Are 7.5" AR's accurate?

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  • Bigtanker

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    Define accurate. Are we talking 1" groups at 300 yards or a torso sized target at 50 yards?

    Also, what caliber are you talking about?

    Just because a barrel is short doesn't mean it's not accurate. In the past, a longer barrel meant a longer sight radius with iron sights. But with modern optics, that isn't the case anymore? In fact, testing has found that longer barrels can have more barrel harmonic issues than shorter ones.
     

    rb288

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    My 10.5" is dead on out to about 100 yds.
    Past that, it spreads out a bit.
    I should it suppressed so the "noise" isn't so bad.
    And, after all, an sbr is not meant to be anything more than a short range, easy to maneuver, close combat weapon.
     

    DadSmith

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    It depends on the optics used. The more powerful the more accurate, the less power less accurate.
    An LPVO of 1-8×24mm at 50yds to 300yds is pretty accurate on a 10.5" upper. As in MOA if you do your part, and use ammunition it likes.
    With a red dot the same firearm can shoot about 2-5 MOA at 100yds depending on you, and the ammunition you use.
    Now a 7.5" I have no experience with. I thought about building one but I don't like the loss of velocity the 7.5" has which is considerably less.
     

    1nderbeard

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    It depends on the optics used. The more powerful the more accurate, the less power less accurate.
    An LPVO of 1-8×24mm at 50yds to 300yds is pretty accurate on a 10.5" upper. As in MOA if you do your part, and use ammunition it likes.
    With a red dot the same firearm can shoot about 2-5 MOA at 100yds depending on you, and the ammunition you use.
    Now a 7.5" I have no experience with. I thought about building one but I don't like the loss of velocity the 7.5" has which is considerably less.
    Have to disagree with your wording here. A powerful optic may help you see better, and aim more precisely at longer distances. But it won't help you keep the rifle steady. If you can't put a good group down on a bench at 100 yards all a powerful optic is gonna do is help you see your misses better. Optics don't make a rifle shoot any better. That's 100% the operator.
     

    DadSmith

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    Have to disagree with your wording here. A powerful optic may help you see better, and aim more precisely at longer distances. But it won't help you keep the rifle steady. If you can't put a good group down on a bench at 100 yards all a powerful optic is gonna do is help you see your misses better. Optics don't make a rifle shoot any better. That's 100% the operator.
    That's why I said if you do your part and use ammunition your rifle/pistol likes.

    Also a LPVO has a 1x Magnification to upto 10 I've seen so far.

    I definitely am more accurate with a scope at 50-500 yards than a red dot.
     

    42769vette

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    Have to disagree with your wording here. A powerful optic may help you see better, and aim more precisely at longer distances. But it won't help you keep the rifle steady. If you can't put a good group down on a bench at 100 yards all a powerful optic is gonna do is help you see your misses better. Optics don't make a rifle shoot any better. That's 100% the operator.
    Optics make rifles more accurate because they deal with the biggest variable in accuracy which is human error is the point he was trying to get across I believe (correct me if I'm wrong)

    To the point, I've heard for years SBR's wouldn't shoot past a couple hundred yards. YEARS ago I did a video for Youtube (Lovemywoods, or his son Evan (cant recall his ingo name) might know a link. To dispel this myth, I put a 4-16 on Evan's SBR. I went 10 for 10 on a torso at 800 yards just as fast as I could pull the trigger. Was it a sub MOA group? I doubt it, but we didn't look, we were going for "ruin someone's day" type shooting.
     

    1nderbeard

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    Optics make rifles more accurate because they deal with the biggest variable in accuracy which is human error is the point he was trying to get across I believe (correct me if I'm wrong)

    To the point, I've heard for years SBR's wouldn't shoot past a couple hundred yards. YEARS ago I did a video for Youtube (Lovemywoods, or his son Evan (cant recall his ingo name) might know a link. To dispel this myth, I put a 4-16 on Evan's SBR. I went 10 for 10 on a torso at 800 yards just as fast as I could pull the trigger. Was it a sub MOA group? I doubt it, but we didn't look, we were going for "ruin someone's day" type shooting.
    my point was simply a zoom optic doesn't make a bad shooter a good shooter, and it doesn't improve the inherent capability of a rifle. If you have the ability to shoot well, an optic can certainly help.
     

    Squid556

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    I believe in about any caliber… the 7.5 inch AR is accurate enough for shilouette sized targets out to 150. Barrel length does not dictate group size, however a 7.5 has robbed 5.56 of so much velocity that you are going to be struggling with wind and drop more than group size past 150.

    As far as their practical use…… I cannot advise anyone gets a 7.5 5.56 other than a fun gun (which is fine… just double up on ear pro). There are better rounds for short barrel use.

    If you are talking about a serious use PDW type of firearm… 7.5 would be good to have as a 300 blk or a 9mm for what I’m calling off body carry. As in, a messenger bag, or perhaps under the seat gun. Something more useful and powerful than a handgun, but not as large and effective as a rifle.

    Hopefully this gives better clarity to the thread
     

    DadSmith

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    Velocity testing with 16", 10.5" and 7.5"
    16" 3207 fps 1256 energy
    10.5" 2800 fps 957 energy
    7.5" 2446 fps 731 energy

    Now the ballistics

    3207 fps
    Screenshot_20220622-043813_Federal.jpg

    2800 fps
    Screenshot_20220622-043715_Federal.jpg

    2446 fps
    Screenshot_20220622-043619_Federal.jpg

    This is the approximate ballistics for my 75gr Speer TMJBT load. At 2550 fps 20" barrel.
    Screenshot_20220622-045502_Federal.jpg
     
    Last edited:

    Tyler-The-Piker

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    ><(((((*>
    boom-denzel.gif
     

    tcecil88

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    Yeah, they are loud. When I built my 7.5 I foolishly put a brake on it and then went to the indoor range to shoot it. I was put down in the last stall. It actually felt like my eyeballs were compressing from the muzzle blast. Thank god I found out about blast cans. My 4.75" is a great range toy for the fireball effect too. :rockwoot:
     

    Lodge

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    I have been interested in a short 7.5 AR, but are they accurate? If not, what are they good besides concealing?
    Typically, a 7.5 is used for close quarters. Mine was MOA at 50 yds using a red dot.
    It's a wonderful platform for in home defense/in vehicle defense with the right ammo. Easy to maneuver. DOWNSIDE: Super Loud!!!
     

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    dekeshooter

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    My 7.5” has a 3 MOA red dot on it and I am able to keep all my rounds on a full size silhouette at 200 yards. I’ve never tried to shoot it at longer ranges since it’s a short gun meant for short ranges.
     
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