So you have a friend who is looking to get his or her first AR15 and they want it to be a S&W M&P because they are familiar with the brand and what a high level of QC and a solid warranty.

They are new to AR15s but not necessarily new to shooting. They are looking for a multiple use gun. Something mainly for plinking at the range, maybe home defense, maybe casual gun games but just basic all around use.

They will want to get some accessories like a scope of some kind, extra mags, maybe a sling etc. They want quality stuff but they are not running out and buying an ACOG. At least not right away.

Lets pretend there are 3 budgets. Low Medium and high.

Low: The gun, 5 extra mags & a basic red dot or basic optic coming in at $1000 or under.

Medium: The gun, 5 extra mags, duty ready red dot or duty ready scope with mount, maybe a trigger & sling $2,000 or under.

High: The gun, 10 extra mags, High end Red dot or Scope with mount, aftermarket trigger, sling and other do dads etc... $3,000+

Feel free to answer for all three price point options or just the one that interests you. What guns, optics and mags do you recommend and why? What questions do you ask your friend to help you help them? If you have gone through this process on your own or with help how did you do it?

Lets stick to M&P AR15s no Colt, BCMs, Aero, PSA, Andersons, Noveske etc...

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Use should dictate gear!