I read an article in Guns and Ammo about whether an AR platform is as accurate as a bolt action rifle. They came to the conclusi

[small game sportsman]

I read an article in Guns and Ammo about whether an AR platform is as accurate as a bolt action rifle. They came to the conclusion that the AR is just as accurate as the bolt. What do y'all think?

[WA Mtnhunter]

I think mine is pretty accurate with factory ammo. However, the factory trigger seems to be the limiting factor for me. I have never handloaded for it, but it shoots about a 2" group at 100 yards with the milspec aperture sight with me behind the trigger. Less with a 1-4x Leupold mounted. Damn sure shoots minute of song dog with HSM softpoints and Cor-Bon MPGs.

[FirstBubba]

I propose that "true" accuracy comes from a muzzle loader. The bullet is engraved into the rifling when loaded.
This may be "old" technology, but as I understand it, with "any" mechanical action, there has to be "slack", regardless of how minute, so the action can operate. Upon firing, the bullet must "leap" from case mouth to rifling, which sets a vibration into motion whichs stays with the bullet to target strike. The muzzle loader doesn't experience that problem.
As I understand it, today's AR's are "extremely" accurate. How they compare to bolt guns,? I dunno! Don't want to get shot with either one! LOL!

[99explorer]

I'll believe that when the bench rest competitors start using them.

[Ontario Honker Hunter]

Sorry, but I also find that hard to believe given the mechanics involved. Not saying ARs aren't accurate or as accurate as needed for just about anything the ordinary person would encounter. But competition shooting? Hmmmmm. I don't think so. I think 99 has a point.

[J.B.H]

It all really depends on what gun your using, how comfortable&confident your are with it and the ammo you are using.

[jhjimbo]

The AR's shoot in competition at Camp Perry to 600yds.
As far as compared to a bolt action - i do not think they will achieve that degree of accuracy.

[cb bob]

An AR with a heavy, free floated barrel, tweeked trigger, and a good scope can be darn accurate. Do the same to a bolt action, and I just think the bolt will be a little more accurate.

[Carl Huber]

All very good comments. But if you remember the original conception of the rifle was to kill little people up close. Yes it can be accurate to 600 yards. But it's not lethal past 200 yards. The only thing that has changed there are presently about a dozen rounds that will fit through the mag well. This has improved range and lethality. But out of the box it is what it is.

[WA Mtnhunter]

An AR-15 not lethal past 200 yards? Huber, you have been breathing too many exhaust fumes in NY. Your statement qualifies you as an armchair expert with zero practical field experience. Pfooey!

[Safado]

Benchrest shooters use bolt actions so I'd say that the most accurate are bolt actions although ARs can be very accurate as jhjimbo pointed out they are very successful at Camp Perry. I'm not sure if the new Tube Guns can use an auto-loading action but they resemble ARs and are very accurate.

[Carl Huber]

Wam would you shoot a Deer at say 400 yards with a 223?

[deerhunterrick]

Mine is sub moa with 69gr Foouchi and Black Hills best groups 0.375" @100 yards and 2.25" @400 yards. but I have a Double Star 20" Super Match with Wilson Match barrel too. My 700 Varmint in .204 ruger can shoot inside those groups all day long though. Gonna be hard to improve onna good bolt action

[jhjimbo]

Carl
When the 5.56 was being developed the concept was to wound and incapacitate the enemy so as to tie up one or two others who would then help the wounded. In the early '60 they did many studies on pigs to determine the lethality of the round. The 5.56 was chosen partly for it's tumbling characteristic. Plus the early M-16 was considered a spray and pray weapon before the 3 shot burst, so the lighter weight round allowed the soldier to carry more rounds.I think at the time the army was looking for a 300 or 400 effective range weapon.

[Carl Huber]

With all respect WAM I didn't think so. Granted all my youthful hunting has been in NY State. Home to a state park the size of Vermont. A long shot was 80 yards and I don't care for semi auto's. Presently I live on an Island that is 120 miles long and 70 miles out in the Atlantic ocean. So finding exhaust fumes are not easy to find. Strip Bass and Tuna are easier. Again with all respect living in a Microcosm can make you myopic. So you might want to add travel to your bucket list. Your horizons will be broadened and you'll meet some really good people.