Try a free float or new upper?

[Rifleman513]

I bought a Stag model 3 about 5 years ago during the ar buying craze after the election. There wasn't much selection at the time so it wasn't the ideal ar I was looking for. Long story short I wanted to use it for varmints and coyotes. I put a bipod on it and if you cant it right or left the group size opens up to about 2.5" and the poi shifts. If a gun doesn't shoot well I don't have much interest in it so I've shot about 150 rds through it and it sat in the safe for about the last 4 years.

So would I be better off trying to put a free float handguard on it and see if that helps or just buy a new varmint upper that may offer better accuracy?

 

[MudRunner2005]

I bought a Stag model 3 about 5 years ago during the ar buying craze after the election. There wasn't much selection at the time so it wasn't the ideal ar I was looking for. Long story short I wanted to use it for varmints and coyotes. I put a bipod on it and if you cant it right or left the group size opens up to about 2.5" and the poi shifts. If a gun doesn't shoot well I don't have much interest in it so I've shot about 150 rds through it and it sat in the safe for about the last 4 years.

So would I be better off trying to put a free float handguard on it and see if that helps or just buy a new varmint upper that may offer better accuracy?

I would just snatch that whole barrel/gas/handguard assembly off, and rebuild your upper with a new high-quality barrel, gas block, and (free-floating) handguard.

Do you want to remain a 5.56, or are you interested in other calibers? For example, you said varmint hunting. The 6.5 Grendel is an awesome varmint round.

Here's my parts recommendation... Warning, it won't be cheap, but accuracy rarely is.

5.56 barrel - https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-223-wylde-barrel-16-rock-creek-blank

Gas block (Melonite .750 diameter) - https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-low-profile-gas-block

Gas Tube (Mid-Length) - https://www.rainierarms.com/gas-tube-9636

Gas Tube Roll Pin - https://www.rainierarms.com/gas-tube-roll-pin

Handuard (12" model) - https://www.rainierarms.com/seekins-precision-mcsr-v2-key-mod-rail-system

Bipod adapter - https://www.rainierarms.com/odin-keymod-bipod-adapter-mount-rail

Your total should be - $466.94 + shipping

Not bad for a complete upper overhaul with top-tier quality parts.

 

[jpd676]

AR's are cheap right now...I'd buy a new upper and use the old one as a blaster with a red dot or something. You could always sell the old upper or wait until an election year and it would be more valuable. White Oak Armory has great accuracy at a good price.

 

[Rifleman513]

Thanks for the input. I have been looking at parts for a new upper or buying a completed upper. This is the only ar I own, just never really got that into them, but after seeing the accuracy this one has kinda turned me off shooting it. I've decided I might as well get it set up how I want it rather than leaving it to hold down the safe. Thanks again

 

[MudRunner2005]

Thanks for the input. I have been looking at parts for a new upper or buying a completed upper. This is the only ar I own, just never really got that into them, but after seeing the accuracy this one has kinda turned me off shooting it. I've decided I might as well get it set up how I want it rather than leaving it to hold down the safe. Thanks again

I have 2 Rainier Arms barrels in 2 of my uppers, and they shoot insanely well. One will shoot off-hand 100 yard 5-shot groups inside of 1.5" with cheap steel-case Tula 55gr ammo. You should be happy with the accuracy they provide if you shoot quality ammo, such as Federal Lake City XM193 or XM855.

 

[CLICKBANGBANG]

You can free float a gun with an ALG rail for $100. I've seen in the past where free floating and using better ammo will drop the groups by about an inch. What optics and ammo are you using? Also what trigger? I bet you could get a reliable 1.5-2" groups by free floating. This is fine for a gov profile barrel.

If you are really searching for accuracy, get a heavier barrel. I had a RRA 20" Varmint upper that shot sub MOA with most all quality factory ammo, and a consistent .5 MOA with worked up reloads. There are quite a few good heavy barrel manufacturers for ARs.

 

[Greyfox]

I picked up a complete DPMS 24" Varmint upper from Midway about five years ago. With over 2000 rounds through it, it still holds .25 MOA with my 69gr SMK hand loads. I use it for 200/300 yard eggshoot competition. I can't remember the last time I had to re-zero. Top quality, and reliable feeding.

 

[gj]

Dont believe the hipe,,, free floating wont gain you much or enough ! This is what i would go with WOA 22",,, DPMS would be my second choice and cheaper.... dont waste money on a 16" though ! Go 20" or 22 "....

https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/shop/complete-uppers/varmint-uppers.html?barrel_length=7

#3rd choice also known to be a tack driver...

https://www.bushmaster.com/firearms/hunting/predator-rifle-compliant

https://www.bushmaster.com/gun-parts/556-upper-assemblies

third one down.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Barrel length has zero to do with accuracy. And a quality 1:7 OR 1:8 twist 16"-18" barrel is more than enough barrel for a .223/5.56 cartridge. Unless the OP just WANTS a longer barrel, in which case I wouldn't go over 20" unless you're upgrading to a better cartridge, like the 6.5 Grendel. Then you'll want a 20-24" barrel.

 

[gj]

Barrel length has zero to do with accuracy. And a quality 1:7 OR 1:8 twist 16"-18" barrel is more than enough barrel for a .223/5.56 cartridge. Unless the OP just WANTS a longer barrel, in which case I wouldn't go over 20" unless you're upgrading to a better cartridge, like the 6.5 Grendel. Then you'll want a 20-24" barrel.

Barrel length and accuracy: It will when you talking velocity and long range !

And depending on powder used velocity gains can be made in up to 26 inch.223 barrels ,,,ask White Oak Armament....

For the 2 powders i only use,,,, there is no velocity gain beyond 20" barrels....

And White Oak Armament would not offer a .223 26 " barrel if there was no benefit to be obtained .....

 

[Pdvdh]

Get a free float handguard or your POIs can be expected to change with differing handguard pressures/holds. Especially so with a light contour barrel. I just changed out to a FF handguard and got rid of weird shot stringing. Groups are now circular on targets. My AR was a standard carbine, carbine length gas impingement, standard 16" carbine barrel.

 

[Pdvdh]

Barrel length has zero to do with accuracy. And a quality 1:7 OR 1:8 twist 16"-18" barrel is more than enough barrel for a .223/5.56 cartridge. Unless the OP just WANTS a longer barrel, in which case I wouldn't go over 20" unless you're upgrading to a better cartridge, like the 6.5 Grendel. Then you'll want a 20-24" barrel.

Agreed.

 

[gj]

Dont believe the hipe,,, free floating wont gain you much or enough ! This is what i would go with WOA 22",,, DPMS would be my second choice and cheaper.... dont waste money on a 16" though ! Go 20" or 22 "....

https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/shop/complete-uppers/varmint-uppers.html?barrel_length=7

#3rd choice also known to be a tack driver...

https://www.bushmaster.com/firearms/hunting/predator-rifle-compliant

https://www.bushmaster.com/gun-parts/556-upper-assemblies

third one down.

Sorry its the forth one down....

 

[gj]

I have 2 Rainier Arms barrels in 2 of my uppers, and they shoot insanely well. One will shoot off-hand 100 yard 5-shot groups inside of 1.5" with cheap steel-case Tula 55gr ammo. You should be happy with the accuracy they provide if you shoot quality ammo, such as Federal Lake City XM193 or XM855.

OMG i wish i could shoot 100 yards (((OFF HAND))) and get INSIDE 1.5 inch 5 shot groups,,,, I would be the TOP SHOOTER at my gun club !!!!
And no less with with cheap steel-case Tula 55gr ammo... Holy crap !!!!