drover7

So I've taken my 556 out three times now and can't get this thing to shoot any better than 6 to 8 inch groups at even 50yds. I am a great shot and understand trigger control, breathing, all that stuff. My son is a certified firearms instructor and a crack shot and can't do any better either. What the heck is wrong with this gun??? Any ideas out there? It took over an hour to get the gas key out of the gun the first time I cleaned it which I thought was strange too. It was so freaking tight I had to put a nail punch through the hole and twist and pull for over an hour. I wonder if that is at all related to the problem? Anyway, would appreciate any thoughts. I called Ruger and they said they'd research it a bit and call me back.

ElevenBravo

Hi Drover,
I read the other threads where you'd carried this out a little further. It's sure going to be interesting to see what your report back is. I'm fairly new to the 556, I'm kind of like you, I've about 51 years behind the better end of a rifle. (I have been on the other end, but fortunately they didn't shoot too well) Based on my own 556, I wonder if you were getting a overly hard BCG drop. In thinking through that, it's obvious you know how to use the weapon, but if it's not discharging correctly, so what - like you said, no one is going to shoot it well. The reason I brought it up was that if the gas port was set too high for the load, (or the bleed off was partially obstructed) it could really blast that carrier back overly hard, resulting in the inability to follow through with the shot properly. Couple that with a troublesome piston removal, and it sure sounds like a loading of carbon on that end. Seems like that little extra lurch is just the ticket for 8" groups. Just thinking out loud. Pretty interesting, between us we have nearly a hundred years of firing, and we're still trying to learn!

LastoftheBreed

If the regulator pistons are stuck from carbon fouling with just 200 rounds there is a serious problem. There are reports of 1000+rds between cleanings without this kind of occurrence in these weapons. I had a 3 weekend run of a 100 rds each time at the range (300 total) with no difficulty in removing the piston components when I cleaned.

I'm anxious to hear the report as well.

drover7

Thanks guys for your interest and thoughts. I'm guessing it will be an easy three weeks till I get it back since it takes ups ground almost a week to get from oregon to new hamshire, a week at ruger and another to get back. I'll for sure post as soon as I get it back. At least I have my new Ruger SR1911 to keep me company while its gone; amazing gun. It has turned me into a 1911 lover. I also just picked up a pristine 1993 Ruger old Vaquero 45lc, polished stainless 4.5" barrel and I put Rugers rosewood spanish diamond grips on it. Holy crap talk about drop dead drueling gorgious! I'll try to get some picks up if I can find the time.

Nick0410

Well atleast you have other toys to shoot in between. 8 in group at 50 just sounds straight dissapointing! Sounds like what I do when I just rapid fire the 10/22 as fast as I can standing

ElevenBravo

I agree, say, you don't 'reckon he thinks this is a muzzle loader do ya?