On The Range
For my shooting test, I mounted a Leupold 3.5-10X LR/T scope in a set of Leupold Mark 4 rings on the AR. Although I ordered ammunition from Hornady, Winchester, and Federal, only the Federal ammunition arrived in time to meet my deadline for this story, so I packed up what I had and headed off to the South Texas ranch of Irvin Barnhart to see the results of my handiwork.

This five-shot group was fired at 100 yards. It measured an impressive 0.564 inch, but the author believes the rifle will shoot even better once it is properly broken-in.

I fired the first few rounds by single-loading from the magazine to verify that everything was assembled correctly and that the bolt catch worked properly. It did, so I fired another dozen rounds that I loaded two at a time to verify feeding. Things were moving along nicely, so I loaded a 20-round magazine and fired it as fast as I could squeeze the trigger. The new rifle performed perfectly.

Once the rifle passed my function tests, I zeroed it at 100 yards and got it hitting where I wanted it to hit. I then fired 10 five-shot groups with the aid of a solid benchrest, a Harris bipod, and a rear sandbag.

My first group measured a disappointing 2 inches, but I suspected that poor performance was my own doing. My persistence paid off as subsequent groups got better and better. My best 100-yard group measured 0.564 inch. From the 200-yard line, I shot several five-shot groups under 2 inches despite searing heat and gusting wind; two of the groups measured 1.46 inches and 1.58 inches, respectively.

The author test-firing the new rifle in South Texas. Note the ejected brass near his right hand.

Time was running short, and I didn't have any other ammunition, but the Federal load, which pushes a 32-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip at a claimed 4030 fps, definitely showed promise. A different load may shoot even better, but I'm quite certain a clean, properly broken-in barrel will yield a significant improvement.

Just Do It Yourself
A few years ago, changing grips was about the extent of my gunsmithing ability. But with a little patience and a willingness to learn, I have performed countless AR modifications over the last 2 years. Heck, I've even built an entire gun successfully.

The cartridge indicates some minor marring. The author should have taped these areas before tapping in the pins. Or better yet, he could have pressed in the pins.

If a do-it-yourself project appeals to you, just do it. It's a lot easier and more fun than you might think. And nothing can match the sense of pride you'll feel from zapping prairie poodles way out yonder with a gun you built yourself.