Aim: Compare the results of projectile accuracy and precision fired from an AR15type rifle before and after

removing clearance from the barrel extension and

receiver.
Hypothesis: The point of impact of a shot group will change and shot groups will
become tighter by at least one standard deviation circular error of probability (CEP).
Equipment:
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4-5 AR-type rifles, DI gas system, standard mounted barrels

100-yard firing range
Rifle rest
AR barrel changing tools
Micrometer/Calipers capable of reading .0001
1 bore gage capable of reading .0001
Precision machinist square capable of reading .0001 (verify receiver is
square)

Consumable supplies:
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o
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Match-grade ammunition
Thickness feeler gage stock in .0005, .001 and .002 thickness
Loctite 603
AeroShell 33MS grease
AR cleaning supplies
Targets to perform accuracy test IAW MIL-C-71186 (AR)

Procedure:
1. Disassemble barrels from upper receiver assemblies. Thoroughly
clean/remove fouling and residue.
2. Check square tolerance of upper receiver-to-barrel interface.
3. Measure to .0001 on Y and X axes: O.D. of barrel extension, I.D. of
receiver at ambient temperature (68-72F).
4. Place barrels and receivers in oven, bring to operating temperature of 250F.
5. Measure to .0001 on Y and X axes: O.D. of barrel extension, I.D. of
receiver at ambient temperature at operating temperature.
6. Reassemble rifles per factory procedure. Set sights to mechanical zero.
7. Fire accuracy test IAW MIL-C-71186 (AR); statistically analyze the shot-group
patterns (CEP).
8. Leave one rifle assembled per factory procedure to be used as a control.
Disassemble barrels from upper receiver assemblies. Thoroughly
clean/remove fouling and residue.
9. Reassemble rifles with the barrel extension to receiver clearance shimmed to
.0005 at operating temperature; using thickness gage stock fixed to the
barrel extension with Loctite 603 adhesive.
10.Re-fire accuracy test IAW MIL-C-71186 (AR); statistically analyze the shotgroup patterns (CEP)
11.Compare results.
Safety/Risks: Typical risks associated with live fire ranges.

Discussion: Recently, I found the barrel extension-to-receiver clearance on personal

Colt carbine to be approximately .0035. These weapons are designed in a way that
the marksmans hand is in indirect contact with the barrel, unlike a free-floated
barrel. This places force at the point where the barrel mounts to the receiver.
The M16-series rifles are expected to achieve five minutes of angle (5-MOA)
extreme-spread shot group placement. Over my career as an infantryman, drill
sergeant and marksmanship instructor, I have observed that these weapons
typically achieve 3-4 MOA in the hands of a capable marksman with issued M855
ammunition.
The Army marksmanship program is, in general, designed around a standard of 4MOA level of precision. I propose this experiment to determine if removing
clearance from the barrel extension-to-receiver interface will result in an increased
level of precision in service-type weapons without a free-floating barrel.

Results:
Conclusion: