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  #1  
Old 05-18-2017, 09:11 PM
digitaleagle12 digitaleagle12 is offline
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Default M&P Sport II MLOCK vs Ruger 556

I'm looking to purchase my first AR-15. I already have the S&W 15-22 Magpul Slimline MOE edition and love the furniture on it. I also love the rifle.

My LGS has the M&P Sport II with the Magpul MLOCK hand guard on sale for $519. The Ruger 556 is $469.00. Both seem to be really competitive prices. I live in Florida.


The Springfield Saint is on sale for $719 and I really like the look and feel of the gun. The furniture on it is a definite upgrade form both the Sport and the Ruger. But, I'm not sure it's worth an extra $200 bucks for what I'm going to use it for. (Home defense and plinking at the range)

I figure I could upgrade the parts for less than that on either rifle, however it has a mid-length gas system which in theory, is supposed to have less recoil and easier on the rifle.

They have an Anderson basic AM-15 for $399 with no sites, which looks like a good gun, but........for a few bucks more I can get a Ruger or S&W. There aren't a lot of reviews on this rifle, but it looks decent. (Bare bones mind you, which I don't mind.)

I have done some research and know both the Ruger and the Sport II are good entry level rifles and are very comparable.

I figure if I bought the Magpul MLOCK hand guard and put it on the Ruger, it would probably end up being the same price as the Sport II, so I think both are priced virtually the same. (I like the MLOCK hand guard on the Sport II and would probably put it on the Ruger if I bought it)

The key difference I see is that the Ruger has a 1:8 twist barrel vs. 1:9 twist on the Sport. I've read on this forum that that won't make much difference for my use.

Both have A2 front sites and the Ruger has that special screw release for the hand guard and has serrations to reduce glare on the front site.

The Ruger has a little nicer grip. The Sport has a better rear site - (Magpul)

The Sport II has a better warranty, but I have always heard Ruger takes good care of their customers.

My question is, can you give me some other reasons to buy the Sport II over the Ruger?

Otherwise, it seems to be a toss up.

I saw the Nutnfancy review on the Ruger 556 and was a little concerned that the Ruger had trouble with the gun feeding steel case ammo out of the box, but that seemed to be a lubrication issue. Even so, the Sport didn't have a problem feeding anything. Both guns seem to have good accuracy reports. He seemed to think the trigger was better on the Sport.

I would likely replace the stock on both of them as they both rattle, which I don't like.

I wish they made a Sport II with the same slimline Magpul furniture I have on my 15-22 including the stock.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Decisions......decisions

Last edited by digitaleagle12; 05-18-2017 at 09:15 PM.
  #2  
Old 05-18-2017, 10:40 PM
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I would go with the Sport II simply because the Ruger has an unshrouded firing pin.
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Old 05-18-2017, 11:34 PM
digitaleagle12 digitaleagle12 is offline
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I would go with the Sport II simply because the Ruger has an unshrouded firing pin.
Didn't know that, thanks.
  #4  
Old 05-19-2017, 03:39 AM
Flash_80 Flash_80 is offline
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Go into it just assuming you will replace all of the furniture on either. I'm a biased Smith guy. Ruger makes the 10-22, the #1, the MK II/II/IV, and good single action revolvers. After that, I'm getting someone else's offering of whatever else they've delved into.
  #5  
Old 05-19-2017, 05:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by digitaleagle12 View Post
I'm looking to purchase my first AR-15. I already have the S&W 15-22 Magpul Slimline MOE edition and love the furniture on it. I also love the rifle.

My LGS has the M&P Sport II with the Magpul MLOCK hand guard on sale for $519. The Ruger 556 is $469.00. Both seem to be really competitive prices. I live in Florida.


The Springfield Saint is on sale for $719 and I really like the look and feel of the gun. The furniture on it is a definite upgrade form both the Sport and the Ruger. But, I'm not sure it's worth an extra $200 bucks for what I'm going to use it for. (Home defense and plinking at the range)

I figure I could upgrade the parts for less than that on either rifle, however it has a mid-length gas system which in theory, is supposed to have less recoil and easier on the rifle.

They have an Anderson basic AM-15 for $399 with no sites, which looks like a good gun, but........for a few bucks more I can get a Ruger or S&W. There aren't a lot of reviews on this rifle, but it looks decent. (Bare bones mind you, which I don't mind.)

I have done some research and know both the Ruger and the Sport II are good entry level rifles and are very comparable.

I figure if I bought the Magpul MLOCK hand guard and put it on the Ruger, it would probably end up being the same price as the Sport II, so I think both are priced virtually the same. (I like the MLOCK hand guard on the Sport II and would probably put it on the Ruger if I bought it)

The key difference I see is that the Ruger has a 1:8 twist barrel vs. 1:9 twist on the Sport. I've read on this forum that that won't make much difference for my use.

Both have A2 front sites and the Ruger has that special screw release for the hand guard and has serrations to reduce glare on the front site.

The Ruger has a little nicer grip. The Sport has a better rear site - (Magpul)

The Sport II has a better warranty, but I have always heard Ruger takes good care of their customers.

My question is, can you give me some other reasons to buy the Sport II over the Ruger?

Otherwise, it seems to be a toss up.

I saw the Nutnfancy review on the Ruger 556 and was a little concerned that the Ruger had trouble with the gun feeding steel case ammo out of the box, but that seemed to be a lubrication issue. Even so, the Sport didn't have a problem feeding anything. Both guns seem to have good accuracy reports. He seemed to think the trigger was better on the Sport.

I would likely replace the stock on both of them as they both rattle, which I don't like.

I wish they made a Sport II with the same slimline Magpul furniture I have on my 15-22 including the stock.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Decisions......decisions
I live in "too land" also. Where do they have the Ruger 556 for that price?
  #6  
Old 05-19-2017, 06:29 AM
JaxMike01 JaxMike01 is offline
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I was in the same boat as you, I'm in FL as well BTW. I just pulled the trigger on the Sport ll from Gun Buyer in Daytona. They have it for $497.00 and free shipping. You have to pay tax but the final cost was $530.00.
I went with the MP for a couple reasons, first the warranty and reputation of SW. Ruger has a great rep as well but I already own other SW pistols. Also along with the shrouded firing pin the Sport has a chrome lined barrel and bolt carrier. Should last much longer. That being said I had a tough time deciding as well. I shot the Ruger at the range and loved it. I'm hoping for as good or better from the MP.


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Old 05-19-2017, 06:53 AM
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Either one is a good choice. I own the Sport I and the Ruger AR-556. There is a story behind my AR-556, but it's too long to explain.
Cyphertext is correct about the BCG. But, I replaced mine with a PSA Premium (non logo) BCG. I am using my AR-556 BCG in an AR build I am currently working on.
A better AR to look into is the Bushmaster Patrolman. It's on sale for $499 (after $150 instant rebate). And, it has a chrome lined 1/9 barrel. IMO, that rife is equivalent to the Colt LE6920. The only difference in them is the Colts 1/7 twist barrel and the Bushmaster has a carry handle on it. Oh, and paying all of that extra money for a Gelding stamped on it.
If it were me I would look around a little bit more. There are A LOT of entry level AR's out there that have risen to the top here lately.
Also, a sports writer/shooter did a survey/test on (5) entry level AR's that "he thought" were the best. He chose the Sport II as the best. I made a post here about it but didn't realize the article was a few years old. As I stated earlier, there have been (IMH0) better AR's that have came along since that article was written.
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  #8  
Old 05-19-2017, 07:16 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JaxMike01 View Post
the Sport has a chrome lined barrel and bolt carrier. Should last much longer.


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The Sport doesn't have a chrome lined barrel or BCG. The barrel is melonite coated and the BCG has the standard coating.
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Old 05-19-2017, 08:59 AM
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They are both good guns. Buy the one that has the hand guard you like. I have a Sport 2, and a cheaper Del Ton Sport. Both have been very reliable. I shoot mostly steel cased ammo, and the Del Ton has had the occasional stuck case that was difficult to eject. Very rare (twice in several thousand rounds), but a pain when it happens.

I'll reiterate what Kadonny said, the bore is not chrome lined on either. Most tests show that the benefits of a chrome lined barrel are mostly psychological - it "sounds" like it should be better, but it really isn't.

The difference in twist rate doesn't matter unless you are shooting bullets heavier than 69 grain, and that is unlikely for your stated uses. The unshrouded firing pin on the Ruger is unlikely to be an issue, either.

If you're going to change the hand guard on the Ruger, then just get the Smith.
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Old 05-19-2017, 09:27 AM
cyphertext cyphertext is offline
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Originally Posted by TX-Dennis View Post
The unshrouded firing pin on the Ruger is unlikely to be an issue, either.
With a shrouded firing pin, it will never be an issue... The carrier cocks the hammer as originally designed.
  #11  
Old 05-19-2017, 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by TX-Dennis View Post
They are both good guns. Buy the one that has the hand guard you like. I have a Sport 2, and a cheaper Del Ton Sport. Both have been very reliable. I shoot mostly steel cased ammo, and the Del Ton has had the occasional stuck case that was difficult to eject. Very rare (twice in several thousand rounds), but a pain when it happens.

I'll reiterate what Kadonny said, the bore is not chrome lined on either. Most tests show that the benefits of a chrome lined barrel are mostly psychological - it "sounds" like it should be better, but it really isn't.

The difference in twist rate doesn't matter unless you are shooting bullets heavier than 69 grain, and that is unlikely for your stated uses. The unshrouded firing pin on the Ruger is unlikely to be an issue, either.

If you're going to change the hand guard on the Ruger, then just get the Smith.
I agree. I researched both when looking for a lower cost AR style rifle. I found them both to be comparable. In the end. I made my choice based on cost and purchased the Ruger AR556 on sale for $455. So far the Ruger has been great.
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Old 05-19-2017, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Kadonny View Post
The Sport doesn't have a chrome lined barrel or BCG. The barrel is melonite coated and the BCG has the standard coating.


From the SW web site.
Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the new rifle has been fitted with a 16-inch barrel comprised of 4140 steel with a 1 in 9-inch twist. For added longevity, the rifle features a durable corrosion resistant ArmorniteM&P Sport II MLOCK vs Ruger 556 finish along with a chrome-lined bolt carrier, gas key and firing pin.

Could have sworn I also read chrome lined barrel as well...
Anyway, I'll give you that one.


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Old 05-19-2017, 10:43 AM
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I live in "too land" also. Where do they have the Ruger 556 for that price?
Florida Gun & Exchange in Port Orange or Daytona Beach FL - Sale is on through the end of next week.
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Old 05-19-2017, 10:56 AM
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Thanks everyone for all the advice. It confirms to me what I thought all along.

Both guns are good and it really comes down to personal preference. I'm leaning towards the Sport II as I would likely change out the hand guard and it comes with the Magpul hand guard already.

I'll also most likely change out the stock and hand grip with Magpuls. Even after doing the upgrades, it should still come in under the price of the Saint.

If the Saint were priced about $50 less, it would be very tempting. I really like the Bravo Company furniture on that rifle.

Last edited by digitaleagle12; 05-19-2017 at 10:58 AM.
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Old 05-19-2017, 11:01 AM
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You probably saw something like this "Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel with a XXX corrosion resistant finish" This is not the same as a Chrome lined barrel. It confused me at first as well.


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Originally Posted by JaxMike01 View Post
From the SW web site.
Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the new rifle has been fitted with a 16-inch barrel comprised of 4140 steel with a 1 in 9-inch twist. For added longevity, the rifle features a durable corrosion resistant ArmorniteM&P Sport II MLOCK vs Ruger 556 finish along with a chrome-lined bolt carrier, gas key and firing pin.

Could have sworn I also read chrome lined barrel as well...
Anyway, I'll give you that one.


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Old 05-19-2017, 11:06 AM
digitaleagle12 digitaleagle12 is offline
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Brings me to another question on the Saint. Since the Saint is about $200 more than the Sport, has the BC furniture which I like on it already, mid-length gas system and nickel boron trigger. Is this worth an extra $100 bucks over the Sport II after I pay for my own Magpul upgrades?

I know the Saint also has a little harder barrel material (4150 vs 4140 steel) and has a 1:8 twist rate instead of 1:9. (But I doubt that would make much difference in my use)

I know a lot of folks aren't too crazy about Springfield right now due to their Illinois politics, but I have an XDS 9mm pistol which has been rock solid.

I've heard some horror stories on Springfield's customer service which concern's me a bit.

I own a S&W 15-22 and a .22 Compact. I have had trouble with both right from the start. MY 15-22 had FTF/FTE issues where the extractor had to be replaced and the .22 compact needed a new barrel as it was shooting high. So, my experience with S&W hasn't been stellar so far.

Any other opinions on the Springfield Saint as a value proposition?

Last edited by digitaleagle12; 05-19-2017 at 02:41 PM.
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Old 05-19-2017, 11:27 AM
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If you like the Saint just the way it is out of the box, then I would go that route over buying the Sport and changing out furniture. The mid length gas system and twist rate would be worth it to me. Can't comment on the trigger, as I haven't shot one.
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Old 05-19-2017, 02:47 PM
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When you add up all the extras the Saint has over the Sport II and Ruger, it is a good value. I like the fact that I don't have to do any modifications on it out of the box.

It also has an M16 BCG which is beefier than the others.

I might wait a while to see if the price on the Saint comes down even further. I think a lot of people are boycotting SA right now due to the politics with the State of Illinois and the 2cnd amendment issues which might increase their inventory.


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Originally Posted by cyphertext View Post
If you like the Saint just the way it is out of the box, then I would go that route over buying the Sport and changing out furniture. The mid length gas system and twist rate would be worth it to me. Can't comment on the trigger, as I haven't shot one.
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Old 05-19-2017, 03:26 PM
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If I had to choose today, from all the feedback I received, I would buy the Smith & Wesson Sport II with the MLOCK hand guard. I think it is the best value of the bunch.

I am a little concerned about the unshrouded firing pin on the Ruger, which could be a reliability issue down the road. I have also seen more QC issues reported in general on the Ruger than the Sport.

I can upgrade the stock and grip for well under $100 and still be in the $600+ price range total for the Sport II, which was what people were paying just a year ago without the upgrades. I also like the assurance of the S&W warranty better.

I did have some initial teething problems with my other two S&W firearms, but when pressed, S&W made them right.

As much as I like the Saint, I think it is a little over priced for what I'm looking for in a rifle. If it was in the $600 price range, I'd have to seriously consider it.

Anyway, looks like I'm going to purchase the M&P Sport II this week.

Thanks again for all the feedback. I'm starting to grow my family of S&W firearms.

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Old 05-19-2017, 06:14 PM
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As much as I like the Saint, I think it is a little over priced for what I'm looking for in a rifle. If it was in the $600 price range, I'd have to seriously consider it.
I think you will be kicking yourself later on down the road for settling on one rifle because of $100 less price...

And one other plus for the Saint... comes with a hard case vs. cardboard box.
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Old 05-19-2017, 07:16 PM
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I know you asked for an opinion between the S&W and the Ruger but I've always thought the Colt 6920 OEM carbine was a pretty good deal at $650.

I wasn't a huge fan of the Colt rifles when they went to all of the non-standard parts back in the 80's but the new ones are about as mil-spec as you will find. I also kind of think it's just sort of cool that the lower is marked "M4 Carbine".

Colt LE6920 OEM AR-15 Rifle 5.56mm 16in Black No Furniture

Yes, you'll have to get the furniture you want for the one in the link but chances are you'll end up swapping out the furniture on one of the other ones anyways.

Not trying to start an argument and I am sort of an AR snob, but buying a S&W or Ruger AR-15 is kind of like buying a Taurus or a Rossi revolver instead of a S&W. Sure they're cheaper and they look a lot like their more expensive counterparts but it just isn't the same.
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Old 05-19-2017, 07:25 PM
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I'm a believer in chrome lined barrels for ARs if you're going to shoot much. Furniture is changeable; barrels, not so easily.

I have a Bushmaster with a chrome lined barrel that has thousands of rounds through it...no problems at all.

By the way, I'm not a fan of steel cased ammo. Steel on steel in my bolts and chambers is a no-no. Just my opinion...shoot what you want, just practice!.
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Old 05-19-2017, 09:16 PM
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I know you asked for an opinion between the S&W and the Ruger but I've always thought the Colt 6920 OEM carbine was a pretty good deal at $650.

I wasn't a huge fan of the Colt rifles when they went to all of the non-standard parts back in the 80's but the new ones are about as mil-spec as you will find. I also kind of think it's just sort of cool that the lower is marked "M4 Carbine".

Colt LE6920 OEM AR-15 Rifle 5.56mm 16in Black No Furniture

Yes, you'll have to get the furniture you want for the one in the link but chances are you'll end up swapping out the furniture on one of the other ones anyways.

Not trying to start an argument and I am sort of an AR snob, but buying a S&W or Ruger AR-15 is kind of like buying a Taurus or a Rossi revolver instead of a S&W. Sure they're cheaper and they look a lot like their more expensive counterparts but it just isn't the same.
This really isn't a bad way to go, since you are talking about changing out furniture... and if the Colt plus furniture is out of your price range, there are a few other OEM rifles available.
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Old 05-19-2017, 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by BigDog48 View Post
I'm a believer in chrome lined barrels for ARs if you're going to shoot much. Furniture is changeable; barrels, not so easily.

I have a Bushmaster with a chrome lined barrel that has thousands of rounds through it...no problems at all.

By the way, I'm not a fan of steel cased ammo. Steel on steel in my bolts and chambers is a no-no. Just my opinion...shoot what you want, just practice!.
Salt nitriding (Melonite, Armornite, etc.) is showing to hold up quite well in civilian rifles.

As far as steel cased ammo, it's not the steel case that does any harm. Hornady makes steel cased ammo as well...
  #25  
Old 05-19-2017, 09:52 PM
digitaleagle12 digitaleagle12 is offline
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Now all you guys are getting me re-thinking everything again.

I'm in no real hurry to get a rifle, but the sale will be ending the end of next week and I have the itch.

I know there will always be another sale around the corner and with more an more competition, prices aren't likely to increase.

I heard chrome lined barrels are easier to clean but maybe at the expense of some accuracy? I also heard that you probably won't wear your barrel out with recreational shooting no matter what you have.

I know Colt is the standard most AR's are measured against but I heard their customer service isn't so good. I have no experience with them, but know they build a tank like rifle.

If I'm using it mainly for home defense and range use, I don't think I really need a $1000+ priced AR.

I'm still struggling with liking the Saint for a little more money and might wait to see if the price comes down on it later on.

Right now, I'm short on funding and might decide to save up for a while.

I also know you can always wait and with that philosophy, never have anything.

If I had to make a decision right now, which I don't, I would still buy the Sport II.

Last edited by digitaleagle12; 05-19-2017 at 09:54 PM.
  #26  
Old 05-19-2017, 11:42 PM
JaxMike01 JaxMike01 is offline
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I mainly went with the Sport ll with the thought that it will be my first AR and the one I can learn with. My plan all along is to eventually build one. But this will do for now.


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  #27  
Old 05-20-2017, 01:37 AM
Disabled1 Disabled1 is offline
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OP, after all that you have stated, I think the SAINT is in your future. I too like the BCM furniture. When the SAINT first came out I called BCM about ordering that same furniture for my AR-556. They stated it was not ready to sell to the public just yet. So, I added both a Black MOE stock and an MOE-SL handguard.
  #28  
Old 05-20-2017, 04:36 AM
C J C J is offline
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Quote:
I've heard some horror stories on Springfield's customer service which concern's me a bit.
If that's true it's certainly a lot different than the treatment I got from SA. I bought an .40 caliber XDm pistol from a LGS for a seriously discounted price because it had serious feeding issues. I figured SA would help me out even though I bought the pistol used and it was old enough to be out of warranty. And they did. SA fixed it and they did it for free. I only paid to ship it to them. I got it back in about a month too which was pretty amazing.

That is my carry pistol still after about 5 years. It shoots and handles great. It isn't as accurate as my Sig but few pistols are. It's plenty accurate enough. And it holds 16+1 rounds of .40. That's pretty hard to turn away from.

Last edited by C J; 05-20-2017 at 04:40 AM.
  #29  
Old 05-20-2017, 08:53 AM
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My advice is to buy the rifle you want regardless of price. Purchasing an AR is not a money savings event, and the price of these rifles is typically dwarfed by the dollars spent on ammo, optics and extras.

Sounds like you want a mid length gas system. If so, make that a criteria for purchase and don't look back.

Happy AR hunting.
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  #30  
Old 05-20-2017, 09:55 AM
C J C J is offline
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Quote:
the price of these rifles is typically dwarfed by the dollars spent on ammo, optics and extras.
I've spent as much as 8X more for ammo in just one year than the purchase price of the rifle I ran it through. That was just for one gun. I shot several others often that year also.

Last edited by C J; 05-20-2017 at 09:57 AM.
  #31  
Old 05-20-2017, 10:38 AM
digitaleagle12 digitaleagle12 is offline
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That's really good to hear! I have to say my experience with S&W wasn't the best.

The two products I bought new over the past six months both had problems from the factory. My .22 Compact had a defective barrel and a bad mag catch. My 15-22 had a problem with the extractor. My .22 compact was received at the S&W factory for two weeks with no notification to me. I called several times and was told they had no record of the gun. I was told that when they received it it would be at least 6-8 weeks to get it repaired. I then had to call and complain to a supervisor, who found the gun and agreed to get it back to me in 3 weeks.

My 15-22 was having constant FTF's and FTE's on all kinds of ammo. I was going to send it back but decided to try the Volquartsen extractor instead first. This completely solved the problem for me.

So, it really makes you wonder if S&W's QC is going down hill and that people are sending new guns back to them in droves do to all the defects.

Quote:
Originally Posted by C J View Post
If that's true it's certainly a lot different than the treatment I got from SA. I bought an .40 caliber XDm pistol from a LGS for a seriously discounted price because it had serious feeding issues. I figured SA would help me out even though I bought the pistol used and it was old enough to be out of warranty. And they did. SA fixed it and they did it for free. I only paid to ship it to them. I got it back in about a month too which was pretty amazing.

That is my carry pistol still after about 5 years. It shoots and handles great. It isn't as accurate as my Sig but few pistols are. It's plenty accurate enough. And it holds 16+1 rounds of .40. That's pretty hard to turn away from.
  #32  
Old 05-20-2017, 10:39 AM
digitaleagle12 digitaleagle12 is offline
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You may be right. Thanks


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Originally Posted by Disabled1 View Post
OP, after all that you have stated, I think the SAINT is in your future. I too like the BCM furniture. When the SAINT first came out I called BCM about ordering that same furniture for my AR-556. They stated it was not ready to sell to the public just yet. So, I added both a Black MOE stock and an MOE-SL handguard.
  #33  
Old 05-20-2017, 10:42 AM
digitaleagle12 digitaleagle12 is offline
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Yes, I guess they are bullet feeding devices eh? You are right that you will spend a lot more on the ammo than the gun in the long run, but you still get the bill you have to pay for the gun after you put it on your Credit Card. You buy the bullets in incremental charges, which doesn't hurt your wallet as much on each bill.


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Originally Posted by C J View Post
I've spent as much as 8X more for ammo in just one year than the purchase price of the rifle I ran it through. That was just for one gun. I shot several others often that year also.
  #34  
Old 05-20-2017, 10:46 AM
digitaleagle12 digitaleagle12 is offline
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Thanks for the advice. You are exactly right, but I keep getting in trouble with the wife (boss) on these purchases. I've been using the philosophy of purchasing first and asking forgiveness vs. permission.....LOL

I'm not sure I "need" a mid-length gas system, but I have heard they are a little smoother shooting and easier on the gun.

Overall, I really like how the Saint is configured right out of the box and it isn't a lot more money considering I'd want to upgrade either the Ruger or the Sport II.

Maybe I just got unlucky, but when S&W is taking more than 6-8 weeks right now to turn around repairs, it really makes me wonder.

I've got the itch to buy an AR, but in the end, I just might wait, save up some more bucks and purchase a better gun.

Right now I'm considering waiting until this Fall to buy one and hoping the Saint will drop some more in price.

What gives me pause on the S&W Sport II is their QC. I've purchased my first two S&W products over the past six months and both have had defects from the factory that have had to be repaired.

Maybe I just got unlucky, but it really makes me wonder when S&W is quoting 6-8 weeks now for warranty repairs.

I am now thinking about waiting until this Fall, saving up some money and purchasing a more expensive rifle. The Saint is certainly still under consideration and I may look at the Colt and other rifles as well.

I appreciate all the helpful advice, this is a great forum for new gun owners like me.







Quote:
Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil View Post
My advice is to buy the rifle you want regardless of price. Purchasing an AR is not a money savings event, and the price of these rifles is typically dwarfed by the dollars spent on ammo, optics and extras.

Sounds like you want a mid length gas system. If so, make that a criteria for purchase and don't look back.

Happy AR hunting.

Last edited by digitaleagle12; 05-20-2017 at 10:54 AM.
  #35  
Old 05-20-2017, 01:59 PM
C J C J is offline
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Quote:
you have to pay for the gun after you put it on your Credit Card
That would be the reason I never buy anything on a credit card. Those things will eat you alive. I've missed out on some seriously good deals because I refused to do that but in the long run it worked out better.
  #36  
Old 05-20-2017, 06:25 PM
digitaleagle12 digitaleagle12 is offline
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You are right - but we always pay them off to avoid any interest charges. I also benefit from the 2% I get back from using the card. Right now, the boss in the home is putting the foot down on any new gun purchases.

Looks like I am going to have to wait until the funding looks better.

Quote:
Originally Posted by C J View Post
That would be the reason I never buy anything on a credit card. Those things will eat you alive. I've missed out on some seriously good deals because I refused to do that but in the long run it worked out better.
  #37  
Old 05-21-2017, 02:31 AM
Flash_80 Flash_80 is offline
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They will eat you up if you aren't responsible enough with them. Thats pretty much why they exist I believe. My family has paid nearly every expense for the last 3 years on some kind of rewards card, but I'm in charge of expenses and I monitor the balance daily and pay it off during the week online to stay in control of the budget. Almost like a check register that I'm not having to physically write down.

With the rewards junk, we had a Disney card that we ended up with $1050 that we used on all expenses on a Disney trip last spring. I paid $4 out of my own pocket the entire week towards basically any of the overpriced junk you could get there for a family of 5. Food, drinks, souveneirs, whatever. Made that ridiculous vacation affordable as everything at Disney is ludicrous expensive.

After that I got a Cabelas card and 2 weeks ago put $550 towards a Browning Hi Power that also gained back an additional $260 in Cabelas points on that purchase during a special deal (5X club points at 5%= 25% points gained).

Its just whether or not that kind of thing is for someone or not. I'm a meticulous freak on the budget so it works out for me.
  #38  
Old 05-21-2017, 10:04 AM
digitaleagle12 digitaleagle12 is offline
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I think it is easy to spend more when you have a CC as you can justify buying something "now" instead of waiting for it. However, you still have to pay it in 30 days or less, or you are going to spend a lot more for what you just bought.

We use reward cards to buy just about everything, but always budget to pay them off when they are due to avoid the interest.

For example: I have an AE Blue Rewards card that pays me 6% for every purchase at grocery stores and 3% at gas stations and department stores. That really adds up. Yes, I have to pay $75.00 a year for the card, but I get more than $400 back. I have another card that pays 2% for everything else I buy.

Even so, I"ll bet most people spend more using credit cards than they would if they paid cash. They can be very dangerous if you aren't disciplined.

As much as I would like to drop $750+ on an AR-15, I know I can't afford it right now and will wait.

It's interesting to me that gun merchants don't seem to offer 90 day same as cash financing or 12 months with free interest offers. If they did, I'd probably be buying that new gun right now.

Last edited by digitaleagle12; 05-21-2017 at 10:07 AM.
  #39  
Old 05-21-2017, 10:11 AM
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The Lounge is better suited to general discussion about credit cards and grocery store purchase reward points.

Since the OP has made his decision to wait for another time... we'll move long.

Last edited by ChattanoogaPhil; 05-21-2017 at 10:13 AM.
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