Try to keep this short...
Built an upper with:
14.5 Gunner
Aero upper
CMT Tactical combat flash comp (Z-Comp)
BCM GB
Spikes gas tube
Midwest 12.5 G3 Mlok rail
AIM BCG
Burris MTAC 1-4 with the newer Ballistic AR reticle
Midwest QD mount
All carefully put together, properly, barrel torque ,optic stuff blue Loctite, Etc. (Have done a few before with no issues)
55gr .223 PMC Bronze and .223 55gr AE, Yes I know, far from quality match ammo.
Shooting it at 25yds on 1x or 4x and holes are touching each other or stacking. Shooting it at 100yrds and one shot will be "close" to bullseye, next shot 3-4" right, next 3-4" left, next shot "close" to bulleseye and on and on...
I'm not a great shot but I'm at least 50-75% better than those results.
I shot 2 other uppers I have, one 16" carbine gas 1/7 with fixed 5x burris AR536 and one 14.5" carbine gas 1/7 with 1-4 Burris Fullfield Tac-30. Both of these I could shoot 1-1.5" groups on or very close to bullseye. So I know I had the capability of shooting not terrible today.
I shot about 50-60rds total thru the Faxon before running out of daylight.
Driving me nuts I didn't get better results.
SO...
Is it ME shooting bad? (I hope so!)
Does the barrel not like this ammo, weight bullet, etc?
Does the barrel need some break in time?
Just a bad combination of parts all together?
Is it ME shooting bad? (Very possible!)
I know, you guys can't answer any of this I just know I won't be able to get this off my mind until I get it worked out.
On the positive side, this upper "handles" like a dream. Balances better than anything else I have and "feels" so much lighter than the gov profile 14.5 I have.
With the scope/mount removed and a lightweight T1 style red dot it is stupid light!
I can't wait to get more time with it!
Will post future results...