AR15 in .22lr

Question
what is your appinion on AR15 .22lr from DPMS for general target and pinking.

Answer
Hi John.

Sorry for the short delay.  I have been working on my truck night and day to get it running again before I return to work and I just now had a chance to check email and see your question.  I am still well within the 3 day window but I normally answer questions on the same day.

My opinions on the AR15 or other rifles is unique to my specific needs, experiences, and shooting situations so my advice may not be good for your situation, however I will give you some things to think about when comparing different rifles.

The AR15 rifle is just a basic rifle style with certain design features that were originally intended for military use.  This design became popular in the military and civilian markets so the AR15 was then made in many variations including some .22 LR configurations which are usually designed for hunting small game or for pest control around the farm.  While these rifles can be used for many other purposes, it is important to note that the AR15 is just one style of rifle and there are many other styles out there, some of which may be even better for specific purposes such as target shooting.

You didn't mention a specific model or configuration so I will list some general features that you might want to consider for target practice and plinking regardless of which rifle you select.

- Look for a target-grade bull barrel which is much thicker and not tapered at the muzzle like most factory barrels.  This allows increased accuracy due to the more precise machining and extra weight, and it dissipates recoil and heat better than a normal barrel.

- Most bull barrels will also have a recessed muzzle crown which minimizes the chance of the crown being deformed during use, cleaning, or storage, thus the accuracy is preserved for a longer time when compared to normal crowns that often get nicked.  Even a tiny imperfection in the crown can cause the bullet to tumble or waver which impacts accuracy significantly.

- Longer barrels are usually more accurate at longer distances, especially when shooting with iron sights.

- Bolt actions are generally more accurate than semi-automatic actions.

- A good quality scope is important for distances beyond 50 yards, especially if your targets are smaller than 8" or so.  Make sure the rifle has a standard scope mount drilled or cut into the receiver.

- A match-grade trigger is important if you want the best accuracy.  These are usually made from a light-weight metal and they have an adjustable tension which can go as low as 1 lb. or so.  This can be helpful for target practice but is not safe for hunting or use in less controlled situations so make sure the trigger tension is adjustable, and always set it back to a higher pressure like 4 lbs. or more for normal use.

- The stock must fit your specific body like a glove.  All stocks are not the same and many are just made for the "average" shooter.  A good gun store, gunsmith, or rifle expert can show you how to measure yourself and determine the ideal stock length and style.  Some rifles allow you to extend or shorten the stock but others have a fixed stock which may not be as accurate for you.

- Look for a high quality firearm from a major manufacturer.  It is important to get one that has been machined to very tight tolerances so it will be more accurate, consistent, and reliable.  In general these will cost more but they are worth it if you are serious about accuracy.

- Keep your rifle clean at all times and clean it after every few hundred rounds, even if you are going to keep shooting.  Competitors often clean their barrels between each shot to ensure the best accuracy.  This is especially true with .22 LR cartridges since they tend to be dirtier than many centerfire cartridges.

- Use high grade match quality ammunition and test several brands until you find a good combination with your rifle.

Well I hope that gives you something to think about.  In general the DPMS rifles are usually pretty good quality and they may be fine for general purpose use but if you are serious about accuracy then you might consider a few different models.  Good luck!

Bob