AR-15 10 Shot Group Size?

[MTMeatHunter]

New to ARs. I have a 16” Daniel Defense with a factory trigger that is stagey and I’d guess is around 4 pounds. Trijicon 1-4x LPVO. Just shot a 12 round group at 100 yards with factory 73gr ELDM that measured 2.5”. Shot prone off a rear bag and front rest. I don’t think I’m disappointed, but should I be expecting a lot better?

For reference, the last 10 shot group I shot with my Tikka in 270 win measured .85”.

 

[wind gypsy]

Never shot much for groups at 4x so it’s hard sayin.

 

[RockAndSage]

Normal. And, frankly, everything you need for what you need an DD AR15 for. You're good.

 

[MTMeatHunter]

Shooting groups at 4x was definitely interesting but it was the 4# trigger that I could really tell was not helping. Used to my Tikka triggers all dialed down and crisp…

 

[Steve The Killer Llama]

I don’t have experience With DD but my factory Ruger keeps em inside 3” at 100 (hammer forged barrel) budget accuracy.
I also have a Frankenstein build with an 18” gunner profile barrel that opens up to about 7-8” after 5 shots… hope that helps

 

[Caseknife]

Many options for a/m triggers if you think that is what is holding you up. Don't expect a 10 round group under an inch with an AR-15 unless it has had LOTS of work done to it.

 

[MTMeatHunter]

An aftermarket trigger crossed my mind, but at the same time, if I want to shoot sub inch groups I’d grab a bolt gun from the safe. Just kinda curious what I should expect with the setup as it sits. I have pretty much zero reference. Thanks for the thoughts so far!

 

[ProRoad]

I am very new to ARs and have built 3 since March. 6ARC, 22ARC and .223. (the .223 has a 1-6 scope and my groups are 2-3 inches) I have experienced loose groups but with the right ammo, they are under an inch with the right setup. (4-16 scope) Try some different ammo and it may tighten up. Also, as everyone knows, your tightest groups come with handloads, factory can be all over the place. I have a new Geissele 2 stage trigger that I have fired about 20 times freehand. I think it will blow my mind when I finally get a scope on that build. (Now I know what all the hype is about) But yea, a 2.5 inch group out of a 16" barreled AR is gonna get the job done.

 

[RockAndSage]

OP, this post is one of the most valuable sources of realistic info you're going to get on rifle accuracy expectations vs reality, anywhere on the internet. It's 100% worth reading. Anyone claiming they're getting a sub-MOA group with anything, please read this thread too.

This is my summary in my own learning within that thread, but the entire thing is a goldmine for genuinely understanding reality.

 

[1000yards]

I have a 16" PWS that shoots factory Black Hills just over an inch for ten shots. Scope is normally at 9x and the only mod is a geissele trigger. I have no idea if this is normal or not.

 

[chuckD]

You should be expecting better