Accuracy Testing The Orca

Published on December 28, 2022
Duration: 40:00

This review tests the accuracy and thermal stability of the Orca, a mostly 3D-printed AR-15. Mechanical shifts caused initial accuracy issues, with groups averaging 5 MOA and zero shifting up to 10 MOA. Extreme heat from rapid fire significantly degraded accuracy, opening groups to 9-13 MOA and causing visible melting and barrel wiggle, demonstrating the limitations of polymer components under thermal stress.

Quick Summary

The Orca, a 3D-printed AR-15, was tested for accuracy and thermal stability. Mechanical shifts caused up to 10 MOA zero shift, with average groups around 5 MOA. High heat from rapid fire degraded accuracy to 9-13 MOA and caused component softening and melting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Orca 3D Printed Rifle
  2. 01:45Accuracy Test A: Mechanical Shift & Malfunctions
  3. 08:02Technical Build Specifications: Materials & Components
  4. 15:27Test A Results: Zero Shift Analysis
  5. 18:41Accuracy Test B: Thermal Shift & Rapid Fire
  6. 26:44Post-Test Inspection: Melting & Barrel Wiggle

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are used in the Orca 3D-printed AR-15?

The Orca features a PA12 Carbon Fiber upper and handguard, PA6 Carbon Fiber for the barrel mount, and PLA Pro for the lower receiver. Standard metal components include the bolt carrier group, barrel, and fire control group.

How does heat affect the accuracy of the Orca 3D-printed rifle?

Rapid fire testing showed that high heat levels cause plastic components to soften, significantly degrading accuracy. Groups opened up to 9-13 MOA, and visible melting occurred on the handguard.

What were the main accuracy findings during the Orca's mechanical shift test?

During the mechanical shift test, the Orca exhibited significant zero shifts of up to 10 MOA, with average groups ranging from 3 to 8 MOA, averaging around 5 MOA.

Did the Orca 3D-printed AR-15 experience any malfunctions during testing?

Yes, the Orca experienced failures to feed, attributed to an older prototype magazine well and a magazine lacking an anti-tilt follower, indicating potential reliability issues with early prototypes.

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