Okay, I know that this is primarily a handgun site and I currently own a bung of handguns, including a Model 686, and an M&P 340 which I carry daily. But lately I've been thinking about buying an AR-15-type rifle for something different. There's a mind-boggling number of them available. I really admire S&W quality and accuracy and would probably prefer to own a S&W AR-15 over the competition, just based on that. Does anybody on this site own one?

You might want to ask the same question in the Lounge, where it will probably get more responses. There are a number of people who've mentioned owning one in the various AR16 threads. I don't recall anyone ever seeming dissatisfied with one, though you may get differing opinions (mainly related to "paying for the name" over at AR15.com).

I can't help you more,as I've got Colts and a CMMG.

I have a M&P 15A. It's a fine rifle in that it comes with a Troy fold down rear sight mounted on the A3 rail. Basically, add the optics of your choice( EO Tech in my case) and you're good to go with no carry handle to worry with. I added a Surefire M73 quad rail and sling to finish the package. S&W is adding some more options soon, so wait and see what's coming. Bob

Roadranger and GatorFarmer,

Appreciate your comments. Moved the thread to the Lounge as suggested. Seems more appropriate there. Thanks.

I have an M&P15. Seems to have the best fit of any AR-15 i have ever owned. Is it worth the extra $$? To me it is. I have a sweet AR-15 with S&W on it.

I have an M&P 15T. It seems to be a Stag with a few things changed.
The trigger is horrible so I dropped in a Chip McCormick one, much better. I'm sure they made the trigger pull that heavy for liability issues. I have added a compact ACOG (can't co-witness with this setup}, Green Beam laser, Veritcal grip, Surefire light, and two point bungee tactical sling. It is starting to get heavy. The function is fine and it seems to be about average for accuracy. If H&K ever offers the 416 to the public I would much rather pay the extra $$$ for it. MHO

quote:

Originally posted by saturner1:
I have an M&P 15T. It seems to be a Stag with a few things changed.

I had heard that Stag made parts (lower) for S&W so I purchased a Stag 6.8SPC (as opposed to other Co's). MY S&W lower was not made by Stag (unless totally different specs). My Stag is still a really nice rifle.

I've heard the tolerances were actually too tight for it to be a reliable combat-grade weapon.

Instead, it appears to be tuned for accuracy -- not functionality under adverse conditions.

For all I know, though, that might just be a dump-truck brimming with hooie...

http://www.ar15.com/
By all means check the above forum. Advice here is good but ARs are a different breed. My experience with them goes way back and they are not the unique precision machines you will find in an old S&W blue pistol box. For all practical purposes the Bushmasters, Colts, S&Ws etc. are alike with minor variations.

I currently own two Bushmasters and have owned Colts. Despite Viet Nam lore the M15/M16 is still a fine weapon. We keep them close at hand on our ranch on the Rio Grande in west Texas. They require extensive cleaning and lube. Thats a given. All the add-ons and sight modifications are your decision. Mine are factory stock M4s. At 300 yards they shoot just fine.

The AR ties for the AK as my favorite rifle. You will be happy with any of the big name ARs.

Good luck and always think safety!

Thanks to everyone here that shared their AR experience. I stopped by my favorite local gun shop yesterday and ordered a M&P-15. Got it at a good price and S&W has a $100 rebate on all guns thru April, so net cost is pretty close to what another brand may have been. Call me foolish but the S&W logo means something to me. The gun will be here tomorrow, just in time for the President's Day long weekend. (Now all I have to do is find some .223 ammo at less than half-a-buck a round I'll be golden.)

AG, which one did you get, an A, T or whatever. Chattanooga Shooting Supplies is advertising Remington UMC 55gr. in a 50 round box @$15.99. That's 32 cents a round. Their # is 1-800-251-4808 or @ chattanoogashooting.com . My M&P15 is not particular about magazines, so get what you can!! Bob

AG, please do yourself a favor and get the H&K mags. I have been using some form of the AR since 1969 and almost every FTF problme I have had relates to the mags. H&K got the mags right IMHO

quote:

Originally posted by saturner1:
AG, please do yourself a favor and get the H&K mags. I have been using some form of the AR since 1969 and almost every FTF problme I have had relates to the mags. H&K got the mags right IMHO

Sat, I admit to laying in wait for this post or one like it. We have equal experience with the M16/AR rifle and probably similar experience with FTF, feed problems etc. We live in the same town! In fact I agree that the HK magazines are the best made feed system for this weapon hands down. I own about a half dozen.

Now where we disagree. Although those HK's are built like a Swiss watch, look good, feed and feel great they are just flat overpriced and heavy. In most cases, well all cases, a shooter is better off with four times as many mixed 20 and 30 round mags. from Bravo Co for the same price. Honestly the new line of magazines from Bravo and others work just fine and when they stop you throw them out. At about ten bucks each its no trauma.

Another AR15 forum offers a pdf file instruction booklet with detailed diagrams and part numbers for the HK magazine. That, by itself, is impressive but rather over-engineered.

Why would you lay in wait. Just to make the point that H&K mags are $30 and weigh a bit more???? I will trust my life to them long before your $10 mags. You make the choice.

Roadranger,

It's a standard carry handle model w/o any additional bells or whistles. Picked it up yesterday after work and cleaned it up tonight in prep. for the weekend. I think I'll try your chattanoogashooting.com connection. Certainly the best price I've seen so far. The shop where I bought the rifle has 500 rnd ammo boxes for $200 - about $.40 a pop. Not bad but its a $200 outlay after the cost of the gun. Oh well, I knew it wouldn't be cheap...

Thanks again to everyone for your info.