--------------------Main Article--------------------
Ok, the moment of truth (for now that is):
As of this article, I've shot and recorded around 200 rounds through the 5R. I can confirm that it shoots like a dream, and is definately easy to clean. I won't say that there is zero copper fouling, but compared to my other rifles it is noticably less.
The factory brands of ammunition I've shot to date are as follows: Federal Match 168 and 175, Black Hills Match, 168 and 175, HSM 175, and a few boxes of M118LR, the military match grade 173 grain ammunition, sometimes available on http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/.
Lately, I've also been experimenting with handloading, primarily due to the rediculous cost of and avalability of ammunition in the last year.
My local range unfortunately only goes to 200 yards, which is my default shooting distance, but I hope to provide some longer range results at some point soon as well. (Update - I just got back from Boomershoot 2008, and had a great time...)
To cut to the chase, the 5R is a shooter. I am very pleased to agree that this could quite possibly be the most accurate production rifle on the market today. I'm not sure how to best categorize all my results except to say that hardly any of the groups so far have been over 1 MOA, and I'm sure they were due to lack of concentration on my part.
Here is my best group so far:
.238 MOA. Half an inch at 200 yards. If you can't tell, that is a dime, not a quarter. This is with (ironically) the M118LR surplus ammunition purchased online. I tell you, you wouldn't believe it looking at the ammunition. This stuff was headstamped 2003, and did not look great. Certainly Not as shiny and new as the Federal or Black Hills match.
It's also fired from the bipod, with a sandbag under the stock, on a bench at the range. No rifle rests, vices, etc.
Here are more results, and remember, the rifle is still practically new - only 200 rounds fired:
Federal 175, 3 shot group at 200 yards - .297 MOA, 5/8 inch. Another group, same day - .56 MOA.
8 groups of M118 averaged .642 MOA, including mistakes that I know I made. At least 60 rounds of Federal 175 averaging .699 MOA. Again, including mistakes.
And most recently, 5 shots at 100 yards using handloaded ammunition - .357 MOA. Black Hills brass, Sierra 175 bullets, and 42 grains of Varget... 2500 fps.
(Update, 12/15/2007 - here is another great group at 200 yards with 175 Sierra BTHP Match, 42 grains of Varget, loaded at 2.80 OAL):
That dime was hit at 200 yards.
I'm telling you, this rifle is not a range queen. I lug it around, toss it into the back of the truck, mess with the scope, etc. The 5R is simply a natural shooter, I can't imagine how well it would shoot in the hands of someone who had more time behind a scope than me.
To wrap up, if you are considering one - do it! You won't regret it, and if you don't buy one, you'll always "wonder". Call snipercountry, or keep checking gunbroker. Those are the only reliable sources I've found for the 5R. As of today, there are 2 new ones listed for under a grand.
That said, it took me a couple months to get up the guts to customize it like I have. If you're not thrilled with the factory stainless look, you'll have to do the same. Once you do paint it, it's a very liberating experience. I'd not hesitate to give my rifle a coat of camo paint because I've taken the big first step.
Take care, and keep me posted!
3/31/2008 Update:
First trip to the range in over 3 months. Check out the coldbore shot (#1)from a clean, cold barrel, only 1/4" low of the very center at 100. That red circle is an inch across:
Then, my best group of the day at 200 yards - 5 shots The center triangle is 1/2 inch...:
Continued from Part 2
Back to Part 1, Part 2, or forward to 5R Photos or Resources
174 comments: