Posted: 12/29/2014 8:32:26 PM EDT
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So... I have a S&W MOE mid length and want a rifle that is accurate out to 300 yards for starters.
Correct me if I'm wrong, by adding a match grade barrel, free floating rail and a trigger it will greatly increase the accuracy of this rifle (not shooter). How much does the upper and lower have to do with the accuracy of a rifle is where I'm getting at? I know adding these items would cost $800-1000, but it's still cheaper then most "precision rifles". Thanks |
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In order to best answer the question of comparison, you need to provide some more baseline information to start from and what level of accuracy you want to achieve. There are so many factors regarding accuracy that generalizing about 3 items to get to an unknown level of accuracy is practically worthless.
If I told you to get a Kreiger barrel with a wyle chamber, BAT barrel extension, lap your receiver, drop in a geissele hi speed match trigger and FF the barrel, do you think I could tell you how accurate YOU are with unknown ammo, distance, shooting position, conditions, etc, etc? Give us more to work with and we can narrow it down to something meaningful. Start with the particulars around what you have and the accuracy you are getting currently. |
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I'll try and be more specific.
My current build is pretty much stock. I've added a Fortis Rev rail and some accessories. I currently use a redot, I can achieve approximately 1 inch groups at 50 yards. I want to turn my S&W into a long range shooter for coyote hunting and fun times at the range. As far what I expect for accuracy, my experience with long distance shooting is out to 100 yards sighting in my 06' for deer season. Would 3 inch groups at 300 yards be unrealistic? Thanks for the patience. |
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Minute of angle accuracy (1" at 100 yds, 3" at 300 yds) is possible in a stock configuration. The right ammo, techniques and practice can get you that. A new barrel, trigger and FF barrel will help improve the intrinsic accuracy if installed correctly, but it still needs to be fed capable ammo and fired correctly to improve the actual accuracy. I would also look at a better sight than a red dot for accuracy past 100 yds ( it's still possible to be accurate but a scope or iron sights alone at 300 yds would be a better choice than a red dot for MOA accuracy)
You already free floated the rail it seems with the Fortis rail. Shooting off a bench I will have minimum affect on accuracy with a free floated rail because there is not a lot of force on the barrel to begin with. The real difference here is when a sling is used. This mod alone of the three you mentioned will contribute to better accuracy, but it wiould be hard to say that it will be immediately noticeable . A better trigger than a mil-spec 5-8 pound trigger with creep and drag will allow you to fire the shot without moving the rifle. This can be a major source of improvement in grouping "Match" grade barrels will also help and some have different chambers and twists for specific types of ammo. This again, will only be effective if paired up with good ammo. My suggestions would be to focus on a decent trigger, an optic or sights suitable for distances you want to shoot at and pair that with ammo and practice. Many feel they can outshoot their equipment and like to believe that they are not the problem - my experience is that the biggest contributor to accuracy is the shooter and ammo. My guess is your stock rifle is capable, improvements can be made, but they will still be pretty minor. Moderrn marketing would have you believe that multiple gadgets will miraculously improve your golf score by 10 strokes alone, the shooting world is no different. There are definitely better products but the best set of clubs still won't make you a golf pro. If you don't believe me, give your rifle to a shooting pro and bet him that he can't get it to shoot. |
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I appreciate you taking the time to reply, that's the information I was looking for.
I do plan on using a scope, a friend has a bushnell elite I can buy for cheap. I did install the Fortis Rev and my barrel is now free floating. I'm going to take your advice and start with the scope and trigger. Any suggestions on a trigger? Thanks |
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I have a number of aftermarket triggers (Timney, RRA 2 stage) but mostly use Geissele. My favorite is the high speed national match. ALG, as mentioned above, is actually a related company to Geissele and although I have not used one, I believe it is a vastly improved mil spec trigger (reworked). I am sure they are good. The biggest decision is single or 2 stage, and that is a very personal preference - for precision, my preference is 2 stage (light pull of the trigger until you feel it stop, and then a light pull to release the hammer).
I have been shooting Geissele in my competition guns for a few years and have stuck with them. There are many good options out there however. The biggest thing is that a good trigger helps limit you moving the gun during the firing process so anything that is smooth and predictable will work. |