Hello all! Im new to the world of AR`s, I purchased a M&P 15-22 about a month ago, and im in love with it!!! So in love that ive decided to upgrade to my first actual AR...With that being said, Is the MP15 Sport a good rifle for a first time AR owner? Ive read alot of reviews about it, and i have yet to find any negative ones. Now i have had some friends suggesting to build my own AR, but i dont really know alot about them to build my own...SO any help would be awesome! Thanks again!

Yes. It is a good rifle for a first time AR owner. The 15-Sport was my first AR-15. I own it to this day, and it is the only brand name AR-15 I own.


While I am an advocate of building your own rifle, you sound like the perfect candidate for a factory complete AR-15. Why? It is better for you to buy a factory complete rifle from a well known brand that has the resources to back their warranties. If there is any defect in the manufacture of the rifle, you make a call to the manufacturer. Anything breaks (not user induced), you make a call to the manufacturer. Right out of the box, you're ready to start learning about the AR-15 and earning experience. IMO, better to start your AR-15 enthusiasm in the most problem free way.

Second piece of advice, there are several different AR-15 manufacturers. The seemingly endless options will make a potential AR-15 enthusiast's head spin. Again, I highly recommend buying an affordable AR-15 from a well known brand name. Most people don't consider the other basic supplies and gear you'll need to support an AR-15:

• Ammunition. For range plinking, I highly recommend Wolf Gold.
• Magazines. I usually stick to P-Mags or D&H aluminum mags. I buy when they're on sale. If you're going to shoot from a bench or rest, look to buy a couple 10 or 20 round mags to make it easier.
• Rifle Bag. The Condor style single or double rifle bag is nice.
• Sling.
• Cleaning supplies: Otis flexible rod cleaning system, chamber brush, solvent, lube, etc...

Resist the urge to start swapping out parts and furniture right away. Put some rounds downrange and discover your preferences. Pay attention to what feels good and what does not. That way you don't make the mistake of buying an accessory because it looks good and ends up not feeling good. I made this mistake over and over again. Shoot your rifle as it is out of the box. Shoot irons for a bit before adding an optic.

For an affordable AR-15, I highly recommend the S&W M&P 15-Sport. The buy-in price leaves money left over for the other necessary purchases.

Remember, you're looking to buy your first AR-15. For most AR-15 enthusiasts, the first isn't the last. Good luck in your search.

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-John

The Sport is an awesome rifle! I doubt you'll find anything better for the price, and it is very upgradable when you want something different.

This started as a Sport, and continues to be the best AR I've ever owned, even after all the changes I've made. It became this.



And now is this. Still a Sport, just pretty.



Get the Sport, you won't be disappointed.

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SFC, US Army, Retired

Keep in mind that the 15-Sport:

• Omits a Dust Cover
• Omits a Forward Assist
• Handguards without heat shields
• A traditional trigger guard in favor of an integral "winter" trigger guard
• Melonite treatment v.s. Hard Chrome Lining

Gunny is right about the 15-Sport modifications. Mine looks like Gunny's but black. Smith Vortex flash hider, Troy backup sights, and a different optic. I call mine the "Barely 15-Sport". The only stock parts left on mine are the buffer tube, castle nut, lower receiver, lower receiver small parts, upper receiver, and barrel.

If the image of an AR-15 in your head has a dust cover and forward assist and that's what you want, DO NOT BUY A 15-Sport. Even though the 15-Sport is excellent, you won't be happy. Buy what makes you happy.

If you want a dust cover and forward assist, I highly suggest a Colt LE69XX series rifle. It's a buyer's market for AR-15's right now. Lots to choose from at a good price.

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-John

Purchased my sport a couple of months ago. Great rifle and great price. 800 rds down range so far. Accuracy is excellent and no malfunctions.

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It's Alive !!

If the Sport is the rifle/configuration you want, its a fine rifle at an attractive price. However, be aware that AR prices are down. The least expensive rifle isn't necessarily the best value. If you're buying a lesser priced rifle with the notion of later changing the handguard, flip sights, different stock... maybe consider buy that configuration rifle to begin with or build your own.

Like others have said, don't go getting the sport if you want dust cover, forward assist and other things it doesn't have. Get the rifle that u want! I thought about getting the sport but it don't have the things I wanted on my first AR so I got the M&P 15TS, has everything I originally wanted. Good luck picking your rifle and post once you get one with a pic, it's mandatory




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Aim small miss small

My first was a Sport...and so were the next two. I've made a few minor changes and additions, but the rifles ithemselves are about the same as when purchased. I've changed handguards on each to Magpuls with heat shields, added a tac light to each, a sling on each, and an optic on two of them, and that's about it.

I'm happy as a clam with what I've done, and wouldn't change anything.

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

No, the S&W M&P 15 is a GREAT first AR!
I bought mine last year and love it. It has fired everything that I've put in it, including the Wolf .223 that I'm currently using at the range. There are all sorts of dress up "Barbie" accessories for it, but I spend my money on ammo instead...oh, I did put a used Colt carry handle on it. That's all. I can hit torso sized steel at 200 yards with it with the open sights and it makes me very happy.
I've had no problems with it at all. Do be advised that it seems the 5R 1 in 8 Melonite barrel isn't offered anymore. Apparently S&W changed to a chrome (I think) 1 in 9 barrel.
I don't even know if I could tell the difference to be honest.
Get it. You'll be glad you did.

OP, I think that the 15-22 is the best sales tool for full sized AR's that Smith makes! I too started out with the 15-22, I still have it and I still love it. It made me start to think about "real" ARs. I then decided on what I wanted in an AR and started my research. While I do have numerous M&P's, I was not brand loyal. I decided to see if I could find one already built. That way if something was wrong, I would know that it was the gun, not how I put it together. It ends up that the AR that filled most of my wishes was the M&P VTAC II. If I did not have my long list of wants, I probably would have ended up with a Sport too. I have heard nothing but good things about them. As stated above, the Sport does not have a dust cover. I do have one, and truthfully 99% of the time I do no use it. I have only used the forward assist once. So as most have said, get one and have fun! Spend the extra $$ on ammo. I personally am in love with the PMC 55 grain boat tail .223 ammo, but that is me. Have fun and let us know what you decide to do.

What MP do you all recommend as an upgrade to the sport?

Considering this model.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

I went with the MOE Mid. Same list price, but with 4150 cmv 1:8 5r barrel, Magpul furniture and a forged version of the Magpul billet lower. Mid length gas tube is supposed to give a little less felt recoil. I'm a newb, so no real-life basis for comparison.

Oh yeah, the 8 DVD "Art of the Tactical Carbine" that's included is excellent and sells for around $80 when bought separately.

Seems like a heck of a deal to me.

Personally, I would get the Sport over that model... very little gained over the Sport for the money.

For example, I bet that carry handle would end up in a drawer. Most people add optics, such as a red dot sight. While you can add that to a carry handle, there are better options.

Forward assist and ejection port cover are not required... I could take them or leave them.

You will probably replace the hand guards at some point as well. Very few leave the stock hand guards...

As previously suggested, with prices where they are today, buy as close to the configuration as you want.

If I were buying a S&W today, it would be the MOE Mid, the 15T, or the 15TS, with the MOE Mid being the front runner.

Do you really want to upgrade? Want to have the bad boy at the range? Want it for a fantastic price? Well do ya!

CDNN is selling LWRC monolithic uppers for $799. Regular price is $1800 for the upper. Drop a Geisel or Wilson trigger in your Sport lower and for a little over a thousand you got a rifle! Or maybe not... Maybe get a UTG tactical two piece quad rail fir $29.99 and some plastic MBUS to upgrade the Sport instead.

Is that the $69 UTG Leapers Pro that shows up in some places as a no name $25 quad?

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

Probably so.

For the price you will appreciate the customer service and warranty from S&W (if needed). In time you'll want to add some goodies, so after you get used to it and shoot it a few times consider the Red Dot for starters.
These guys on the forum are a great help.

Further drill down suggestion: Primary Arms 2.5 Compact Scope (red dot) with ACSS CQB-M Reticle. Mount included at $219.00.

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

What I have. Won it off Gunbroker, used former LE weapon for $599. Absolutely love it.

The carry handle was the single most important option for me. Just my personal thing is all. You may feel different.

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~ From the Land of Lobstah ~