On line coverage of this year's shot show left a lot to be desired I thought but one thing I ran across was a new 223 with a list price around $700. But when I went to look it up again I could not find it.

So is there a new, inexpensive version of this gun? Yes! $709 suggested price but it does not have a forward bolt assist. Wonder how much of a problem that is going to be?

Considering there are always deals and sales going on; and I bought brand new "4 weeks ago to the DAY - Christmas Eve". An M&P15OR retail price $1069; Normal price at Sportsman's Warehouse $949; 3 day christmas sale $200 off - $749; and a S&W Military/Police appreciation $100 rebate; Final price $649. For that price, I don't think I need to compromise on a toy S&W .223. And there's always sales happening. Some people just get impulsive, and want to buy now instead of waiting and looking. Now if the new S&W get below the $649 I paid for my M&P15OR, then I'll think that maybe I should have waited.

FWIW: Prices are going down even more on many. Bushmaster has their plastic AR's out. The day I bought the M&P15OR, they had a Bushmaster for $599. But I don't want a poly lower assembly, and for $50 more I'd rather have an M&P not made out of plastic.

I saw this "Sport" version in the new products online catalog on the Smith website. I noticed the price too and the lack of a forward assist. Gotta wonder where else corners were cut to shave the MSRP? Not having a forward assist won't matter to alot of people who just want a black gun without spending a lot. Wonder when they'll actually hit the market? Might make a good plinker!

The biggest difference is the barrel. It's not a chrome lined barrel. It's a much cheaper barrel and process. Also, there's no dust cover over the chamber. "Although that may not be a big issue for some".

For the person who wants an AR; will only shoot a few hundred rounds a year; will only be shooting paper with it; it's a very decent gun. But my thing is still, that S&W is always on sale, and they have plenty of rebates. If I can get a real M&P15OR for $649, why would I pay $700 that is much lower in quality? If all I cared about was shooting paper, then the new sport version is fine. If a person really wants/needs a .223/5.56 and money is a major issue, then I recommend getting a Saiga. "It's an AK-47 chambered in .223. Costs about $400 brand new, and it's 100% the quality of the military AK-47. Actually, it's made on the same assembly line in russia.

But for the person who wants to "Play War" and own an AR and shoot paper, there's nothing wrong with the Sport version of the S&W. Without the dust cover, I wouldn't trust it outside in the elements at all. AR's a very picky about being kept clean. AK's will shoot in the mud. AR's jam when dirty. Without the dust cover, and a definitely inferior barrel, I would only own one for "Fun" us. Then again; it's great marketing. The more people we have owning guns; and especially rifles like the AR's; the better our country is. I'd rather see them with the bottom of the line Sport version or even a Century Arms, than nothing at all.

I think that the S&W MP15 OR is really hard to beat, like christcorp said if you are not in a hurry and look around, I have seen some really nice deals on the MP15 OR's. That's how I wound up with mine, lol. I second his thoughts on the Saiga's as well.

What I say:
I'm another that says; wait for a deal on a M&P15OR. I got mine on a incredible deal from CDNN. $699-$100 rebate. I couldn't pass it up, and have absolutely no regrets.

The truth:
OK, actually in my case I had come very close to buying a 15OR for $800+, but decided I should wait another year before getting a 5.56 AR. Then the e-mail from CDNN came, moments later I was on the phone with them ordering a S&W M&P15OR. You’d think the next thought would have been, “did I just do that? Should I have just done that”, but no, instead I squealed like a young girl “OMG I BOUGHT AN 15OR FOR ONLY $599 AND I”LL HAVE IT IN 2 DAYS, OMG OMG, OMG, ….. I NEED BULLETS!!!!!” and left for Wal-Mart.

In fact, I had no patience, but just dumb luck. So me saying you should be patient is a real hypocritical laugh. But, yea, .. err,. well, ..you should be patient.


Chromed barrel – cleans easier, lasts longer.
Dust cover – Keeps the crud out, but is also part of the AR experience. If buying an AR, I want a fully functional AR.
Forward Assist – Whole subject in itself. Not going to argue that here, but just like the dust cover I consider FA part of a modern AR, so I want it. Some others feel different.

Product: Model M&P15 Sport?

The OR's are a deal, but you're comparing it to full list on this. Wonder what it'll really sell for? Might get this down in the neighbor of 15-22 money. Then it would be a cool way to have a 5.56.

Munster

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GO NAVY!

I don't think an AR is the type of gun you do on the cheap. Save up and get exactly what you want from the beginning. If you don't get certain things like quad rails or a low profile gas block, you will end up spending a lot more down the road to make the modifications. Buy a stripper lower, parts kit and stock and get that done. Then look for deals on a solid upper you want online.

A good quality AR set up just how you want it will last a lifetime. It's worth doing it right.

Is the sport versions trigger guard molded into the lower, ie not removable like on the 15-22 (love our 15-22, but not thrilled with that small detail, but understand why it is needed on the plastic lower)? From the picture on S&W site it looks that way (I could be wrong). If so that's another minor thing I don't really like here. The mil spec trigger guard can be dropped down or easily replaced.