My Spikes build update with Nikon P223 3x32 sub MOA
I put together an AR on a budget with some decent parts this winter. I have approx. 600 rounds down the tube so far, plus what I put through it today. (about 40rds) A picked up a NIB, but damaged packaging P223 3x32 Nikon scope at a LGS for 100bucks. I used a walmart gift gard to pick up the Nikon P223 rings for 50 bucks.
Budget build thread was here: http://rugerforum.net/projects/95867-my-590-dollar-ar-build-spikes.html
I got the scope mounted a month or so ago and hadn't shot it on paper. I put a cheap laser bore sighter on it and it was close enough that I didn't mess with it, and put around 100 rounds through it shooting steel about a month ago. First time on paper was today.
First shots out of the box so to speak. one shot left, adj windage made another shot and it was right. Readjusted windage then worked on elevation. Within 6 shots "out of the box" it was almost spot on.
I used some federal 223 to start sighting it in. I was very hesitant on the fixed 3x scope. I'm used to a 2x7 or 3x9 adjustable for 100 yards or more. I'm pretty happy with this scope so far. I think 4 power would be perfect, but I love the compact size and the glass quality is unreal. Very easy both eyes open on target. The adjustable turrents are so-so for a fixed (low) power scope. they are nice, but I don't think they are required on a fixed power scope.. this has the BDC so, once its zero'd at 100 or 200 you shouldn't have to mess with it. I know I wont be shooting 600 yards with only a 3X scope...Nikon recommends sighting it in a 200, but I wont hardly ever shoot that so I decided for the 100 yard zero.
Anyways a good day for some shooting...sunny and high 40's.. nice day for a change of the sub zero winter we've had. the turret adjustments are 1/2" instead of the normal 1/4" so I was both directions real quick.... Distance was 95 yards and all shots were made standing, while leaning over on one of my firewood cages with a lid. Winchester cheapo bipod. No sit down bench rest with a lead sled here.
After rough sighting... I used some factory Remington UMC 55gr, then Federal AR223, then a couple hand loads. It started getting dark before I got to try any of my 60gr, 63, and 65gr loads. When I had the cheap red dot on it, it seemed most accurate with 63-65grain loads. But for 55's, I think its not too shabby for a budget built box of parts.
I realize a lot of guys will go on and on about only 3 or 4 shot groups, but I was running out of daylight. I'm thoroughly impressed so far....
Overall, Im tickled pink. I did polish the stock PSA trigger parts. nothing was done with the springs. It is very stiff still. On my wheeler gauger it measure 7.5lbs, but now it is crisp and no creep like it was out of the box. I gave it the same treatment I gave my ruger, but the ruger's trigger is much nicer at 4.5-5lbs. out of the box the ruger was about the same as the psa. I get on these rants every now and then when I see guys buy or build a brand new rifle and not even shoot it and want to buy a trigger to make them better. Learn with a stiff, crappy trigger, you'll be a better shot. Nothing wrong with a light hair trigger, but learning to shoot consistently with what you have is better than trying to buy a trigger and still being a horrible shot.
I put together an AR on a budget with some decent parts this winter. I have approx. 600 rounds down the tube so far, plus what I put through it today. (about 40rds) A picked up a NIB, but damaged packaging P223 3x32 Nikon scope at a LGS for 100bucks. I used a walmart gift gard to pick up the Nikon P223 rings for 50 bucks.
Budget build thread was here: http://rugerforum.net/projects/95867-my-590-dollar-ar-build-spikes.html
I got the scope mounted a month or so ago and hadn't shot it on paper. I put a cheap laser bore sighter on it and it was close enough that I didn't mess with it, and put around 100 rounds through it shooting steel about a month ago. First time on paper was today.
First shots out of the box so to speak. one shot left, adj windage made another shot and it was right. Readjusted windage then worked on elevation. Within 6 shots "out of the box" it was almost spot on.
I used some federal 223 to start sighting it in. I was very hesitant on the fixed 3x scope. I'm used to a 2x7 or 3x9 adjustable for 100 yards or more. I'm pretty happy with this scope so far. I think 4 power would be perfect, but I love the compact size and the glass quality is unreal. Very easy both eyes open on target. The adjustable turrents are so-so for a fixed (low) power scope. they are nice, but I don't think they are required on a fixed power scope.. this has the BDC so, once its zero'd at 100 or 200 you shouldn't have to mess with it. I know I wont be shooting 600 yards with only a 3X scope...Nikon recommends sighting it in a 200, but I wont hardly ever shoot that so I decided for the 100 yard zero.
Anyways a good day for some shooting...sunny and high 40's.. nice day for a change of the sub zero winter we've had. the turret adjustments are 1/2" instead of the normal 1/4" so I was both directions real quick.... Distance was 95 yards and all shots were made standing, while leaning over on one of my firewood cages with a lid. Winchester cheapo bipod. No sit down bench rest with a lead sled here.
After rough sighting... I used some factory Remington UMC 55gr, then Federal AR223, then a couple hand loads. It started getting dark before I got to try any of my 60gr, 63, and 65gr loads. When I had the cheap red dot on it, it seemed most accurate with 63-65grain loads. But for 55's, I think its not too shabby for a budget built box of parts.
I realize a lot of guys will go on and on about only 3 or 4 shot groups, but I was running out of daylight. I'm thoroughly impressed so far....
Overall, Im tickled pink. I did polish the stock PSA trigger parts. nothing was done with the springs. It is very stiff still. On my wheeler gauger it measure 7.5lbs, but now it is crisp and no creep like it was out of the box. I gave it the same treatment I gave my ruger, but the ruger's trigger is much nicer at 4.5-5lbs. out of the box the ruger was about the same as the psa. I get on these rants every now and then when I see guys buy or build a brand new rifle and not even shoot it and want to buy a trigger to make them better. Learn with a stiff, crappy trigger, you'll be a better shot. Nothing wrong with a light hair trigger, but learning to shoot consistently with what you have is better than trying to buy a trigger and still being a horrible shot.