Getting ready to buy a AR 15

[Magload]

I am going to buy a AR 15 from Smith and Wesson at Quantico Tactical Supply as I get the retired mil discount but can't decide between the Mid MOE or the OR. I will be using this gun mostly for bench rest shooting. My main criteria is the tightest group possible and I understand I will need a trigger upgrade of that and maybe a few other things. Which gun should I get. Both are are in my price range with the OR being cheaper and I can spend the savings on a good scope and a offset dot. My old eyes don't do open sights well anymore. Don

 

[Grjfer]

Of those 2, the mid moe for 1/8 5R barrel. You might also want to consider the 15T.
Product: Model M&P15T - 5.56 mm, Tactical

 

[bikendan]

I also recommend the 15T and I got mine from Quantico Tactical.
I had considered the OR but after doing some research, the 15T seemed to be the best choice for the money.

By the way, I love it.

 

[Magload]

I also recommend the 15T and I got mine from Quantico Tactical.
I had considered the OR but after doing some research, the 15T seemed to be the best choice for the money.

By the way, I love it.

Thanks I hadn't looked at the 15T as it wasn't showing on the Mil discount page but found it on the M&P page after you posted. it looks like it is covered by the discount. I will call them. Don

 

[Kadonny]

If you are looking for bench shooting and tighter groups, the MOE Mid is the one you want IMO. The 15T is more of a tactical rifle with the quad rail and all, not what you are really looking for per your post.

 

[Magload]

If you are looking for bench shooting and tighter groups, the MOE Mid is the one you want IMO. The 15T is more of a tactical rifle with the quad rail and all, not what you are really looking for per your post.

Yes I am after a bench rifle. I keep telling myself to get a bolt action target rifle but need to join the AR crowd. I then will be ready when the Zombies come looking for me. I carried ARs in the military but never had a scoped one or even optics. I have never cared for open sights so really never liked the rifle. Don

 

[Kadonny]

Yes I am after a bench rifle. I keep telling myself to get a bolt action target rifle but need to join the AR crowd. I then will be ready when the Zombies come looking for me. I carried ARs in the military but never had a scoped one or even optics. I have never cared for open sights so really never liked the rifle. Don

Not to diss S&W and all (I own one and love it) but have you looked at other manufacturers that have rifle length rifles? They would be even better for bench shooting with the longer barrel and all. I have a Colt AR15A4 and the thing is a tack driver at 200 yards. Just something to think about if you are not stuck on a S&W rifle.

 

[samnev]

I also recommend the 15T and I got mine from Quantico Tactical.
I had considered the OR but after doing some research, the 15T seemed to be the best choice for the money.

By the way, I love it.

Same here i'd opt for the 15T. I have one and it's a laser. Except for upgrading to a Geissele trigger which I did (the SSA-E) that's the only mod you need to do.

 

[Magload]

Not to diss S&W and all (I own one and love it) but have you looked at other manufacturers that have rifle length rifles? They would be even better for bench shooting with the longer barrel and all. I have a Colt AR15A4 and the thing is a tack driver at 200 yards. Just something to think about if you are not stuck on a S&W rifle.

I have looked at a lot of ARs and some customs that guarantee 1/2" at 100 yds but the price is hard to justify when I am just shooting tight groups for fun. There are a lot of other brands I like but it is hard to beat $775 on a S&W Mid Moe @ Quantico. Don

 

[jkasch]

FWIW, I love my mid moe. Same barrel as the Vtac and TS, I believe.

 

[Glockcubed]

I love my VTAC II. It was pricey, but worth it.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I am going to buy a AR 15 from Smith and Wesson at Quantico Tactical Supply as I get the retired mil discount but can't decide between the Mid MOE or the OR. I will be using this gun mostly for bench rest shooting. My main criteria is the tightest group possible and I understand I will need a trigger upgrade of that and maybe a few other things. Which gun should I get. Both are are in my price range with the OR being cheaper and I can spend the savings on a good scope and a offset dot. My old eyes don't do open sights well anymore. Don

Since the rifle is destined for an optic i'd say the "OR" is the way to go. Otherwise you'll likely soon convince yourself that the front sight on the MOE has to go, then you'll start thinking that if you're going to change the gas block maybe ought to think about a free float handguard... and so the project begins. And before long you'll be wondering why you didn't buy a more expensive gun to begin with. Get the OR, slap a scope on it and be don't with it.

 

[Magload]

Since the rifle is destined for an optic i'd say the "OR" is the way to go. Otherwise you'll likely soon convince yourself that the front sight on the MOE has to go, then you'll start thinking that if you're going to change the gas block maybe ought to think about a free float handguard... and so the project begins. And before long you'll be wondering why you didn't buy a more expensive gun to begin with. Get the OR, slap a scope on it and be don't with it.

You are probably right I can't leave anything stock but the MOE does have a better barrel then the OR. Don

 

[ROK]

Build your own!
Here's two I did last year->

Top
20" Lothar-Walter barrel, 1:8 rifling
A2 stock, Mega lower, Vltor upper, Noveske handguard, Geissele trigger.
Vortex 2.5-10x32 scope

Lower
10.5" Rainier barrel, 1:8 twist
Aero upper and lower, Sig brace, Noveske handguard, Geissele trigger.
Aimpoint T1 in Bobro mount

 

[MichiganScott]

On the same line as ROK's suggestion, the easiest way to shoot tiny groups with an AR is to buy the cheapest one you can find, install a good trigger, and have a good 'smith screw on a floated Krieger barrel. There's no guarantees in life, but OEM barrels can be a gamble, particularly with factory ammo.

 

[Rastoff]

I will be using this gun mostly for bench rest shooting. My main criteria is the tightest group possible...

If this is true, then there isn't even a choice. Neither will suit your purpose well. They both have drop in forearms. For ultimate accuracy, you'll want to change that to a free float anyway. When only the tightest group will do, a free float is the only way to go.

Having said that, there is a less expensive way to go. Buy a Sport and replace the forearm and barrel. A new Wilson match grade barrel will run about $275 and a good free float forearm is about $120. The Sport can be had for around $550, plus ~$400 in upgrades and you've got a really nice shooter that should be under 1/2 MOA which is really good for an AR.

Plus, there are other brands of barrels out there for less.

 

[MrG5122]

Bench shooting is fun. What kind of groups are you expecting? I have a couple of off-the-shelf AR's that can keep groups hovering around an inch at 100yds with factory ammo, a decent optic, and trigger control. If that's the kind of accuracy you're looking for either of your choices should suffice. The difference in 1" accuracy and <1/2" accuracy is measured in hundred dollar bills.

 

[Magload]

If this is true, then there isn't even a choice. Neither will suit your purpose well. They both have drop in forearms. For ultimate accuracy, you'll want to change that to a free float anyway. When only the tightest group will do, a free float is the only way to go.

Having said that, there is a less expensive way to go. Buy a Sport and replace the forearm and barrel. A new Wilson match grade barrel will run about $275 and a good free float forearm is about $120. The Sport can be had for around $550, plus ~$400 in upgrades and you've got a really nice shooter that should be under 1/2 MOA which is really good for an AR.

Plus, there are other brands of barrels out there for less.

Quantico has the Sport for $600 that would be a savings. Don

 

[Magload]

Bench shooting is fun. What kind of groups are you expecting? I have a couple of off-the-shelf AR's that can keep groups hovering around an inch at 100yds with factory ammo, a decent optic, and trigger control. If that's the kind of accuracy you're looking for either of your choices should suffice. The difference in 1" accuracy and <1/2" accuracy is measured in hundred dollar bills.

1" will do for a start my first money will be spent on a trigger and Scope. I have read that the barrel in the Moe is descent but will I be able to float the barrel on it. I know that is important from my younger days of varmint hunting with bolt actions?

 

[Rastoff]

Just about any AR will shoot 1MOA groups if you do your part, including the Sport. Sorry, I thought you were wanting something better than the average AR.