Why do people keep buying Sport IIs and then modifying them?

[hdwhit]

WVSig wrote:
So educate me why are people still buying Sport IIs?

I'll join you in the classroom. I have two Sport IIs and they are just as stock, standard as the day I bought them.

 

[Arik]

So its cheap is the reason to buy but so are a lot of other rifles... which in the end would be cheaper. When the Sport II was $500 this was the same with better specs and if you are only going to change the furniture out later a better value.

OEM MID-LENGTH 16" RIFLE | Brownells

This is a relatively new idea. To ship a rifle without handguard or stock. Don't know who thought it up first but I started seeing Colts this way in gun stores about 6 months ago or so

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[Ricrock]

I'll tell you why I bought a Sport II and then modified the hell out of it. I was new to the AR platform, and although there was a lot of conversation on these forums about brands that to me (NOOB), were unknown! I had never heard of Daniel Design, Aero, Anderson, Palmetto, Radical, BCM and others, but I had heard of Smith & Wesson and Colt. I had S&W revolvers and handguns, and the Sport was priced right for me, about 40% cheaper than the Colt, with a warranty and I knew in my heart, it would work. I wasn't sure of the other unknown brands.

So I bought the Sport, and I love it. Sure I have put a lot of money into it, but it's been fun, and I knew I still had a reputable brand firearm!

Now, many months later I know there are other options, but honestly when I was new, I didn't trust them.

So I have my S&W, I'm happy and I feel like it is original to me!

Now I'm playing with a S&W M&P 15-22. I already have a "tactical" Ruger 10/22. but I always liked the design of the S&W.

And yes, I'm pouring money into it too. But, I'm having a blast doing it!

Rick

 

[vonn]

Interesting thread. Every option known to man is available for AR platforms and obviously the consumers spend a lot. Doesn't have to make sense if people like it and are willing to pay to play and are having fun with what they buy. Enjoy it in the form you prefer!

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Most of the time is seems to revolve around the A2 post and the handguards

It's true that there's a ton of postings from folks seeking information about concerns with the A2 front sight on their Sport. They've come to the right place . That said, I'm not sure that of all the Sports S&W sells more than a small fraction don't still retain the front sight. Satisfied buyers.

In order for something like the Aero Precision to be attractive a buyer would first need to know that they could not find precisely what they wanted already configured and understand the costs involved and possess the know-how. That's a fairly sophisticated buyer in terms of a specific firearms purchase. I certainly wasn't when I purchased my first AR.

So if the question was -- Why do people who know they want to remove and A2 front sight buy a rifle with an A2 front sight, I'd say that's an excellent question but I doubt that's the overriding scheme of things. My guess is that a lot of folks who end up replacing the A2 front sight initially recognized the S&W brand name, found the price and warranty attractive then clicked the buy button and let the learning curve begin.

 

[cyphertext]

My guess is that a lot of folks who end up replacing the A2 front sight initially recognized the S&W brand name, found the price and warranty attractive then clicked the buy button and let the learning curve begin.

Agree 100%. You don't know what you don't know when you first start out with an AR. Attractive price from a brand name manufacturer make the Sport the perfect gateway rifle.

 

[WVSig]

So if the question was -- Why do people who know they want to remove and A2 front sight buy a rifle with an A2 front sight, I'd say that's an excellent question but I doubt that's the overriding scheme of things. My guess is that a lot of folks who end up replacing the A2 front sight initially recognized the S&W brand name, found the price and warranty attractive then clicked the buy button and let the learning curve begin.

I understand the learning curve, name recognition and price point being the motivation behind many of the people purchasing the Sport II. Really I get it but I see so many people who are making the modifications after so few rounds down the pipe. Guns that have not even really been broken in.

It seems like, and maybe I am wrong, the owners start the modification process before then even really understand why they are doing them or what they want to achieve by doing them. Maybe its just my impression. So many people go don't seem to really know what they are trying to accomplish by changing the rifle. It seems like most of the time they are looking to make a cosmetic change vs a real change in the functionality of the rifle.

If they did not like the cosmetics of the rifle right out of the box why did they choose this rifle? When I am at the range it seems like the people shooting their AR15 don't shoot modified AR15s any better than a basic setup like a Sport II. Function and use does not seem to be driving configuration and gear.

In order for something like the Aero Precision to be attractive a buyer would first need to know that they could not find precisely what they wanted already configured and understand the costs involved and possess the know-how. That's a fairly sophisticated buyer in terms of a specific firearms purchase. I certainly wasn't when I purchased my first AR.

This maybe true that the Aero OEM rifle and others of the same nature have more appeal to a knowledgeable buyer but it doesn't always mean it is not a new buyer. The beauty of the OEM style rifles is that everything but the handguard is super easy to install or is already installed on the rifle. You don't need a ton of tools. I mean how hard is it to put stock on a buffer tube? Maybe I just do more research than the avg.

The other option that is out there that is often cheaper than the Sport II is to simply buy a complete lower and a complete upper and pin them together. You can get a lot more rifle and have a lot more flexibility in its setup right out of the box.

 

[warriorking]

All my upgrades are cosmetic in nature, so nothing is voided with the warranty..

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

When I purchased my first AR back in the olden days there weren't a lot of choices or aftermarket stuff. Fairly easy choice at the gun store back then... an A2 or the A2 . Today, there's a dizzying array of choices both OEM and aftermarket.

I think the below is kinda how it works for a lot of first time AR buyers.

Newbie is starring at 100 different ARs on the rack at Sportsmans Warehouse ranging in price from $500 to $2,500. Eyes glazed over, he turns his head and sees a half dozen racks with a zillion accessories. Into full overload at this point, the sales guy says here's a popular Smith & Wesson Sport that we sell for $550. The newbie breathes a sigh of relief and says I'll take it and figure everything else out later.

I'm pretty sure that newbie would be me if I was buying my first AR today.

As far as newbies buying accessories before they shoot much... sure. Newbie gets the rifle, takes it to the range and has a blast. Reads a couple AR mags and joins an AR forum... get's excited and starts clicking the buy button at our favorite AR candy stores... it's all good.

Of course cosmetics and looks are important to gun owners of all stripes.... ARs to revolvers.

 

[Arik]

It seems like, and maybe I am wrong, the owners start the modification process before then even really understand why they are doing them or what they want to achieve by doing them. Maybe its just my impression. So many people go don't seem to really know what they are trying to accomplish by changing the rifle. It seems like most of the time they are looking to make a cosmetic change vs a real change in the functionality of the rifle.

.

No you're not wrong. Majority of the people buy accessories before/right at the time/right after the rifle comes in. They change a bunch of stuff and go to the range with 100 rounds or less.

Often times these accessories are strictly visual. Something that looks mean and aggressive. Make a muzzle device that does nothing except look good and you'll sell far more than if you made a plane looking one that actually works

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[arnoob]

No you're not wrong. Majority of the people buy accessories before/right at the time/right after the rifle comes in. They change a bunch of stuff and go to the range with 100 rounds or less.

Often times these accessories are strictly visual. Something that looks mean and aggressive. Make a muzzle device that does nothing except look good and you'll sell far more than if you made a plane looking one that actually works

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For me it's not how good looking the muzzle device is, it's how obnoxiously loud it is. I want the guy at the range next to me to feel like he's getting slapped in the face every time I shoot, then I know I've got my money's worth from my compensator.

 

[Kadonny]

I bought my Sport as an AR noob, so I didn't know better. It was inexpensive, it was S&W made and it was how I wanted to enter the AR world. Even today my Sport only has a drop in rail change which I am soon converting back to stock.

After that first rifle, I soon learned it was cheaper, easier and way more fulfilling to just assemble what I want, that's all I do now. I'll probably never own another non-free floated rifle beside the Sport.

 

[WVSig]

No you're not wrong. Majority of the people buy accessories before/right at the time/right after the rifle comes in. They change a bunch of stuff and go to the range with 100 rounds or less.

Often times these accessories are strictly visual. Something that looks mean and aggressive. Make a muzzle device that does nothing except look good and you'll sell far more than if you made a plane looking one that actually works

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For me the real tell on this one is that the best $$$ spent in improving a lower end Milspec rifle is to change out the trigger. Even moving to a ALG Quality Milspec trigger or BCM PNT in the $60 range will improve the shootabilty and accuracy of a Sport II more than a free floated rail or removing the A2 post to make for a cleaner sight picture for an optic. It is also one of the easiest modification you can make. If you have a ball peen hammer, screw driver, Youtube and a pin punch you can do it. Yet so few people talk about changing out the trigger.

 

[KSDeputy]

You Got me. I buy Colt rifles, and they need no modification. My latest is a Colt LE 6940. Everything about it is perfect, and mil-spec.

 

[arnoob]

What the heck do you use a screwdriver for when changing a trigger? Personally I don't think you need a hammer or even a punch either really, but I guess they might make it slightly easier if you have weak fingers.

 

[WVSig]

What the heck do you use a screwdriver for when changing a trigger? Personally I don't think you need a hammer or even a punch either really, but I guess they might make it slightly easier if you have weak fingers.

You might need to remove the grip depending on the type of trigger you are installing.

The punch and hammer make is much faster. I swapped two triggers today. Installed LaRue MBT-2s and a BCM PNT. The PNT was moved from one rifle to another.

 

[Westie1]

One thing I see missing in all the posts, is what's available in the local shops. My Sport II is my first AR. When shopping for mine, I kept seeing the same selection. Everybody had Sport II's and DPMS. Not everybody had Colts, DD's and the like. S&W I knew, DPMS didn't. So in my case the choice was easy. Go with the SportII and spend the rest on ammo.

 

[WVSig]

One thing I see missing in all the posts, is what's available in the local shops. My Sport II is my first AR. When shopping for mine, I kept seeing the same selection. Everybody had Sport II's and DPMS. Not everybody had Colts, DD's and the like. S&W I knew, DPMS didn't. So in my case the choice was easy. Go with the SportII and spend the rest on ammo.

I totally understand that. Putting your hands on something before buying it is always the best option but honestly I buy stuff sight unseen all the time these days, most of it used. If you know what to look for your risk is minimal.

 

[WR Moore]

Skimming the thread and counting back, I realize my experience with the platform goes back almost 50 years. Gads, that's frightening. Most of that experience has been with whatever was issued, as issued in the environment at hand and covers a number of brands. Many of which I would not accept again as a gift.

That said, I'm somewhat amused/bemused by the wealth of mis-information about the platform and the variety of options. I'll admit my usage has never been as a range toy and my viewpoint is skewed by that.

I find the fixation on 1-7 twist misplaced unless you're shooting very heavy bullets. Also the angst about the A2 sight base. Pinned on, it's most reliable and always available for use as needed.

But, like the meg-buck wheels on your ride, it's your property, do with it what you want. But at least your ride has to pass a state safety inspection in most places. Oh, and please spare us from spiels about what you MUST have on your AR or you ain't .....I think you know.

 

[WVSig]

Skimming the thread and counting back, I realize my experience with the platform goes back almost 50 years. Gads, that's frightening. Most of that experience has been with whatever was issued, as issued in the environment at hand and covers a number of brands. Many of which I would not accept again as a gift.

That said, I'm somewhat amused/bemused by the wealth of mis-information about the platform and the variety of options. I'll admit my usage has never been as a range toy and my viewpoint is skewed by that.

I find the fixation on 1-7 twist misplaced unless you're shooting very heavy bullets. Also the angst about the A2 sight base. Pinned on, it's most reliable and always available for use as needed.

But, like the meg-buck wheels on your ride, it's your property, do with it what you want. But at least your ride has to pass a state safety inspection in most places.

I think you are spot on in many ways. People unnecessarily mod a perfect fictional Sport II. There are reasons to like the 1/7 but most people do not shoot in a manner that makes difference.

As to the A2 post well it might be a generational thing. LOL