First time out with new AR-15 w/ pics

[BrianSW99]

I finally got to the range with my new CMMG bargain bin AR-15. They say when you buy it the lower can be any one of several different brands, but mine came with a CMMG lower. I've added the A.R.M.S 40L rear sight and UTG rail system that I purchased from The Annoyed Man, a UTG vertical grip, and a Troy sling. The picture isn't very good..it was taken with my iPhone in fairly low light.

Here are my targets from the range. The one on the left was shot first. This was at 50yds using the iron sights with the barrel resting on a sandbag to help steady. This is the first time I've shot an AR, or really any rifle since my boy scout days with a .22 bolt action, so I'm not really sure what's considered good for that distance using the iron sights. That green circle sure looked small at 50yds. I don't really see how I could go much further or group tighter than that without optics or a rifle rest. What's considered good at that distance using iron sights?

Brian

[gigag04]

You could probably get them tighter - but it would come with practice. If you can go closer, start at like 10 yards with iron sights and don't move back until you can get 20 rounds on a 3 x 5 notecard.


Also - good looking gun. Looks like you got a great deal.

[cougartex]

Very nice. Safe shooting.

[timdsmith72]

This was at 50yds using the iron sights with the barrel resting on a sandbag to help steady.
Brian

Also, I don't know about ARs, as I've never shot one, but with my deer rifles, resting the barrel on a sandbag or anything else just kills the accuracy.

[BrianSW99]

Yeah, I really wanted to start at a closer distance, but the range wouldn't let me shoot it on the pistol side and the closest distance they have for rifle is 50yds.

[tb7475]

Have you ever though about getting a lighter trigger?? Standard trigger on the AR-15 is pretty heavy.I have mine set at around 4.5lb pull,it made a big difference on the accuracy.

[jeeperbryan]

That's pretty decent for iron sights. Honestly, I have a hard time even seeing down iron sights. If you're going for super accuracy then get a scope. Otherwise, I think you're in good shape. Plus, if you were shooting a man at 50 yards you would have hit him everytime. That's all I ask out of my iron sights.

I agree with gigam, start at a shorter distance then move back. That'll help you. I'd say forget the trigger. They're expensive and you can use the money for better things like ammo, mags, or another gun.

[igotta40]

If it isn't being too nosey, can you say how much $$$ you have involved so far? I'm thinking of jumping in and getting one myself, so I'm curious, thanks.

[The Annoyed Man]

Yeah, I really wanted to start at a closer distance, but the range wouldn't let me shoot it on the pistol side and the closest distance they have for rifle is 50yds.

Brian, go to Elm Fork in Dallas. They have a tactical bay that is 25 yards deep, and you can shoot ARs with FMJ ammo there. That's where I zero my carbines.

[slinco]

Those are a great bargain. I have the CMMG piston carbine decked out with a bunch of Magpul stuff and a Daniel Defense railed forearm. I was going to pick up the bargain bin also but opted for an Oly arms K16, my local FFL holder got it for me for the same price and i just liked the bull barrel and free float tube.
Congrats on the buy, you have it looking mighty nice!

[glbedd53]

Does anyone have experience with HGW ( Holland Gun Works)AR-15's? I think whoever makes them is somehow affiliated with The Arms Room. I aquired one in place of some money that someone owed me. I've shot it 4 or 5 times and so far it's perfect.

[knb]

I finally got to the range with my new CMMG bargain bin AR-15. They say when you buy it the lower can be any one of several different brands, but mine came with a CMMG lower. I've added the A.R.M.S 40L rear sight and UTG rail system that I purchased from The Annoyed Man, a UTG vertical grip, and a Troy sling. The picture isn't very good..it was taken with my iPhone in fairly low light.

I bought a CMMG a while back and got the CMMG lower as well. On my recommendation, my brother bought one and got CMMG. I have talked to several folks who all had the same experience. I am inclined to think that CMMG sells these guns this way so as not to piss off their stocking retail dealers. If you take the risk you get the reward. I love mine. MIne is set up with the UTG BUIS, UTG Extended floating rails and Blackhawk single point sling along with an ATN Ultra Sight. I didn't find the vertical grip comfortable and bought a Magpul Angle Front Grip(AFG) and love it. It lets the gun rest in your hand in a very natural position. A buddy of mine who is 8 years Army followed by DoD Armorer and weapons training turned me on to it. He has one on his match gun for 3-Gun match shooting.

[The Annoyed Man]

I've got the Magnus AFG on my cabinet too and really like it. But those kinds of things are often subjective. What works for me might not be the best choice for you. That said, what clinched it for me that I had made a good buy is that all of my friends who have handled it also like the way it feels. Better yet, AFGs are relatively cheap.

[Purplehood]

I finally got to the range with my new CMMG bargain bin AR-15. They say when you buy it the lower can be any one of several different brands, but mine came with a CMMG lower. I've added the A.R.M.S 40L rear sight and UTG rail system that I purchased from The Annoyed Man, a UTG vertical grip, and a Troy sling. The picture isn't very good..it was taken with my iPhone in fairly low light.

IMG_0531.jpg

Here are my targets from the range. The one on the left was shot first. This was at 50yds using the iron sights with the barrel resting on a sandbag to help steady. This is the first time I've shot an AR, or really any rifle since my boy scout days with a .22 bolt action, so I'm not really sure what's considered good for that distance using the iron sights. That green circle sure looked small at 50yds. I don't really see how I could go much further or group tighter than that without optics or a rifle rest. What's considered good at that distance using iron sights?

IMG_0528.jpg

Brian

From a former Marine using iron-sights you should be able to shoot at a typical target effectively up to 300 yards/meters and a silhouette target at up to 500. Of course the M-4 (military variant of what you are shooting) is supposed to be not as effective at 500 as it is a carbine.
Even with iron-sights the AR platform is a pretty good shooter at most target-range distances. I think you will enjoy it.

[knb]

I've got the Magnus AFG on my cabinet too and really like it. But those kinds of things are often subjective. What works for me might not be the best choice for you. That said, what clinched it for me that I had made a good buy is that all of my friends who have handled it also like the way it feels. Better yet, AFGs are relatively cheap.

I agree with your comments about subjectivity and was a bit hesitant when I first ordered mine. I had a good recommendation and also saw the video ( " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; )from the SHOT show and it all made sense.