Frontpage
12-10-2009, 12:00 AM
You hear a lot of talk about which AR-15 rifle manufacturers are the best. While there's some consensus on which manufacturers fall into which general "tier" of quality, there's a lot of contention as to which are the best within those tiers. Everyone seems to want to believe that his chosen brand provides the best bang for the buck--and industry ad campaigns showing their products being used in various exotic and dangerous locales don't make things any clearer.
Selecting an AR-15 rifle boils down to a few key factors that can't be traded off: quality of build, reliability, and accuracy, all proportional to the amount of money invested. But beyond the basics, a bunch of questions remain. Do you invest your money in a high-quality barrel, or the free-float rails that surround it? What are the pros and cons of various barrel lengths in terms of handling versus muzzle velocity, and are there any sweet spots where the trade offs complement each other? More generally, does the standardization of AR parts mean one rifle is just like another, or does more money translate into more gun?
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/bolt.jpg
All of these are hotly debated on- and offline, with no definite conclusion to be seen. Rather than just diving into the fray, we decided to do things the 230grain.com way, and go in armed--not with rifles (although we had on hand a selection of the best ARs money can buy), but with information. We packed a truck to the brim with rifles and equipment, and headed out to the range to find out which were the best, and which were the rest.
Obligatory Disclaimer: Although we put all possible effort into making our tests as consistent as possible, this is still a fairly informal test. If you disagree with our results or approach, let us know! We're always happy to hit the range, and your requests for new tests provide a great excuse.
The Test
Here are the criteria we used to evaluate the various ARs:
1) Group size at a set distance, measured in MOA (minutes of angle) and ATC (Average To Center distance)
2) Muzzle velocity with certain types of ammunition
3) Subjective impressions on build quality
4) Informal evaluation of barrel lengths from 10.5" to 18"
Step into the laboratory:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/comp024.jpg
The Equipment
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifTitegroup SDR40 Rifle Rest: (reviewed here) (http://230grain.com/showthread.php?t=59961)
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Shooting Chrony Chronograph
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm mounted on a LaRue SPR QD mount
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/rest.jpghttp://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/chrony.jpghttp://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/leupold.jpg
And, of course, the focus of the test:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/comp026.jpg
As pictured: AR-15s from Colt's Manufacturing, Noveske Rifleworks, LaRue Tactical,
Rock River Arms, Troy Industries, Daniel Defense, and White Oak Arms
The rifles/uppers used:
Colt's Manufacturing - 6920
Daniel Defense - DDM4
LaRue Tactical - Stealth (16")
LaRue Tactical - Stealth (18")
Noveske N4 Basic
Troy Industries
White Oak Arms - SPR
Rock River Varmint
The Methodology
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Standards:
In order to eliminate potential errors from using different triggers, different sights, or different grips, we used the same lower receiver with all the uppers. This was the lower from the LaRue 18, featuring a Magpul PRS stock. (More information on this lower appears later in the article.)
This lower remained clamped in the rifle rest. When it came time to test an upper, we just put it onto the lower and topped it with the Leupold scope.
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Control:
Two groups were shot through each upper. The first group was used to sight in the scope. For the second group, an initial round was used to confirm zero and then the actual test group was recorded. For some groups, the zeroing shot was consistent enough with the rest of the group that we just shot four additional rounds, counting the zeroing shot as part of the group.
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Ammunition:
Initial sighting and zero was accomplished with Federal XM193 ammunition.
Final target sighting was accomplished with Black Hills reloaded .223 ammunition.
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Measurements:
The chronograph was placed at 14 feet.
Velocity measurements were taken from a series of 20 shots. (These were the sight-in group plus the test group.)
Results
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/comp021.jpg
Colt Manufacturing 16" 6920
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/colt16upper.jpg
Colt carrier staking:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/coltdetailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|3076|2489
Highest Velocity|3152|2539
Average Velocity|3123|2510
Extreme Spread|76.1|50.12
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moacolt16target.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
5|0.930|0.889|0.374|0.357
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
Daniel Defense 16" DDM4
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/daniel16upper.jpg
Daniel Defense Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/danieldetailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|3036|2431
Highest Velocity|3107|2491
Average Velocity|3080|2467
Extreme Spread|70.15|60.56
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moadaniel16target.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
4|0.493|0.471|0.216|0.206
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
LaRue Tactical 16" Stealth
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/larue16upper.jpg
LaRue Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/larue16detailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity||2450
Highest Velocity||2556
Average Velocity||2496
Extreme Spread||106.0
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moalarue16target.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
5|0.671|0.641|0.223|0.213
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
LaRue Tactical 18" Stealth
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/larue18upper.jpg
LaRue Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/larue18detailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|3170|2539
Highest Velocity|3211|2572
Average Velocity|3191|2558
Extreme Spread|41.22|32.93
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moalarue18target.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
4|0.897|0.857|0.329|0.315
This group was determined to be representative after the fourth shot, as the four shots grouped with the zeroing shot.
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
Noveske Rifleworks 16" N4 Basic
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/noveske16upper.jpg
Noveske Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/noveske16detailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|3095|2504
Highest Velocity|3149|2624
Average Velocity|3117|2556
Extreme Spread|54.76|120.1
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moanoveske16target.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
5|0.673|0.642|0.265|0.253
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
White Oak Arms 18" SPR
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/whiteoak18upper.jpg
White Oak Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/whiteoak18detailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|3264|2585
Highest Velocity|3296|2620
Average Velocity|3275|2596
Extreme Spread|32.01|34.71
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moawhiteoak18.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
4|0.779|0.744|0.243|0.232
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
Rock River Varmint (upper only)
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/rockrivervarmint.jpg
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moarockrivervarminttarget.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
5|1.250|1.194|0.496|0.474
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
Troy Industries 10.5" CQB
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/troy105upper.jpg
Troy Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/troy105detailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|2753|2237
Highest Velocity|2828|2326
Average Velocity|2793|2268
Extreme Spread|75.92|89.02
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moatroy.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
4|0.897|0.857|0.329|0.315
Conclusions
Groups Sorted by MOA:
Rifle|Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
Daniel 16|4|0.493|0.471|0.216|0.206
LaRue 16|5|0.671|0.641|0.223|0.213
Noveske 16|5|0.673|0.642|0.265|0.253
White Oak 18|4|0.779|0.744|0.243|0.232
LaRue 18|4|0.846|0.808|0.363|0.347
Troy 10.5|4|0.897|0.857|0.329|0.315
Colt 16|5|0.930|0.889|0.374|0.357
Rock River 18|5|1.250|1.194|0.496|0.474|
Addendum
Dirty secrets...dirty data?
There were a few anomalies encountered in the acquisition of data for this test and review. This space will address them.
The rifle rest fit some stocks better than others, which is to be expected given the variety of stocks on the market and the specific shape of the rifle rest itself. We found that some of the complete rifles would torque inside the rest, and that some would shoot better for one reviewer than the other reviewers. For some stocks, it was necessary to hold them down and readjust with each shot. We worked around these problems by finding the stock that fit our rest in the most secure manner for the testing and using it as a base for all of the uppers.
To counter any movement of the rifle rest itself, we strapped it to the shooting bench, centering and balancing it before starting the test. You can refer to this image (http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/comp021.jpg) to see the strapping and leveling.
Shooting groups:
We shot this review over the course of four months. The first test results were unsatisfactory and we picked up in the areas that we were successful in and pushed them forward. As a result, we were able to produce more data than if we had done the review all at once. On average each rifle was shot for between 15 and 20 minutes per test, giving us three targets for the first test and three for the second. The targets and measurements shown were taken from the best of both shoots.
Lessons learned:
We'd like to repeat these tests next year when the temperature is at a more constant level. Doing so would let us add more data and images, like bolt face photos and feed ramp measurements in addition to the images of bolt carrier staking. We learned that when you have this many great ARs on hand, there's never enough time to do all the testing you want.
But despite the wiggling vise, the rain, and all the gremlins that plague tests like these, we are content to let the data and methods stand for themselves.
At least until next year.
Stay safe, shoot straight.
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Selecting an AR-15 rifle boils down to a few key factors that can't be traded off: quality of build, reliability, and accuracy, all proportional to the amount of money invested. But beyond the basics, a bunch of questions remain. Do you invest your money in a high-quality barrel, or the free-float rails that surround it? What are the pros and cons of various barrel lengths in terms of handling versus muzzle velocity, and are there any sweet spots where the trade offs complement each other? More generally, does the standardization of AR parts mean one rifle is just like another, or does more money translate into more gun?
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/bolt.jpg
All of these are hotly debated on- and offline, with no definite conclusion to be seen. Rather than just diving into the fray, we decided to do things the 230grain.com way, and go in armed--not with rifles (although we had on hand a selection of the best ARs money can buy), but with information. We packed a truck to the brim with rifles and equipment, and headed out to the range to find out which were the best, and which were the rest.
Obligatory Disclaimer: Although we put all possible effort into making our tests as consistent as possible, this is still a fairly informal test. If you disagree with our results or approach, let us know! We're always happy to hit the range, and your requests for new tests provide a great excuse.
The Test
Here are the criteria we used to evaluate the various ARs:
1) Group size at a set distance, measured in MOA (minutes of angle) and ATC (Average To Center distance)
2) Muzzle velocity with certain types of ammunition
3) Subjective impressions on build quality
4) Informal evaluation of barrel lengths from 10.5" to 18"
Step into the laboratory:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/comp024.jpg
The Equipment
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifTitegroup SDR40 Rifle Rest: (reviewed here) (http://230grain.com/showthread.php?t=59961)
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Shooting Chrony Chronograph
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm mounted on a LaRue SPR QD mount
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/rest.jpghttp://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/chrony.jpghttp://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/leupold.jpg
And, of course, the focus of the test:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/comp026.jpg
As pictured: AR-15s from Colt's Manufacturing, Noveske Rifleworks, LaRue Tactical,
Rock River Arms, Troy Industries, Daniel Defense, and White Oak Arms
The rifles/uppers used:
Colt's Manufacturing - 6920
Daniel Defense - DDM4
LaRue Tactical - Stealth (16")
LaRue Tactical - Stealth (18")
Noveske N4 Basic
Troy Industries
White Oak Arms - SPR
Rock River Varmint
The Methodology
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Standards:
In order to eliminate potential errors from using different triggers, different sights, or different grips, we used the same lower receiver with all the uppers. This was the lower from the LaRue 18, featuring a Magpul PRS stock. (More information on this lower appears later in the article.)
This lower remained clamped in the rifle rest. When it came time to test an upper, we just put it onto the lower and topped it with the Leupold scope.
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Control:
Two groups were shot through each upper. The first group was used to sight in the scope. For the second group, an initial round was used to confirm zero and then the actual test group was recorded. For some groups, the zeroing shot was consistent enough with the rest of the group that we just shot four additional rounds, counting the zeroing shot as part of the group.
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Ammunition:
Initial sighting and zero was accomplished with Federal XM193 ammunition.
Final target sighting was accomplished with Black Hills reloaded .223 ammunition.
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif Measurements:
The chronograph was placed at 14 feet.
Velocity measurements were taken from a series of 20 shots. (These were the sight-in group plus the test group.)
Results
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/comp021.jpg
Colt Manufacturing 16" 6920
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/colt16upper.jpg
Colt carrier staking:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/coltdetailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|3076|2489
Highest Velocity|3152|2539
Average Velocity|3123|2510
Extreme Spread|76.1|50.12
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moacolt16target.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
5|0.930|0.889|0.374|0.357
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
Daniel Defense 16" DDM4
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/daniel16upper.jpg
Daniel Defense Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/danieldetailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|3036|2431
Highest Velocity|3107|2491
Average Velocity|3080|2467
Extreme Spread|70.15|60.56
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moadaniel16target.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
4|0.493|0.471|0.216|0.206
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
LaRue Tactical 16" Stealth
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/larue16upper.jpg
LaRue Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/larue16detailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity||2450
Highest Velocity||2556
Average Velocity||2496
Extreme Spread||106.0
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moalarue16target.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
5|0.671|0.641|0.223|0.213
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
LaRue Tactical 18" Stealth
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/larue18upper.jpg
LaRue Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/larue18detailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|3170|2539
Highest Velocity|3211|2572
Average Velocity|3191|2558
Extreme Spread|41.22|32.93
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moalarue18target.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
4|0.897|0.857|0.329|0.315
This group was determined to be representative after the fourth shot, as the four shots grouped with the zeroing shot.
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
Noveske Rifleworks 16" N4 Basic
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/noveske16upper.jpg
Noveske Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/noveske16detailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|3095|2504
Highest Velocity|3149|2624
Average Velocity|3117|2556
Extreme Spread|54.76|120.1
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moanoveske16target.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
5|0.673|0.642|0.265|0.253
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
White Oak Arms 18" SPR
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/whiteoak18upper.jpg
White Oak Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/whiteoak18detailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|3264|2585
Highest Velocity|3296|2620
Average Velocity|3275|2596
Extreme Spread|32.01|34.71
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moawhiteoak18.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
4|0.779|0.744|0.243|0.232
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
Rock River Varmint (upper only)
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/rockrivervarmint.jpg
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moarockrivervarminttarget.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
5|1.250|1.194|0.496|0.474
http://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gifhttp://230grain.com/images/blizzard/misc/navbits_finallink_ltr.gif
Troy Industries 10.5" CQB
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/troy105upper.jpg
Troy Bolt Carrier Stake:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/troy105detailed.jpg
Velocity:
Measured|Federal XM193 55 Grain|Black Hills 77 Grain
Lowest Velocity|2753|2237
Highest Velocity|2828|2326
Average Velocity|2793|2268
Extreme Spread|75.92|89.02
Target sample at 100 yards:
http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/moatroy.jpg
Target data:
Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
4|0.897|0.857|0.329|0.315
Conclusions
Groups Sorted by MOA:
Rifle|Shots|Inches|MOA|ATC Inch|ATC MOA
Daniel 16|4|0.493|0.471|0.216|0.206
LaRue 16|5|0.671|0.641|0.223|0.213
Noveske 16|5|0.673|0.642|0.265|0.253
White Oak 18|4|0.779|0.744|0.243|0.232
LaRue 18|4|0.846|0.808|0.363|0.347
Troy 10.5|4|0.897|0.857|0.329|0.315
Colt 16|5|0.930|0.889|0.374|0.357
Rock River 18|5|1.250|1.194|0.496|0.474|
Addendum
Dirty secrets...dirty data?
There were a few anomalies encountered in the acquisition of data for this test and review. This space will address them.
The rifle rest fit some stocks better than others, which is to be expected given the variety of stocks on the market and the specific shape of the rifle rest itself. We found that some of the complete rifles would torque inside the rest, and that some would shoot better for one reviewer than the other reviewers. For some stocks, it was necessary to hold them down and readjust with each shot. We worked around these problems by finding the stock that fit our rest in the most secure manner for the testing and using it as a base for all of the uppers.
To counter any movement of the rifle rest itself, we strapped it to the shooting bench, centering and balancing it before starting the test. You can refer to this image (http://230grain.com/images/articles/riflecomp/comp021.jpg) to see the strapping and leveling.
Shooting groups:
We shot this review over the course of four months. The first test results were unsatisfactory and we picked up in the areas that we were successful in and pushed them forward. As a result, we were able to produce more data than if we had done the review all at once. On average each rifle was shot for between 15 and 20 minutes per test, giving us three targets for the first test and three for the second. The targets and measurements shown were taken from the best of both shoots.
Lessons learned:
We'd like to repeat these tests next year when the temperature is at a more constant level. Doing so would let us add more data and images, like bolt face photos and feed ramp measurements in addition to the images of bolt carrier staking. We learned that when you have this many great ARs on hand, there's never enough time to do all the testing you want.
But despite the wiggling vise, the rain, and all the gremlins that plague tests like these, we are content to let the data and methods stand for themselves.
At least until next year.
Stay safe, shoot straight.
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