A lot of folks expect their AR to shoot laser beams right out of the box. And sure, some do pretty well. But if you’re noticing inconsistent groups, there’s probably more going on than just “bad ammo” or “off days.” ARs are built tough, but accuracy depends on a whole bunch of factors you might not be thinking about. Here are 10 reasons your rifle might not be shooting as tight as it should.
Loose Optic Mounts
Even high-end glass won’t save you if the mount wiggles. A loose mount means your point of aim shifts every shot.
Double-check your screws and torque specs. Blue Loctite doesn’t hurt either. It’s amazing how many accuracy issues trace back to a wobbly scope base.
Cheap Barrels
Not all barrels are created equal. Some factory ARs are built more for volume than precision.
Button-rifled barrels with inconsistent bore quality or poor crown finish can open up your groups fast. If accuracy matters, the barrel is one place not to skimp.
Trigger Slop
A gritty, heavy trigger makes precision shooting feel like guesswork. It’s hard to be consistent when you’re jerking through a 7-pound pull.
Dropping in a quality trigger—doesn’t have to break the bank—can clean up your groups faster than most upgrades.
Loose Upper-to-Lower Fit
If there’s play between your upper and lower receiver, that movement can mess with consistency shot to shot.
You can fix it with a tension screw or something as simple as an accuwedge. It won’t make a bad rifle great, but it can tighten things up.
Free-Float vs. Non-Free-Float
If your AR still has a standard handguard pressing on the barrel, that’s a problem. Pressure affects barrel harmonics.
Free-floating the barrel removes those external forces, letting your barrel do its thing. It’s one of the biggest steps toward real accuracy.
Ammo Mismatch
Some barrels like 55 grain. Others want 69 or 77. If you’re not matching your ammo to your barrel’s twist rate, you’re asking for trouble.
Try a few loads and see what your rifle actually likes. Sometimes, that one change can shrink groups by half.
Dirty Bore or Chamber
Carbon buildup, copper fouling, and gunked-up chambers can absolutely throw off your shots.
It doesn’t take much grime to mess with consistency. Regular cleaning matters more than some folks think—especially if you shoot steel-cased or surplus stuff.
Overheated Barrel
After a few rapid mags, your barrel starts to wander. Heat changes how the barrel flexes and moves.
Let it cool between groups if you’re trying to test accuracy. Otherwise, you’re chasing your tail trying to figure out why shots are drifting.
Poor Shooting Fundamentals
Even the best rifle won’t shoot well if you’re yanking the trigger or flinching. It happens to all of us, especially off a bench.
Try slow, deliberate shots, and don’t rush your groups. Practice can’t be replaced by gear.
Sloppy Reloads or Inconsistent Ammo
Reloading on the cheap or buying bargain bin factory ammo? Accuracy usually takes a hit.
Inconsistent powder charges and bullet seating depth can really open things up. Stick to quality ammo—or reload carefully if you’re doing it yourself.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
