Hey TangoFoxtrot! Nice to bump into you here as well as GT.
I just picked up a 15-Sport a few days ago. Haven't had a chance to get to the range yet.
I need a semi-auto rifle for range target practice, home defense, and general use. The 15-Sport gives me everything I need, nothing I don't, at a price that can't be beat.
I'm mechanically inclined. I could have built an AR lower & topped it off with a completed upper. I priced it out, and it was similar to a 15-Sport.
I also compared complete AR's from a couple other manufacturers within the same price range, and the 15-Sport came out on top.
I set up exterior furniture based upon my experience with the 15-22.
1.) Magpul MOE butt stock & enhanced butt pad. On the 15-Sport, I'm not going to put on the cheek riser. The cheek riser interferes with the operation of the charging handle when the stock is fully collapsed.
2.) Magpul MAID grip. I like the feel. I also get a kick out of the 3 rounds I can store in the grip compartment.
3.) Magpul MOE hand guard. The shape of the Magpul hand guard feels better in my hand. It also has a heat shield whereas the stock does not.
4.) Magpul BAD lever. Threw one on the 15-22 for giggles, and found that it was actually useful.
I honestly like the stock sights. I want to mount an optic, but not break the bank. I'm most likely going to order a Primary Arms M3 red dot with a high cantilever mount.
What I like the most? The lifetime factory S&W warranty. I'm keeping all my mods to just exterior furniture.