The current price of a Sport is a steal in the AR field. S&W makes a great AR15. Concerned about the barrel lining, chrome or melonite? There are those, in the know, that will argue that melonite is actually stronger and slicker than chrome, thus won't wear out or corrode as soon...I am just saying. And I am of the school in this day and age that why pay for something that you don't need. Say it for the toys you want to add onto it. In this day and age (except maybe for living in the desert) you really don't need a forward assist or a dust cover. That is probably a $200 plus savings Go for it, get the Sport and enjoy it for a long, long time.