I LOVE threads like this that get the passions flowing.
But the simple answers are usually the best.
What rifle NOW dominates Camp Perry at 1000 yds?
The AR-15. And YEAH, that is NOT new, and when I heard that YEARS ago I was stunned...not the RIFLE but the CARTRIDGE.
I was an old DCM Garand shooter, and had shot some SWEET M-14 and M-1A Perry and Leg rifles and could never imagine the .308 or .30-06 getting beat at THAT range. Hell when I was at Perry I couldn't even SEE the 1000 yard targets very well, much less HOLD on them!
And can you shoot Prairie Dogs with a 16" Tactical AR-15?
YES, I have a RR 16" HB flattop with chrome barrel and5.56 chamber, standard length gas system and standard non-free floated plastic handguards...I SHOULD have bought a Varmint or a 20" HB at least, but I kinda fell in love with this one and it was a good price....although at my age I need a TACTICAL rifle like I need ANOTHER Mosin!
But with a 3x9 Bushnell Sportview on it (NOT a GREAT scope but serviceable and I had it on a Mosin
,) and some range time with 50gr Black Hills, I was shooting just a HAIR over an inch at 100 before I went, and yeah, I popped my share with it from a bench out to about 150, enough that after I finish wr0oking out my SWIFT, I think my NEXT purchase will be a varmint upper for it.....
And it as it was made a nice "walking around" gun when we would go for a walk to check our kills, and I got one with a nice impromtu shot at about 125 prone using the 30 round mag as a monopod. But GOd knows I am getting a little too old for THAT.
Plus when I go hunting with my dogs (which is more of an excuse to get them exercise) the LAST time I went I had a coyote come out running 50 yds away...and I WISH I had my AR instead of my 870 with birdshot....I believe my tactical AR would make a GREAT 'yotr gun with the right loads.
SO YEAH, from my opinion from experience, the AR-15 in .223 is ACCURATE. AND "precise" as well if you do your part with practice and with the right loads.