barrel broke in. I need to get a sand bag setup for under the stock, I felt like I was chasing keeping steady followed by focusing on the target with brief moments where both were good and I could fire. I will post some pictures from today off my cell phone.
First ever 100yd groups
- Thread starter MotoFlier
- Start date
Well you went out and did it, that's step 1.
Bench shooting is also a learned skill; the way you have to sit there at least for me, always just felt weird. Personally, I'd shoot from prone and go from there. Regardless, you mentioning that you felt that you were moving and not set with NPOA led you to start crushing the trigger in hopes you'd shoot when your reticle was where you wanted the round to impact; that definitely opened your groups. Also doesn't help that you started on a semi
Frank (lowlight) has training videos for beginners on youtube as well as online training here. I'd look for those as there are specific ones for how shooting a semi is a bit different than a bolt, how to load the bipod properly and plenty of other things that will save you time/ammo/money guessing on.
As for your groups, you have a lot of verticle as well as horizontal stringing. When you shot a round, were you able to continue to see the target through the scope and follow through or did the scope black out and end up pointed 3 feet off to the side? The vertical at 100 indicates the stock dropping under recoil probably from a mix of no rear support as well as incorrect/light shoulder support under recoil; the horizontal is from crushing the trigger and pushing your shoulder forward on the gun.
Bench shooting is also a learned skill; the way you have to sit there at least for me, always just felt weird. Personally, I'd shoot from prone and go from there. Regardless, you mentioning that you felt that you were moving and not set with NPOA led you to start crushing the trigger in hopes you'd shoot when your reticle was where you wanted the round to impact; that definitely opened your groups. Also doesn't help that you started on a semi
Frank (lowlight) has training videos for beginners on youtube as well as online training here. I'd look for those as there are specific ones for how shooting a semi is a bit different than a bolt, how to load the bipod properly and plenty of other things that will save you time/ammo/money guessing on.
As for your groups, you have a lot of verticle as well as horizontal stringing. When you shot a round, were you able to continue to see the target through the scope and follow through or did the scope black out and end up pointed 3 feet off to the side? The vertical at 100 indicates the stock dropping under recoil probably from a mix of no rear support as well as incorrect/light shoulder support under recoil; the horizontal is from crushing the trigger and pushing your shoulder forward on the gun.
You nailed it, I've been watching videos and I was concentrating on what lowlight says about staying engaged with the rifle. I was not resetting the trigger until I was back on the target. The make shift bench combined with the bipod put me in a weird position/alignment to the target, I was having to sit very upright and use my fist with a semi thumbs up to get the angle needed. This caused the bottom corner of the stock to be the only thing contacting my shoulder. I was not able to keep the target in view after each shot I would lose my eye relief and have to get everything re-adjusted for the next shot. It's very cool to read that post and get more insite as to the why. I think after shooting some If I go back and watch more training videos I will have a better understanding. I knew I was in for a challenging learning experience and I'm excited for it!
Now all you need is a pallet or two of ammo, and an MRAD, if your trying to keep @TheGerman in your training corner.
On a serious note. Dry fire, dry fire, dry fire.
On a serious note. Dry fire, dry fire, dry fire.
I'm gonna have to order some 6.5mm snap caps. I watched a few videos about setting up and bipods, Having the hard rubber feet on a hard bouncy surface was not doing myself any favors. Setting up prone in the grass means dealing with the damn ticks hahaha.
Actually you are doing good for a new shooter. Some get so used to cranking off sub moa groups that they forget what it was like when they were learning. Semi auto requires more discipline as well. Triggers usually aren't as good. What I would suggest is forgetting about the results and think about getting comfortable behind the rifle. Get so comfortable that you go to sleep. Then only wake up enough to squeeze the trigger like it was your freshly circumcised member. And stay asleep as the rifle goes off. Just look through the scope and imagine no recoil. Become a machine.
Hahaha, that's one way to say it not easily forgotten ouch! I'm trying to keep personal expectations to a min, so long as I'm improving and learning I'm happy.
Mr. Zick I would definitely be intrested in putting them to use if you dont need them.
Mr. Zick I would definitely be intrested in putting them to use if you dont need them.
