I'm considering buying a new M&P 15 Sport II and have a question. I know it has adjustable sights on it. But is it possible to add a scope to this model? If so what does it take to do it? Also what is a "good buy" on a new model? Locally they have them for $599. Thanks in advance.


Matt

Whittaker Guns just had them on sale for $499 + $12 or so in shipping. You can add a scope quite easily to it with any mount.

I already own the Sport1. I was going to buy a Sport2 for my son and I, then, I saw the Ruger AR-556. I bought 2 of those instead. The Sport2 seemed a bit "cheaper" made than the Ruger.

Simple to add a scope. But don't do it right away. New to AR, I strongly recommend becoming very familiar and competent with the iron sights that come on it. Get to where you can hit inside 10" every time at 100 yards using the small aperture. This will give you time to decide what type of optic you need.

Never know... you may take to the irons and decide you want one of these:

The only thing that is "cheaper" on the Sport is that they have the GI A2 style pistol grip. Ruger adds some other type of grip. I'll take the melonited barrel of the Sport over the unlined barrel of the Ruger.

The Sport is a great bargain and a quality rifle.
It is a flat top Picatinny rail design and a scope can be mounted easily.
My personal feeling is, if you dont need a carrying handle, avoid it.
My Sport has a Nikon P223 attached with modestly priced mounts that easily detach when irons will be used instead. The rifle shoots very well and I am very happy with it.
Good Luck, Stay Safe
Jim

When doing the research on both of these rifles I went to the biggest rifle magazines in circulation to read what the critics were saying about both of them.
The critics liked both rifles. But, they also liked the fact that the barrel was NOT chrome lined! That, and they liked the new design delta ring. One other thing was the fact that it is made in America, by Americans, with 100% American made parts!
I shot both of these rifles A LOT, before deciding on the Ruger. Don't get me wrong, I like the Sport 2 as well.
This is America, where at one time I fought for Her and left some of my blood on the battle field to give me the right to make the choices I am entitled to! HOOAH!

Thanks everyone. The Ruger being brought up is ironic, because I have many Ruger pistols, and I'm also considering the Ruger since my local go to Gun shop stocks and sells them.

MattO, as I have stated, the Sport 2 is a great rifle. When it came down to chosing it or the Ruger, I just felt the Ruger was built a bit better. It also felt right shooting it over the Sport 2. And, the critics that test these rifles probably know what they're talking about.
My advice to anyone that is caught between the 2 of them, go to your local range and rent both of them. Shoot them and then decide.

Was in the same boat, torn between the Sport 2 and the Ruger..
Went with the Sport, the lifetime warranty was the tipping point for me and after nearly a thousand rounds fired I don't regret my decision in the least...
One hell of an AR....

Of course you can make your own choice... but trusting critics in gun magazines... hell, might as well trust advertisers.

The barrel on the Sport is not chrome lined. It is salt nitrided. But I would take a lined or salt nitrided barrel in a rifle like this over an unlined one any day... This is not a bench rifle. Throat erosion and erosion at the gas port is reduced in a treated barrel, which means the barrel will last longer than the unprotected one. Even though most will not shoot out a barrel, when you can get a barrel that is lined or salt nitrided at the same price as an unlined barrel, it is a no brainer.

The Smith is also made in America... As is Colt, BCM, etc. Nothing particularly special about Ruger in this regard.

The delta ring design... why? The other design has been tried and true for over 50 years. Visit the Ruger forums and read about how that delta ring gets stuck, and how many get broken trying to get them free.

Another fail on the Ruger is the exposed firing pin on the BCG. The Ruger uses the design that Colt came up with to prevent slam fires... The same design that Colt abandoned a few years later. The Ruger uses the firing pin to cock the hammer, vs. the ramp on the BCG from basically every other manufacturer, resulting in buggered up firing pins over time.

And while I thank you for your service, I also served, so I have protected the same freedoms as you.

Matt, either rifle will serve you well. As you can see, there are a couple of things that are different between the two rifles. For me, the Smith can be had for less money right now, and it has the standard features of an AR-15...

Ask yourself why Ruger chose to use an untreated barrel. Is it better, or does it cost less to produce?

Same thing with their delta ring assembly...

The Ruger just felt better to shoot, IMO. Besides, I own the Sport 1.

The bolded section of your quote above is all that really matters and is beyond dispute.

The last portion of your quote is just spoiling for a fight on a forum where to get the final word you'd probably never get another minute of sleep. Just sayin'.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

BTW, the Ruger gives you the option to convert to the old fashion delta ring. So, if I ever want to convert mine, I will buy a new delta ring, the removal tool, and a friend or two to help me remove/attatch my hand guards.
You know, you seem to be taking this very personal! I told you and will continue to state that the Sport 2 is a GREAT rifle! I just chose the Ruger based on MY EXPERIENCE after shooting it!
About the barrel, I could care less if it were Platinum lined. It will out live me by eons. That and the ammo I shoot is not corrosive. So, no worries there.
AGAIN, the Sport 2 IS A GREAT RIFLE! I chose the Ruger because it felt better to shoot than the Sport 2.

Huh?

I said that the only thing that matters is what feels best to you in your own personal opinion.

(The rest can be argued ad nauseum until the cows come home and nobody will be the better for it.)

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I have a M&P 15 with a Vortex Surefire II red or green dot. This little scope mounts easily on any of the AR type rifles with a rail and will clear the front sight on those equipped with one. My dot lines up with the top of the front sight. It comes with a mount and rings and goes for less than $200. What you mount on your AR depends upon what you plan to use it for. Three gun matches or home defense a dot type optic is fine and for hunting you probably want something with cross hairs or the like.
Ask 100 guys and you'll get 100 different opinions.

What ppl don't understand is, I LIKE THE Sport 2 RIFLE! It shoots great, looks great, heck, I am even impressed with the lined barrel. If the Ruger HAD NEVER been at the gun store on the very last day I was shooting AR's, I would HAVE bought an Sport 2.
It's kind of hard to explain. It's like I saw the Ruger and EVERY other AR around it didn't matter.
If S&W can do a few minor improvements on the Sport 2, or, if a Sport 3 comes out, I will likely buy it. I do like the fact that it has the lifetime wrranty as well. But, Ruger backs their weapons as well. Anytime I have had to send one back (which was very very seldom) they took care of it on their dime.
Again, only the person that goes out and shoots the firearm will be the only one that can decide if it is for them.

Where did that 'Dead Horse" get off to. We need to beat him some more!

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CSM, U S Army(Ret) 1963-1990

How bout it. We went from what's a good price for a Sport II and morphed into a S&W vs Ruger fight. Terrific, never seen that before [face_rollingeyes].

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Still carrying my S&W 642

If one calls to you more than the other, then that is fine... it is subjective, but that is why there are many choices.

I'm not taking this personal, just pointing out the differences between the two rifles. Notice, I told the OP that either will probably serve him well, but why, in my opinion, the Sport II is the better rifle.

I am curious about what "minor improvements" that you think S&W should make to the Sport II to make it the better rifle... What does the Ruger offer over the Sport II?

You are correct, you could swap out for a regular delta ring assembly, but why buy the Ruger if that is what you are going to do? Why pay for a part twice?

The treated barrels do more than protect from corrosive ammo. The barrel with treatment will last longer than an unlined barrel under equal conditions. Granted that if you can afford the ammo to shoot out the barrel, you can afford to rebarrel the rifle, but still the nod goes to a treated barrel for this type of rifle.

While I own a Smith and would go for the nitrided barrel, the Ruger's CHF barrel and 1:8 twist might be a plus for some buyers.

I'm wise enough to know when enough is enough, are you?
I made my point, everyone else did as well. I stick by my choice and will continue to shoot the BAJEEBUS out of my Sport 1.
To anyone out there wanting an AR; go to your LGS and rent some AR's. Shoot them, look them over, do research on them, then YOU, and ONLY YOU should decide which one to buy. This is what I did and that is why I made the choice I did.

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+1!
I had totally forgotten about those 2 facts. That 1:8 twist did help in making my selection. And, tests have proven that a CHF barrel will last longer. Colt Canada has proven this theory.

The 1:8 twist is a lot of hype... but I admit, I got caught up in it when I purchased the original Sport. Unless you are shooting the longer projectiles such as the 77 gr, the 1:9 twist works well. If you are shooting those high dollar specialty rounds, you probably aren't shooting either of the rifles we are talking about.

As far as the CHF barrel, it will be interesting to see if they actually outlast other barrels. Correct me if I am wrong, but Colt Canada still chrome lines those CHF barrels.

According to these 2 COLT CANADA write ups, no, they are not chrome lined.
Differences Between Canadian C7 and US M16 - The Firearm Blog
https://www.americanrifleman.org/art...t-white-north/

COLT CANADA provides the MMR rifle version with a chrome lined barrel. But, "FOR GREATER ACCURACY" they come WITHOUT a chrome lined barrel. Greater accuracy........hmmmmm! I wonder if Ruger was thinking the same thing...........
MRR
MRR

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642-1, M&P15 TS

99% of shooters are not going to get greater accuracy out of a non-lined barrel vs a chrome lined barrel on an AR, especially a budget priced AR. No, Ruger did not do it for better accuracy, they did it because it is cheaper.

Besides, the Sport comes with a salt nitrided barrel, which is not a lining such as chrome and does not alter the sizing of the bore... So, you get the accuracy advantage of unlined (what little exists), plus the protection of the barrel. Win-win.

The first article you linked states "The bore is plated with harder chrome than the M16. This allows greater wear life (2 to 3 times M16) and lets us machine C9 barrels from the same barrel blank.", so yes they are chrome lined.

Yes, that is stated correctly. But, in the newer, updated version of the article it still reads,"FOR BETTER ACCURACY"..............
I already own the Sport 1. I chose the Ruger over the Sport 2 and bought the AR-556. Are you scared of change? You too can buy a Ruger. If you don't like the barrel, swap it for a S&W barrel.

Dude, I'm done. You think the Ruger is the bee's knees, and that is fine. I think there are better rifles than the Ruger for the money. I could buy a Ruger AR, but I won't due to my own experience and research. The unlined barrel, the wonky delta ring, and the exposed firing pin are not features that I want. Sure, you can replace all of that, but why? Buy the rifle that has the most features that you want.

For future reference...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/profile.php?do=ignorelist

(It's good for your blood pressure sometimes. )

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Nah, if I ignore folks, I might miss something!

I guess it's true. No matter what forum you are on, it's the internet and people will make the worst of a good situation.

But the Ruger delta ring is a great idea. The unlined barrel; honestly, do you think that either one of us would be able to wear out an unlined barrel? I did read somewhere that the Sport 2 barrel was nitraded (sp) ???????........isn't that what they coat the M&P with? And, the exposed firing pin, if it works, why knock it.
As you stated, buy the rifle that has the most features that YOU want. That, you and I can agree upon.
BTW, thanks for your service!

MattO, did you buy a Sport 2? If so, tell us about it. Give us a range report.
I am currently looking at buying a Bushnell TRS-25 sight for mine. Anyone else have one? Opinions?
Good luck on what you decide MattO.

I applaud your resolve, brother. Me, I've been a super moderator on another large website for about 16 years and am at a point in my life where I can only suffer fools to a certain degree...past that I avail myself of whatever respite the software can provide.

(It's a case where, at least in the current circumstances, ignorance (of follow-up posts) really is bliss. )

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Blues7, can you PM me a link to that site? Thanx!

I considered getting a Ruger and a sport ll. When I seen how hard the breakdown pins come out on the Ruger, I bought only the Sport ll. I decided to take the $500-600 I was gonna spend on the Ruger, and bought ammo instead.

Yeah, you're correct about that. I wonder why they made them that hard to press out?

Yes, I do think I could shoot out a barrel. My ARs are shot like my .22lr... plinking and many rounds per session, unlike my other rifles that are zeroed for hunting and fire maybe three shots a year after that. It is not a bench rest gun for me... I shoot more than 1 shot per second and do not allow the gun to cool between 5 shot groups.

The barrel on the Sport is salt nitrided... it is a metal treatment, not a coating. On a chrome lined barrel, the bore is drilled to a larger size to accommodate the thickness of the chrome lining. With salt nitride bath, the bore is cut to the proper size and then treated. The treatment uses heat and chemicals to change the molecular structure of the metal to increase hardness, yet does not affect the dimensions of the bore. Therefore, you gain hardness and protection over an unlined bore, without any of the theoretical accuracy loss of chrome lining. CHF is said to also add to hardness. Not sure which barrel will last longer, but in my experience, a nitrided barrel cleans easier.

As far as the delta ring, I agree, it was a neat idea. However, on the Ruger forums, I see many complaints of it gauling and seizing where it can not be turned by hand. The original design has been tested and proven for over 50 years.

With the exposed firing pin, the collar on the firing pin is being used to cock the hammer vs. the ramp on the bolt carrier. The firing pin is not nearly as beefy as the bolt carrier, and is therefore more prone to failure. The firing pin retaining pin is subject to more wear with this configuration. Not saying it doesn't work, but you should watch the wear. Colt and every other manufacturer have moved away from this design, as it was politically motivated, not innovation.

Again, not saying that the Ruger is bad... I just prefer Smith's offering at this price point. If I were buying today though, I would probably be looking at this... AC-15 5.56MM 16" MID-LENGTH RIFLE | Brownells

My Sport was tight when I first got it... they loosen up a little after a couple hundred rounds.

If I ever buy another AR, which I most likely will, I am going to go with my original idea before I EVER considering shooting all of those AR's at the range. I am going to build mine with ALL of the parts from Palmetto State Armory.
In a way, I do regret not going that route. But dangit, I let that darn Phoenix persuade me into bringing them home.
Ah well, C'est la vie!

Thanks everyone for the input. I went to a gun shop today, and held several different models and compared them. I'm still not 100% set on which one to get. But the range I am a member at has free rental for me, I just have to buy ammo from them.

Dang, my friend owns the LGS I deal with, and he charges me rental! Well, 1/2 price.

Indoor Range and Gun Sales-Top Gun Shooting Sports (MO) the range includes gun rental with all memberships. I've only ever rented 2 times, but it's nice to try out a gun before you spend hard earned money on it. It's how I ended up with my M&P 40c I carry every day.

My rear takedown pin on my Sport is still hard to push after hundreds and hundreds of rounds, I have to use a dowel to push it. I connected another upper to the Sport lower and it was much better, so it has to be the upper holes that are tight. No biggie though, I just need a pusher to get it started.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

OK so after saving up the cash this month, I picked one up at the LGS. I am heading to the range with it on Friday. So another new Sport 2 owner here.