I think you are going to be happy with your modifications once you are able to shoot the rifle outside. You made more mods than I did, and I am quite happy with mine. It should shoot better than your AR-15, although I have some AR-15s that shoot pretty well. (2 are heavy barrel ARs) My Axis can hang with them though. Since I reload, one benefit with the Axis over the AR-15s is I can have my bullet seated closer to the lands, which usually helps once you find the sweet spot. With the AR-15s, I am relegated to magazine length since I don't single feed for them.