5.56 Benchrest Test - BCM RECCE, UTG Pro Ambi AR, KelTec RDB, Ruger Mini 14, Mossberg MVP Predator

Benchresting 5.56 Rifles: BCM RECCE, UTG Pro Ambi AR, KelTec RDB, Ruger Mini 14, and Mossberg MVP Predator.

Normally when testing rifles, I make a point of testing rifle and shooter from field positions. I tend to not care if a rifle delivers inherent accuracy, but rather can I shoot it well from prone, squatting, and offhand.

The Mini 14 comes to mind…often thought of as a 4 MOA rifle, I nonetheless find that I shoot it pretty well offhand. Maybe even better than my AR’s

So let’s put five rifles on a MTM K-Zone Shooting rest and fire 62 grain PMC X-Tac at 25 yards…and see what happens.

The Contenders:

BCM RECCE with chrome line barrel, Geiselle trigger, and topped with a 4x Trijicon ACOG.

Last year’s Ambi AR build based on the UTG Pro receiver set with Geiselle trigger, SOLGW BCG, Faxon Gunner barrel, and iron sights.

KelTec RDB with 20” barrel and Vortex 5x Spitfire.

The AmbGun tweaked Ruger Mini 14 running Tech Sights, Accuracy Systems Adjustable Gas Block, and shortened stock.

The bolt action Mossberg MVP Predator topped with the Weaver V3 rifle scope.

Conclusion? Well I did not really get different results shooting benchrest vs shooting prone with a sling. In fact, I found using a rest and bench somewhat awkward. So I'm probably not the right guy to perform this test.

Nonetheless…The unscientific results…

The BCM/ACOG AR topped the contenders with a six shot 1.22 MOA group. The Mossberg with the 3x riflescope followed it with a 1.558 MOA group. The KelTec RDB with the 5X Vortex Spitfire…I wish it were mounted about ¼” higher…the RDB really did not settle well into the MTM rest, but it still managed a 2.205 MOA group…just a bit off the paper…forgot to re-zero after the Spitfire after use with some 10/22 projects…dialed in the Spitfire’s zero using the results.

The two iron sighted rifles, the UTG Pro ambi AR and the Ruger Mini 14 were almost identical with the Mini 14 shooting 3.156 MOA group and the Ambi AR 3.172 MOA. The Mini 14 has 3” more sight radius over the AR…possibly accounting for the 16/1000’s MOA difference….

I would not assign much weight to the test. Plenty of “fooled by randomness” potential.

The ACOG confirms my bias for the optic. The lightweight Mossberg with the minimalist Weaver V3 reinforced its popularity with our testers. The KelTec RDB did fine but could benefit from a better optic…and optic sight height.

The iron sighted UTG Pro and Mini 14 shows that the Mini is more capable than its lingering 180 series reputation. But the AR is noticeably lighter in delivering that performance.

Based on this tiny sample I suspect an optic is worth about 2 MOA. Optics or irons, any of these rifles is good for a 20” target out to 500 yards.

The ACOG and Weaver V3 are a couple favorites, but I'd prefer a Project Appleseed “Rifleman” with irons over the AR normie with an expensive optic. And the same for rifles, I’d prefer a “Rifleman” with any one of these rifles, or even a 22, over the normie with a premium accuracy package.

Battle proven reliability with chrome lined barrel and chrome BCG three chamger: BCM RECCE

For the full, dynamic ambi shooter want to stay AR compliant: UTG Pro Ambi AR

For the full, dynamic ambi paintballer: KelTec RDB

For those who want AR capability but are subjects in a tyrannical state: Ruger Mini 14

For those who want bolt action “hunting purposes” cover that is capable of fast AR magazine reloads: Mossberg MVP Predator.