I just got back from the range, and I haven't begun to realize the rifle's potential, but things are looking very promising. I should have prepared for a more formalized testing a little better.
I was also interrupted when I fixed some other rifles that shooters were having problems with.
I boresighted the Ruski scope and started out at 50 yards to get on paper. I tested the following cartridges:
Winchester 223 55gr FMJ
PMC 223 55gr PSP
American eagle 223 55gr FMJ
Wolf 62 gr FMJ.
The trigger pull on this rifle is around 7 lbs, pretty stiff. It definitely is getting a RRA two stage. In the meantime, I'll give give it the ARFCOM 15 minute trigger job, which should help.
Best group at 50 was the Winchester at 1/2 inch.
Worst group at 50 was also the Win at 1 1/2, but that was me, not the ammo. Believe it or not, the Wolf shot a 1 1/4 and 1" group, which is pretty good for minute of barn door ammo. All were three shot groups, but I'm planning on five shot groups next week.
At 100, I swapped out the russian scope for a the BSA 6x24 mounted on a one piece Armalite mount that normally resides on my heavy barrel, since I simply needed more magnification. It took me some time to get it worked out and I couldn't get to my target as frequently to patch it up, as the range was getting busy.
The ruski scope should do well for quick acquisition, but it isn't that hot for precision work. I really like it, as it's built like a frigging tank and weighs about as much as one.
Anyway, at 100, the best group was Win @ 7/8" twice. Worst group was Wolf @ a little under 3". I didn't get to finish this, as the other shooters said it was beerthirty and it was time to hiyoko over to the clubhouse.
I have some Federal Gold Medal 77gr and 69 gr set aside for next week.
I also loaded a mixed mag of ammo and fired it at the end. There were no malfunctions of any kind with 85 rounds fired.
One other thing. I bought a Winchester spotting scope at Big 5 for $100. It sucks. I barely could see my shot holes at 100.
I strongly recommend the Armalite one piece mount for the AR series. I like it much more than my ARMS mounts, and it maintains zero when removed/reinstalled on the rifle.
Overall, I am quite pleased.
PS: I added the 50 yard target pic to the album. The 100 yard one is hosed up. I'll post results next week.