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5/3/2006 5:15:06 PM EDT
Assuming that you were using mythically consistant ammo, what's the difference in accuracy between a 14.5" (M4) AR and a 20" AR? I mean, say the the M4 shoots a 1" group at "xxx" yards/meters and the 20" shoots 1" groups at "yyy" yds/meters.

I ask because I would like to eventually compete in rifle competitions and don't know what is a realistic distance to expect for accuracy out of my M4. I know longer barrels equal better accuracy but not by what quantity. Also, for that matter toss in a free floated version of each.
5/3/2006 5:17:42 PM EDT
[#1]
negligible quantity for additional accuracy (theoretically, i believe that longer bbls are more accurate, but uses show otherwise)

bbl length has no bearing on accuracy, just velocity
5/3/2006 5:23:09 PM EDT
[#2]
Okay - keep in mind that I'm new to rifle competitions and while I've spent some time getting a good load developed for my 20in DCM Bushmaster rifle with a 1/8 twist I haven't spent any time developing a load for my M4gery with a 16 in, non-floated 1/9 twist barrel.

(actually, I think that sum of difference actually makes the following comparison pretty much invalid but here goes anyway...)

At 300 yrds against an NRA 600yrd reduced target I can keep a 10 shot string from my match rifle (slowfire prone) all 6 ring and better fairly easily.  I've shot strings that are all 7 ring and better.

With the M4gery I can't even get all ten shots on paper.
5/3/2006 5:29:40 PM EDT
[#3]
Put a scope on both rigs and you will see that both guns shouldbe pretty close.  The sight radius makes the M4 harder to aim but not less accurate.  

5/3/2006 5:29:49 PM EDT
[#4]
After realizing how difficult it might be to answer my original question, I'll choke it down to this one:
Barring human error and ammo variances what would likely be the greatest distance at which 3" groups would be feasable with an M4gery (14.5" 1/9 twist)?

ETA: Yeah my 500th post!!
5/3/2006 5:33:28 PM EDT
[#5]
Depending on ammo and enviornmental conditions 300 yards with 3" groups is pretty damn good.

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