Dilemma: M&P 15 Sport for $699 or M&P 15 OR for $799

[texit]

I planned on picking up the M&P 15 Sport on Thursday for $699, but I found another place that has the M&P 15 Optics Ready for $799.

What would you guys go for? If I get the Optics Ready gun will a rear Magpul sight work ok? What can I use for the front sight on the gas block?

$799 for the OR seems like a great deal.

 

[texit]

Wow. I had no idea iron sights were so expensive.

 

[Breechloader]

I would get the OR if you plan to use a scope/red dot.
The sport if going with iron sights.
If you are going to use both then it would depend if you care about the differences,forward assist,dust cover,chromed bolt carrier/barrel.If not get the sport.

 

[JaPes]

Wow. I had no idea iron sights were so expensive.

Yup. A good set of iron sights need not be expensive to get something good. If you do decide to get the OR, decide on what optic (red dot, ACOG, magnified scope) that you want to mount first. Then choose your iron sights to be compatible.

Do you want folding sights & co-witness them to your dot? Do you want to mount a magnified optic, then a set of 45-degree canted sights?

This way you roll the AR to use your irons, and they don't get the way of your optic.

You can mount whatever you want on the rear. The front sight that you mount onto the gas block will take some thought. Since the gas block can get hot, polymer front sights are not recommended. If you do a mag dump, the gas block will get hot enough to melt polymer. If your pace of fire isn't enough to get the block too hot, you might be able to get away with a polymer front sight.

As to the 15-Sport v.s. 15-OR, it's up to you. They're both great rifles.

OR = forward assist, dust cover, railed gas block, chrome lined chamber & bore, 1:9 twist rate, M4 profile barrel.

Sport = "F" marked A2 front sight, Magpul folding rear sight, straight barrel, Melonite treated chamber & bore, 1:85R progressive gain rifling.

IMO, is a forward assist & dust cover important to you? I'm don't intend the question to be condescending. If the ideal image of an AR in your head includes a forward assist & dust cover and you want them, spend the extra $100 + $ for sights to get the OR. You'll be happier.

Whichever one you choose will become a money pit. Enjoy!

 

[texit]

Can I mount the Bushnell TRS-25 on the OR without any iron sights to start off with? I will add iron sights within a month or two.

This is the Bushnell TRS-25: Amazon.com: Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 1xRed Dot Sight Riflescope: Sports & Outdoors

If I do put on the Bushnell TRS-25, what riser do I need?

 

[MPDC]

I have a scoped OR with Troy folders but honestly, I first had a Vortex red dot with the Troy BUIS. I have never used the BUIS after zeroing (originally absolute co witnessed with the red dot).

I would not have bought them to go with my Nikon M223 because I simply don't need them at the range and don't anticipate combat at this late stage of my youth.

My advice is decide how you will use the rifle and buy the best optic you can afford. Consider BUIS IF you decide to go with a QR optic mount or will have an actual need for irons in an emergency or just like open sights.

 

[texit]

The rifle will be used as a plinker. I appreciate all of the advice everyone. I am considering the 15 Optics Ready since it is such a good deal.

I guess my question is, can I get the OR model and add the Bushnell TRS-25 and be ok for plinking? I will add buis later on.

 

[cyphertext]

I was faced with a similar deal, and could have gotten a good deal on an OR model, but I chose the Sport. Mainly because I wanted the 1:8 twist so that I could fire the longer, heavier bullets for hog hunting. In reality, either one would probably have met my needs.

You certainly can start with a red dot on the OR model. There is nothing that says you must have iron sights. If it is just a plinking and range gun, then all that will happen is your day of shooting might end early if the battery dies.

 

[JaPes]

Can I mount the Bushnell TRS-25 on the OR without any iron sights to start off with?

Sure can! The irons are just for back-up in case your optic fails. Since you're just plinking at the range, the only thing an optic failure will do is prematurely end your range session.

IMO, you should still learn to shoot iron sights well. When you do, a dot becomes a convenience not a necessity.

If I do put on the Bushnell TRS-25, what riser do I need?

I don't think you'll need one. The rail on the upper receiver is the same height as the rail on the gas block.

 

[JaPes]

I was faced with a similar deal, and could have gotten a good deal on an OR model, but I chose the Sport. Mainly because I wanted the 1:8 twist so that I could fire the longer, heavier bullets for hog hunting.

There's something I didn't consider. If I can get the time, I want to go on a hog-hunt vacation. Nice to know that my Sport will do the job.

 

[cyphertext]

The height of the riser will depend on if you want absolute co-witness or lower 1/3 co-witness with the iron sights you choose.

And if you are interested in a set of Matech rear sights, ask Oneyeopn about them. He had a good deal on them.

 

[DEG]

If you only consider retail value $799 is a good price for the optics ready M&P 15, but $699 is high for the Sport. However, I still don't see the chrome-lined barrel, bolt assist, dust cover and removable trigger guard as being worth $100 more.

 

[cyphertext]

There's something I didn't consider. If I can get the time, I want to go on a hog-hunt vacation. Nice to know that my Sport will do the job.

Dude, the way you shoot, you could put the 55 grainers in their ear and drop them. Me...I'll probably stick with the scoped 30-06.

 

[darksideemt]

In my opinion, I would go with the sport. I have one and use it for the same reason you want one. Since it already comes with a good set of sites out of the box you can start plinking. Take the $100 you save and put towards your scope or red dot. I agree with usuing something that co-witnesses and learning to use the iron sites. Just my 2 cents, good luck and happy shooting!

 

[JaPes]

Dude, the way you shoot, you could put the 55 grainers in their ear and drop them. Me...I'll probably stick with the scoped 30-06.

ROTFL! I'd probably end up jerking the trigger because all I'm thinking of is how tasty BBQ wild hog is.

I shot a friend's bolt action, polymer stock, scoped Savage rifle chambered in 30-06, and it kicked my butt. I know... I know... I just have to get used to it, but I'd rather shoot 3" high-power rifled slugs out of my Benelli SuperNova.

 

[Kodiakco]

While I was waiting for my Sport the LGS got in an OR. I jumped on it! Personally I don't have BUIS, just the TRS-25 on a UTG .83 raiser. A couple of things on irons. If your gonna run optics why spend the money on BUIS for range and plinking only? Now if your gonna use it to defend yourself or others you may want to consider them. I just don't see "learning" irons as giving you any advantage to using optics. I do have to admit that I am well versed in the use of irons. BTW, make sure extra batteries are part of your range kit.

 

[texit]

While I was waiting for my Sport the LGS got in an OR. I jumped on it! Personally I don't have BUIS, just the TRS-25 on a UTG .83 raiser. A couple of things on irons. If your gonna run optics why spend the money on BUIS for range and plinking only? Now if your gonna use it to defend yourself or others you may want to consider them. I just don't see "learning" irons as giving you any advantage to using optics. I do have to admit that I am well versed in the use of irons. BTW, make sure extra batteries are part of your range kit.

Thanks for the response. Is there anything I need to know about mounting the TRS-25 on the raiser? This is my first AR15. Any extra information regarding your TRS-25/Raiser is more than appreciated. I have never mounted an optic.

This is if I get the OR. I am going to buy one of the two this coming Thursday. If I find a Sport, I'll get it. If I don't find one, or one that is in good shape I'll go with the OR. Cheaper than Dirt Outdoor adventures in Fort Worth said he had a weeks supply of the OR model.

 

[JaPes]

Texit... sounds like you want the OR more. Get the OR.

 

[DesertFox]

1-4x instead of red dot

I posted this over in a different thread; after numerous red dots, a 1-4x is now my preferred optic. Works with or without batteries. Co-witness at 1x; ability to go to 4x for 200-300 yards.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifle/245141-whats-your-latest-purchase-2.html#post136504305

 

[texit]

Texit... sounds like you want the OR more. Get the OR.

With this being my first AR15, I'm not sure what I want. I just want a quality gun with a good warranty. Both of these seem to achieve that.