I'm shopping for my first AR15 and have narrowed it down to a Sport or a Colt AR6721 with heavy barrel. At my LGS the Sport is $550.00 + tax, the Colt is $775.00 with a free Carhart jacket. I guess what it boils down to is the Colt worth spending the extra $.

I plan to use the AR for range use, SHTF, that is if the zombies ever make it into my neck of the woods and shooting at my father in laws 40 plus acres. Thanks in advance.

Even though you're asking at a S&W forum, I'll be honest. Both are good rifles. Buy whichever one you fancy the most.

The 15-Sport omits a forward assist, ejection port dust cover, the handguards do not have heat shields, and the trigger guard is integral to the lower receiver.

The Colt has a forward assist, dust cover, most likely comes with handguards with heat shields, and the trigger guard is a separate part.

If you want a standard featured upper, get the Colt. If you don't see the point of a forward assist (rarely used) or a dust cover get the S&W. If you plan on changing furniture, get the least expensive rifle.

If I were you, I'd get the 15-Sport and use the extra $$$ to buy a case of Wolf Gold .223 from Wideners online for $320-ish shipped.

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-John

Why not get a step up from the sport? Stuff on Gunbroker with prices that are still under 6 bills. Then you can get some ammo and the Carhart too.

A Colt 6920 under $800 would be hard to pass up for resale considerations alone.

Actually it's not a 6920, it is a 6721 which sells for just slightly less.

6721 heavy barrel and 1-9 twist. I think that's about the only difference. Who has theses rifles you're looking at, local or Net dealer?

It's a local dealer.

I would lean towards the Colt and the Hbar barrel.

I agree with Phil. As much as I like my S&W's, I'd buy the Colt for that price.

The 15 Sport is a nice rifle for the money. Perhaps the best value on the market.

That said, by the time you accessorize for the uses you mention, in my opinion, you are better off getting M&P 15X (the model with the quad rail) or the Colt 6920 SOCOM, which is pretty much as close to the real deal as you can get. I believe the Colt will hold its value better, but there are probably folks who will disagree.

All you need to add to either rifle is an Aimpoint and a good light, and a couple dozen Magpul magazines.

I opted for a Colt CSR-1516. CDNN has them right now for $699.

This a competition model Colt AR, made in Breckenridge Texas.

Not made by Colt. Licensed by Colt but made by another manufacturer. No forward assist or dust cover.

Bought my Sport from Grabagun 7 months ago ($579 base price), then saved my pennies & bought a Colt LE6920 MP-B ($879). Upgraded the Sport handguard with a Magpul. (same as the Colt's)

Really like them both.

That's a darn good price.

If you like having a 1/9 twist barrel, four position collapsible stock and a Magpul MBUS backup sight, go for it!

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Jorge

Compared to the Sport, for an extra $100 you get ... Match grade barrel, match grade trigger, free floating handguard. And yes it is made by a Colt affiliate, Bold Ideas in Breckenridge, TX.

Another vote here for the Colt.

Having 2 Sports and a bias towards them, I would go for the Colt. It has a few features the Sport doesn't but people still know the Colt name and resale down the road would be easier.

ONE very nice thing is the bolt carrier group.

The heavy barrel on the model he wants is a big plus in my opinion also.

I have one in 20 inch HBAR, and my 16 inch is not.

The price you can buy it at is very good.

Just wanted to give you all an update on what I decided to purchase. I went with the Colt, the Sport was very nice and I'll probably get one down the road but the Colt was just to good of a deal to pass up. Thanks for all the responses.

I'd like to know where to get these sports for $550.00. Can't touch a sport around here in south Jersey for less the $740.00. Wish I could buy guns at a local cheap price itchin to buy another.

Google GA Gun store, they should ship one to your FFL for $550.00 but i was told they won't be at that price for much longer.

I bought both my sports in New Jersey. First one at Cheyenne Mountain for $675, and second one from a local FFL for $650.
Watch the sales at Cheyenne Mountain and you will get one for $625. I went on NJ gun forums and told what sku # I wanted and 5 people replied with a quote. As it turns out, I had to drive 3 miles to get it.

Dan,
I sent you a PM.
Rich

Buds Gun Shop is among the biggest in the business. Compliant Sport for $590 (make an offer listed so you can probably get it for a few dollars less) free shipping.

S&W M&P15 Sport State Compliant 10+1 223REM/5.56NATO 16" $590.00 SHIPS FREE

Yes, wasn't putting down your weapon. Good points on the barrel, trigger, and handguard. Certainly worth the extra $100-150 more as you stated. Would be interested in seeing real life pics of your weapon if you get a chance and maybe a little review.