What's the difference in the M&P Sport ?

welldoya · #1 10-19-2011, 03:16 PM

I heard a radio ad for a LGS that had the M&P Sport on sale for something like $620. Sounded mighty cheap for an AR, especially for a good brand.
So what's the difference in the sport and the others ?

WR Moore · #2 10-19-2011, 04:16 PM

Check the manufacturers website and look carefully. It's basically an entry level piece lacking features of the mil-spec versions. Differences include, but are not limited to: different barrel profile, rifling specs and lack of chrome lined bore & chamber, no carry handle/sights and no dust cover. I believe there may be some other internal differences.

Check John Farnam's DTI quips section for additional comments.

MPDC · #3 10-19-2011, 04:27 PM

Actually, it is superior in some ways to the OR version and the main difference that matters at all is the dust cover being absent. The bbl., being a 1/8 twist and a "sniper type of twist" ala the gvt. sniper rifles with a melonite coating is, arguably better than the 1/9 chrome lined bbl. for practical purposes.

It also comes with sights which the OR does not and has garnered very positive reviews from owners here and elsewhere.

I think what is really important to most people on a budget is that it is READY TO USE AS IS. If you intend to add better sights other than a red dot that can cowitness the irons, a free float rail and other expensive adds, finding a model already equipped for those things might make more sense. the general ideal of not having a dust cover or forward assist is not important for a target or home defense weapon.

The Sport is a really good buy IF it meets your intended use purposes.

I have an OR version that I really like so my opinion is not an "owner's" prejudice but is from thinking the rifle really hits the niche it aimed for without much of use being sacrificed and manages to exceed some higher priced models in the bbl. area.

JMHO/YMMV

jt185 · #4 10-21-2011, 08:19 AM

MPDC covered the Sport's attributes.

I wasn't thoughtful when I bought mine. I got it because it was affordable. I really enjoy shooting this accurate, reliable rifle. Turns out it's a well built (in the USA) weapon I can depend on.

410bore · #5 10-21-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WR Moore

Check the manufacturers website and look carefully. It's basically an entry level piece lacking features of the mil-spec versions. Differences include, but are not limited to: different barrel profile, rifling specs and lack of chrome lined bore & chamber, no carry handle/sights and no dust cover. I believe there may be some other internal differences.

Check John Farnam's DTI quips section for additional comments.

i believe there is also no forward-assist on the M&P sport

Hobie1 · #6 10-21-2011, 09:45 AM

I love mine! A great entry level AR. I put a scope on mine because of my old eyes and it groups as tight as I can shoot.

Zero problems so far and I don't expect any. I am going to put a better FCG in it but haven't made up my mind on what I want for it yet.

Hobie

MPDC · #7 10-21-2011, 09:54 AM

The forward assist was not part of Stoner's original design. It was a "patch" to help with reliability issues with the M16 that was originally (and erroneously) though to not require frequent lube and reasonably frequent cleaning.

Unless you are running you rifle "dry" and dirty or using old, corroded ammo, you will probably have no need for the forward assist.

fknipfer1 · #8 10-25-2011, 11:59 AM

Shoots damm good, I have several war guns and none of them have a dust cover and they fought in the desert during WWII so this is probably and unnecessary cost. Foward assist ???? why not just rechamber another round.

fknipfer1