Geissele GFR Maritime Reconnaissance 6mm arc write up and review

How does the 14.5 group?

I was going to say roughly 0.75” I was guessing with ELD-M. So, I measured one of the last two five shot groups I shot with it.

image_cropper_41F3857C-17B2-49CE-B00A-C49B9B90F8BE-25262-00001A9FBCDE7E67.jpeg
 
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Below is a group from a new 14.5 SS Proof Research barrel & factory 108 ELDM. I've had two Proof SS 6 ARC barrels (16" & 14.5") and both shoot consistently sub MOA with the 108 ELDM factory ammo.

Just so I’m clear…as there are some 50y groups and wonky shit these days….

You’re saying this is:
5 rounds
100y
Factory Hornady ammo
Out of an AR
 
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Just so I’m clear…as there are some 50y groups and wonky shit these days….

You’re saying this is:
5 rounds
100y
Factory Hornady ammo
Out of an AR
They are dumb accurate everyone is getting way under half inch groups with factory loads and yes 100 yard groups. I’m building a craddock 18” right now but I’m gona grab one of these in 18” when I’m not poor lol
 
Everyone you say?
Every review I watched on YouTube the one guy selling multiple 6 arc geissele ars on here. I have a craddock 14.5 I’m getting 1.25 at 200 yards right now with factory loads I’m gona try my luck with their 18” but yes zero bad reviews that I’ve seen and I’ve watched several reviews
 
Every review I watched on YouTube the one guy selling multiple 6 arc geissele ars on here. I have a craddock 14.5 I’m getting 1.25 at 200 yards right now with factory loads I’m gona try my luck with their 18” but yes zero bad reviews that I’ve seen and I’ve watched several reviews
Bad reviews don't help one quit one's day job or get free shit for content. Depending on who you watch...you may never hear a bad review ever. (Just saying, not trying to get into who in the YT cesspool isn't trash). There are some very high end shooters I've watched struggle in real time with the ARC though....and given the nature AR accuracy builds, it's a tolerance stacking nightmare that the barrel alone can't save one from...at least in my experience. For the Barrel Gods work in mysterious (and sometimes infuriating) ways....Yay.

Cheers Fellas

@Paris_Bulks,
Honey of a group!
 
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Bad reviews don't help one quit one's day job or get free shit for content. Depending on who you watch...you may never hear a bad review ever. (Just saying, not trying to get into who in the YT cesspool isn't trash). There are some very high end shooters I've watched struggle in real time with the ARC though....and given the nature AR accuracy builds, it's a tolerance stacking nightmare that the barrel alone can't save one from...at least in my experience. For the Barrel Gods work in mysterious (and sometimes infuriating) ways....Yay.

Cheers Fellas

@Paris_Bulks,
Honey of a group!

Thanks
 
I'm betting Geissele went with longer "NATO" type throats for reliability.

With Proof CF barrels and an older lot of Hornady 108 ELD-M:

14.5" 2560 FPS

18" 2660 FPS

Current batch is a lot slower in 18". Haven't tried it in the 14.5".

The older lot was also noticeably temperature sensitive. One degree F gave a 2 FPS difference. Have not had the chance to try warmer temps with the new lot.

Here are some recent velocity/SD numbers (10 plus round sample size) with brand new Proof CF barrels shooting Hornady 103 ELD-X:

18" 2627 FPS / SD 12.2 FPS

18" 2629 FPS / SD 10.6 FPS

16" 2568 FPS / SD 13.4 FPS

All were sub-MOA, with one 18" breaking half-MOA in the last of three groups and the 16" going half-MOA on the second group. That's with a 75 year old wearing trifocals shooting off a bipod. :ROFLMAO:
What powder are you running?
 
My 20" Proof with the new lots of Hornady 108 ammo is doing around 2660-2670. My buddy has the same barrel and we are getting identical velocities. Both barrels still have low round counts and are not broken in completely. Unsure if they will speed up a little or not. I just haven't had time to shoot much lately.
 
I've got an 18" SS Proof that is averaging about 2615 with Hornady Black 105gr, with about 225 rounds through it. Easily sub minute with that Black 105gr. Have not run any ELD-M Match factory loads through it, or any other factory loads. No hand loads.
 
Accuracy has been around half MOA or just barely larger for me. SD has been in the 13-15 range. I haven't played with the 106 Atips yet. Eventually I will get some to try when I actually get to loading for this. What velocity are you getting with the 106 TAP?
 
6 ARC has proven to be quite accurate for myself as well with factory ammo. Hornady 80 ELD-VT's grouping at .530 moa and 108 ELD-M's at .437 moa through an 18" Proof Carbon barrel.
 
How well do these do against barriers? I think the purpose of this rifle is to be lightweight and have further reach than 5.56, but if this rifle is to replace a .308 gas gun right?
It depends on team composition and mission. NSW is currently fielding multiple longer range alternatives including 5.56, 6ARC, 6.5CM, .308, Sig 6.8, 300 WM, 300 Norma. They may use bigger but I did not see them (some of these may be under evaluation as opposed to actual use).

With regard to 6ARC specifically, it is important to remember that there are two bids. One is an assaulter variant which I don't believe has been awarded yet and one was a sniper variant. The thought process as explained to me is that it is the same small frame weapons platform that they all are used to using. The advantage is greater lethality at all ranges when compared to 5.56. The weight of the system rifle plus 11 mags is within 5 or 6 pounds of the 556 loadout (don't fuss at me, there are a bunch of submissions and it can move up and down depending on which rifle, barrel length, ect.) The greater lethality at any range was the important point.
 
It depends on team composition and mission. NSW is currently fielding multiple longer range alternatives including 5.56, 6ARC, 6.5CM, .308, Sig 6.8, 300 WM, 300 Norma. They may use bigger but I did not see them (some of these may be under evaluation as opposed to actual use).

With regard to 6ARC specifically, it is important to remember that there are two bids. One is an assaulter variant which I don't believe has been awarded yet and one was a sniper variant. The thought process as explained to me is that it is the same small frame weapons platform that they all are used to using. The advantage is greater lethality at all ranges when compared to 5.56. The weight of the system rifle plus 11 mags is within 5 or 6 pounds of the 556 loadout (don't fuss at me, there are a bunch of submissions and it can move up and down depending on which rifle, barrel length, ect.) The greater lethality at any range was the important point.
That makes a lot of sense and is what I figured. I remember reading a comment from a former NSWDG member stating he used his 417 primarily for vehicle take down, and that made sense to me. I thought the 6 ARC GFR rifle was going to replace that system, but it sounds like it is more so replacing longer barreled 5.56 guns by providing a similar size package at a lighter weight and greater overall lethality at extended ranges.
 
I picked up this 18" Geissele GFR used here on the hide. Here are some my results with factory Hornady ammo. Can someone please tell me why the 80 eldvt is so bad in this gun? I really want that bullet to work.

View attachment 8438800
View attachment 8438801
View attachment 8438802

105 BTHP "BLACK"
View attachment 8438803

80 ELD-VT
View attachment 8438804

103 ELD-X
View attachment 8438805
I can't speak for the GFR, but my 18" Proof SS behaves the same (ELD VTs are 2.5 MOA). I do not know why the VT doesn't work as well, but I did find a 0.8 MOA load of 75 VMAX over TAC pretty easily (no seating depth testing yet). I've not shot black or ELD X out of this one yet.

Interestingly, my barrel is 100 fps faster than book at the charge weight (29.9gr of TAC, 75 VMAX, 1.662" BTO) which is nice. My beam scale could be off, but it shouldn't be that far off. Need to chrono the factory 108's again, those were close to 0.5 MOA from this rifle but have been shooting Vmax's at yotes for now
 
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I picked up this 18" Geissele GFR used here on the hide. Here are some my results with factory Hornady ammo. Can someone please tell me why the 80 eldvt is so bad in this gun? I really want that bullet to work.

View attachment 8438800
View attachment 8438801
View attachment 8438802

105 BTHP "BLACK"
View attachment 8438803

80 ELD-VT
View attachment 8438804

103 ELD-X
View attachment 8438805

I can't speak for the GFR, but my 18" Proof SS behaves the same (ELD VTs are 2.5 MOA). I do not know why the VT doesn't work as well, but I did find a 0.8 MOA load of 75 VMAX over TAC pretty easily (no seating depth testing yet). I've not shot black or ELD X out of this one yet.

Interestingly, my barrel is 100 fps faster than book at the charge weight (29.9gr of TAC, 75 VMAX, 1.662" BTO) which is nice. My beam scale could be off, but it shouldn't be that far off. Need to chrono the factory 108's again, those were close to 0.5 MOA from this rifle but have been shooting Vmax's at yotes for now


Super weird that y'all are getting trash groups out of the ELD-VT 80's, this is my group out of my 18" Proof Carbon. I need to take the chrono with me on my next range trip, I really expected 2870-2900 fps on the 80's out of an 18" barrel.

TuJRSXr.jpg
 
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I picked up this 18" Geissele GFR used here on the hide. Here are some my results with factory Hornady ammo. Can someone please tell me why the 80 eldvt is so bad in this gun? I really want that bullet to work.

View attachment 8438800
View attachment 8438801
View attachment 8438802

105 BTHP "BLACK"
View attachment 8438803

80 ELD-VT
View attachment 8438804

103 ELD-X
View attachment 8438805
I wish I knew the answer to that as well. Looks like we got similar results on the v match.
 
What do you attribute the rather large variance between the groups to?
probable me + 5 and 3 rd groups. In addition, I was still getting my zero sorted. I will provide an update after my next range day. The fit and finish on the rifle is outstanding. It seems Geissele put additional effort on these rifles.
 
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My first four groups out of my Geissele 18" GFR using factory Hornady 108s. Velocity 2523 with SD 6.9. Anyone try 106 TAP?
View attachment 8441791
I was getting .5-.8 moa 5 round groups from my 16” Proof with 108s and the 106 TAP did around a 1.5 moa average.

I’m guessing the 106 TAP is loaded to meet barrier and terminal performance requirements first and foremost. I’d like to see if anyone has any different results.
 
Does anyone have a picture of the GFR bolt? I know Geissele designed their own extension but I’m curious if they beefed up the bolt at all. I know they’re using some special sauce material but I’ve heard of people using full blown bolt gun loads in the gfr and I’m wondering how crazy they are.
 
One thing that seems odd to me overall, is the wild inconsistency on accuracy, between 6 arc barrels. Even with higher end brands.

The amount of guys claiming "half moa or better" even for proof seems to stick out a bunch, yet talking to guys who shoot more seriously, or even higher volume, they say you should expect sub moa accuracy at best....and then Ive seen an alarmingly large handful of rifles where they just wont group for shit, like the example presented here.
agree,nice write up and stick but I"m far from impressed by the accuracy here
 
Does anyone have a picture of the GFR bolt? I know Geissele designed their own extension but I’m curious if they beefed up the bolt at all. I know they’re using some special sauce material but I’ve heard of people using full blown bolt gun loads in the gfr and I’m wondering how crazy they are.
I’ll get you some tonight pm me
 
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I have a large variance of chrome lined barrels. This shoots pretty damn good compared to other rifles in my collection. If it was a stainless barrel I’d agree but not chrome.
I agree, consistent .75 Moa groups out of a hammer forged chrome lined barrel is fantastic. I’ve seen one group from the stratomatch that was about .3 but that was also from a prs shooter. Either way they seem to great shooters with the reliability to boot!
 
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Anyone have feedback on the 14.5” variant? I’ve got an 18” arc but want something a little more handy (don’t have the GFR but the guys using these probably have the most experience)
 
Anyone have feedback on the 14.5” variant? I’ve got an 18” arc but want something a little more handy (don’t have the GFR but the guys using these probably have the most experience)
I have the 14.5” one and the 18” one. Each one seems to really serve its own role with me. The 14.5” is definitely a little handier and lighter. It has functioned flawlessly with both ELD-M and TAP. My 14.5 does not group as tight as the 18”, but it has never grouped worse than 1MOA :). The barrel profile appears to be lighter on the 14.5 than the 18. I have tried it both with a NF ATACR 1-8 and a 4-16. It really needs the 4-16 for the legs this rifle has. The 1-8 is going to limit it on the range potential it has. I’m getting 2415fps for ELD-M and 2502fps with TAP. If you have any other questions let me know and I will try my best to answer them.
 

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I have the 14.5” one and the 18” one. Each one seems to really serve its own role with me. The 14.5” is definitely a little handier and lighter. It has functioned flawlessly with both ELD-M and TAP. My 14.5 does not group as tight as the 18”, but it has never grouped worse than 1MOA :). The barrel profile appears to be lighter on the 14.5 than the 18. I have tried it both with a NF ATACR 1-8 and a 4-16. It really needs the 4-16 for the legs this rifle has. The 1-8 is going to limit it on the range potential it has. I’m getting 2415fps for ELD-M and 2502fps with TAP. If you have any other questions let me know and I will try my best to answer them.

Thanks for the feedback! Glad to hear the 4-16 is warranted. You shot anything lighter? I’m running the 75 vmax at just over 3000fps (rifle didn’t like the factory 80 ELD VT) for yotes at night so trajectory matters. However, I do want better long ranger performance than the 22 arc
 
Thanks for the feedback! Glad to hear the 4-16 is warranted. You shot anything lighter? I’m running the 75 vmax at just over 3000fps (rifle didn’t like the factory 80 ELD VT) for yotes at night so trajectory matters. However, I do want better long ranger performance than the 22 arc
I haven’t tried it. I ran the AB numbers on it and I did not like how it looked on the long range side. It does have a nice flat trajectory on it on the shorter end. My friend has a Noveske 14.5 6arc barrel, and can take ELD-M’s past 1200yds with ease on IPSC steel.
 
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I have the 14.5” one and the 18” one. Each one seems to really serve its own role with me. The 14.5” is definitely a little handier and lighter. It has functioned flawlessly with both ELD-M and TAP. My 14.5 does not group as tight as the 18”, but it has never grouped worse than 1MOA :). The barrel profile appears to be lighter on the 14.5 than the 18. I have tried it both with a NF ATACR 1-8 and a 4-16. It really needs the 4-16 for the legs this rifle has. The 1-8 is going to limit it on the range potential it has. I’m getting 2415fps for ELD-M and 2502fps with TAP. If you have any other questions let me know and I will try my best to answer them.
I have the 14.5 and 20 inch stratomatch back ordered. I have an optic picked out for the stratomatch but finding one for the 14.5 that’s light but doesn’t limit its range is harder than I thought. Maybe the new zco 2-10?
 
I have the 14.5 and 20 inch stratomatch back ordered. I have an optic picked out for the stratomatch but finding one for the 14.5 that’s light but doesn’t limit its range is harder than I thought. Maybe the new zco 2-10?
I think the 2-10 ZCO may be a good contender for it. A 14.5 6arc is a tricky rifle for optics selection to me. You want weight and bulk low so it is still handy, but an optic that does not cut the LR legs off it too much. I prefer an optic that makes dialing easier so if I want, I am not holding over towards the bottom of the reticle as to keep my sight picture easier.
 
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Picked up a slightly used 14.7" RTR and look forward to seeing how it shoots. I'll be running my MK5 2-10 on it with some type of dot at 1:30 so I can still use an LRF if needed. Will compare to the 18" Proof I have and likely sell one in the next few months. Mostly depends on the velocity I can get from the 14.7".

I played with the 1-8 PLXc, but believe that mag range is about right for a 556 rifle instead (love that optics package though).

Someday, all my MK5's will be replaced by ZCO glass but I have work to do before then!
 
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Picked up a slightly used 14.7" RTR and look forward to seeing how it shoots. I'll be running my MK5 2-10 on it with some type of dot at 1:30 so I can still use an LRF if needed. Will compare to the 18" Proof I have and likely sell one in the next few months. Mostly depends on the velocity I can get from the 14.7".

I played with the 1-8 PLXc, but believe that mag range is about right for a 556 rifle instead (love that optics package though).

Someday, all my MK5's will be replaced by ZCO glass but I have work to do before then!

I'd love to run a ZCO420 on mine instead but just can't justify double the money at the moment. I am considering moving to a 14.5" barrel, it doesn't save much in terms of weight but it'll make for a handier rifle with the shorter OAL. It's that route or build a second rifle based around the Noveske 12.5" barrel.
 
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I looked at the 12.5 too, but trajectory falls off more than I'd like even though it stays supersonic a long ways. The 12.5 arc roughly matches the 77 SMK from a 14.5" barrel if I remember correctly