I need help deciding what AR to buy.
I own both Ruger (SR22, LC9, SR9C) and S&W (Shield, 15/22) firearms and am now in the market for an AR.

M&P AR15 Magpul with quad rails or
Ruger SR556E

Both are listed at about $1100 so price is not that different.
Any other AR recommendations are welcome.

I have several Ruger pistols, but after shooting my 15/22 for 1500rds with no failures I knew I wanted another S$W instead of any other brand.

Plus, can't beat the warranty with a stick!!

Yep, S&W is fantastic about standing behind their product. Not that you'd go wrong with Ruger, but all things equal, I think S&W edges it out.

I think the answers you get are going to be a bit biased, seeing as how you came to a smith and wesson forum to ask this question.

That's like showing up at a Ford dealership and asking "should I buy Ford or Chevy?"

Naturally, my vote is for the M&P15...

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686/M&P9 Pro/M&P15X/M&P15-22

To really match apples to apples. look at the S&W M&P15TS. It lists for about $ 300 more dollars, but you can get it at G&R Tactical for $1250. At that price, I'd get the M&P15TS in a slam dunk.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

Two totally different platforms. Ruger (piston) vs. S&W (DI). Guess I would decide which was for me then make a decision, but both of your options seem to be good choices.

That's more apples and grapefruit.

Exactly.

I don't have a piston-driven MSR, but most people say they run cleaner. Makes sense to me. The Ruger is heavier, (because of this difference) I believe.

Both companies make great products.

Thanks for your feedback. I also posted the same question on rugerforum.net

No opinion on the question presented, I just wanted to note that this thread title would have really given me future-shock had I seen it when I was working in a gun store in 1988.

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Now go make God proud...

I would go with a M&P 15 on the basis that DI is possibly more simple to takedown and clean. It is what the AR-15 was designed for anyway.

In all honesty if your not a navy seal, deployed in the Middle East, or accustomed to running your gun through the mud, then there is no benefit to a piston system. Even at that point a piston AR will jam if particulates entered the receiver.

I have heard that certain piston designs, (not including LWRC) of which I am not sure ruger falls into this category, have a slight engineering oversight. If the piston is not attached to the BCG and does not have a good piston tube for guidance then wearing on the bottom and rear of the BCG can take place. This happens as the geometry doesn't force the BCG back straight but torques it in the tube before it forcing it back.

You have to remember that the AR-15 design requires gas to build up in the BCG thus turning the cam/locking lugs, and forcing the BCG back from inside the BCG, not on top.

I didn't realize the Ruger was piston, my bad. Forget my comment.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

The Ruger is too heavy. Excellent gun, just extra un-needed weight. Go wit the Smit!

just out of curiosity, is anybody on the ruger forum recommending the Smith and Wesson? ( especially if they only own the ruger?)

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686/M&P9 Pro/M&P15X/M&P15-22

A good friend owns one and is looking for an alternative now as it's just a heavy AR. He hasn't had any problems with it and it's a sound platform but it's almost a pound and a half heavier than the Smith.

Actually yes there are some recommending S&W on the Ruger Forum. They are saying the higher end Smiths are better and should buy that.

How about Stag model8 (piston)@ $1,145 msrp?

Model 8 (Piston) | Stag Arms LLC