Does anyone ever regret not paying the extra to get the forward assist and dust cover that the Sport doesn't offer? I really like the sport but just feel like its not complete without these 2 features. I really like the rear site there coming out with now to. Is it necessary to get a chrome lined barrel in a AR platform rifle? Sorry for all the questions but I am about down to going and picking one up. Thanks!!

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M&P15,9MM,M66,22-A,Glock 30SF

The dust cover flys open after the first round is fired anyway. Besides you won't be low crawling in the dirt with your rifle. As far as the Foward assist, it is just a panic button for those who do not know how to clear a jam. The melonite finish on the barrel is more than enough to protect it. Bottom line is don't get rapped around the axel from all the gear queens. Buy what you can afford and go from there.

Oh my lord.

I will ask; exactly how many other firearms do you possess that have a dust cover on them? How many other do you have with a FA? And..... how many have a totally untreated barrel, vs how many with a chrome lined barrel?

Think about it; like 99% of all firearms ever made have none of these features, and they seem to work out pretty well. I have not worried about, nor had any issue with my Sport and no dust cover. I shoot it a lot, and hunt coyotes and other varmints. Last summer, I was in Az. and got hit with one of those Boabab- whatever they are called; it's a sand storm that shuts down an airport it is so big! 40mph wind, filled with sand and silt. Once it passed, everything in sight was coated with 1/8" to 1" of sand and dust. I picked up the rifle, took out the mag, shook it out, put the mag back in and went hunting. No issues.
FA is something the rifle was not originally designed to have. It was an outgrowth of the US Gov't. changing powder in the ammo, and a lack of cleaning in a very harsh environment. FA is what you call a Band-Aid. Tell you what; look at the KAC SR 25. The US military's combat 308, medium rifle. The sister rifle to the AR 10. It's missing a.............Forward Asssist. And the LMT L129A1 is the British military's go to 7.62.... and it has no FA.
Chrome lining is nice, it is easy to clean to be sure. But do not count out Melonite; just read up on it. Also called Salt Carbuerizing. You will feel a LOT better when you realize you got a great rifle, for a super value price.

Well stated rojo!

Thanks for the info guys. Greatly appreciated.

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M&P15,9MM,M66,22-A,Glock 30SF

I have no regrets. But you should get what YOU want. I have a feeling you'll regret not getting one with the FA and dust cover, even though you don't need either. BTW, quite a few people think having melonite and not a chrome lined barrel is a plus. Some of the higher end ARs are going melonite these days.

Mine arrives Friday...I studied quite a bit, and I carried a M16 in the Marine Corps for a little while before I switched to a M60 and the M60 didnt have a dust cover on it. In the desert it never failed me, plus I dont remember ever having to use the FA. Someone posted some really good technical info on the melonite coating and if I can find it I will repost it but I would take it over chrome anyday...roll on down and get it, IMHO you wont have any regrets!!! plus it gives you more money for ammo...LOL

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Grover Oathkeeper

This might help and my read tells me that the melonite treatment is probably harder than your brushses are. I'd clean as usual with a chromed bbl.

Firearms History, Technology & Development: Metal Treatments: Ferritic Nitrocarburizing/Melonite/Tenifer
Reply With Quote

reposted from MPDC
oops the link didnt post I will go back and get it!!

http://firearmshistory.blogspot.com/...-ferritic.html

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Grover Oathkeeper

I have no regrets, cuz I bought one with the DC and FA. I just feel totally at peace with the world when I close that dust cover before zipping up my soft side case. Sometimes, while lying in bed at night, I just run the action to open the dust cover, just so that I can close it again.

Same with the forward assist, I'll purposely ease the bolt forward, then nudge it with the FA. I've found I sleep better after doing both for about a half hour, before bedtime. How you guys sleep at night, without this ability, is beyond me...

Last night, in my dreams, had I had the sport model, I wouldn't be alive to post this reply. I was in the ruins of a city, totally destroy, swirling winds and sand blowing everywhere. I thought I was alone, but alas, I was not. Thank God I had just received my supply of Zombie Max ammo from Hornady, and also for the dust cover keeping the majority of the dust out of the action area. The dust was SO bad, the cover couldn't keep it completely clean, luckily, that FA saved the day. I was able to assist the rounds in to the chamber, kill all the Zombies, and still wake up in time to get to work.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for my best friend. He was eaten alive. Why? He had a sport, his gun was full of dirt, and he couldn’t get the ammo to load consistently.

Dude are you suffering from PTSD..all I got to say is LMEffnAO!!

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Grover Oathkeeper

If you read that stuff on Melonite it really does seem to me like a better option than chrome. From what it said, chrome lined can make the barrel more inaccurate so with melonite it seems like you get the best of both worlds.

As for the dust cover and FA...the FA does not bother me, I have a tiny concern about the Dust Cover but if I really want one it is an AR, I can just buy a new upper later on.

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This Signature is too Short!

Nah, I just had a good nights sleep last night

Then no matter how functional and practical the 15-Sport is, you won't be 100% happy with one.

Spend your hard earned money on the "trim level" that will. Never settle for something less.

For me, the omission of a dust cover, forward assist, & fixed trigger guard have not been an issue functionally or aesthetically.

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-John

IMHO, the lack of FA, the melonite barrel, the fixed trigger guard and the absense of the grenade launcher cut in the barrel are all improvments. I wouldn't mind having a dust cover though. But it wasn't a deal breaker for me. I still think the OP needs to buy one with the do-dads he wants and be done with it.

I would not own an AR without a dust cover as it serves a very real need. An AR needs to be run wet, the dust cover helps to protect the lube on the bolt carrier from drying out, rubbing off or being contaminated. Comparing a AR to other weapons that don't have dust covers makes no sense what so ever.

I agree unless it is only a target gun (which most seem to turn out to be). I also like the FA for reassurance a round I might "ease" home is seated. Not important to many though and I really like the melonite and R5 bbl. I really think people tend to find the merits of what they've bought and reasons against what they didn't buy. Just human nature.

I believe this to be true, no one really needs to justify to someone else why they chose what they did (cept maybe if you have a better half or something along those lines...). As long as they are happy with it, that's all that matter. Which reminds me, here is a video EVERYONE needs to watch.

Choosing Your Carry Gun: A Gun Expert's Guide - YouTube

I bought the sport and I love it. Yeah the forward assist and dust cover are nice, but I didn't need them. I will be building a whole new upper assembly and I will get a FA and dust cover. I really just wanna get some cool **** engraved in my dust cover haha.

Product: Model M&P15 MOE Mid MAGPUL® SPEC SERIES™

Guys I think I have decided on this. Went to local gun shop and they got one it today was dark earth. I checked it out and I think its what I want. Done talked the wife into it and I can get it out the door for $1,075 tax included. I'm gonna have them order me a black one. Thanks for all your input on the Sport also.

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M&P15,9MM,M66,22-A,Glock 30SF

I'm certain that you keep your rifle wet and protected from dust when you fondle it under the blankets and dream about firing off a round or 2..............
Hope when you wake up the action isn't too sticky!!!

That's the article I have referred back to. This one needs a bookmark.

Each and every one of us buys a firearm based upon his or her individual budget, preferences, criteria, and desire.

As the respondent to a "what should I buy" thread, you are not buying the gun. Conversely, the purchaser is the one who has to see that rifle day in, and day out.

All of our intentions are for the OP to get a rifle he will be happy with, not bicker over our individual preferences.

To the OP, congrats on ordering your new rifle. I'm sure you'll love it because it is a S&W firearm, and because you bought the features and trim level that makes you happy.

The new mid-length M&P series gives that extra hand guard length to push out your grip to facilitate easier target transitions. It also provides a longer iron sight radius.

My next AR, complete or assembled myself, will most likely be a middy.

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-John

Great link CRRacer! That video is pretty much dead on.
No way that guy would ever be caught dead without a dust cover.

I like having a dust cover and fa.Just having a fa if needed helps. Some people say you can push the bolt forward with your thumb.But if the bolt is hot ouch!I think the cryo treatment on the barrel works good!I know my Rock River Elite operator is deadly accurate and easy to clean because of the cryo treat ment!!!

Gman56, Ask yourself when was the last time you actually needed the FA? I've shot a few thousand rounds out of my rifle already and have not yet needed it. If you did need it, cycling in a new round would have been a better option.

There's a video (sorry no link) on youtube where a guy opens the bolt on his Sport and kicks it full of sand and slate gravel. I'm not talking about just getting a little sand blown in from the air. Anyhow, he then he shakes it out and shoots it. He has a few problems, but fixes it by a few drops of oil into the bolt. Bottom line is the dust cover "need" is overblown. But if you think you "need" one, you should have one.

I think this is the one.

Smith & Wesson M&P15: Gravel, Dust and Abuse - YouTube

What are you buying the Sport for? Sustained combat with CHICOM ZOMBIES in a TEOTWAWKI, WROL, SHTF, ACRONYM scenario? Bad choice should get the BCM mid length or at least a Colt 6XXX. Maybe and LMT or LWRC. Buy a new upper now too with your sport cause obviously no one will survive in these scenarios without a $$$$$$ carbine or backup uppers.


Or are you buying it for a budget real world target/personal/homestead defense weapon? Thats why I bought mine. Reliable, lightweight KISS AR platform. Chills in a comfy place in the house waiting for the dark day it's needed and during the times its not blowing stuff up. Lovingly maintaned and fondled. Performs and performs some more. Dont let the nay sayers bug you out, get your trigger time, get good ammo, good mags, and any other stuff you feel is necessary to your rig and roll with it. Get deadly with the sucker. 100% chance this lil rifle will not let you down if you take care of it. Buy a sweet gun range lust inducing A list approved AR later down the road when your rap album drops.....even better get the real deal with the 180 degree safety. Now that is Fn MILSPEC right

If you are really overly worried about your lube rubbing off of your action you have the option of buying a failzero NIBX BCG. $250 upgrade. Now if we could install one of these in all of our wives/girlfr.....oh wait a minute

It seems many of you folks believe that the M&P15 Sport is not the "Real Deal". You don't think its a go to weapon. Well I direct you to the S&W info page on the M&P15 Sports, please note it is listed for Duty/Professional use.

The M&P15 MOE, does not have this designation. This is not a mistake. S&W know their guns. The M&P15 Sports does not have a FA and dust cover for one very simple reason... It does not need them, because it is reliable.

M&P15 Sports


M&P15 MOE

When you buy a car, do you insist on a crank handle? The M4 design has been around a for long time. I'm pleased to see it finally be reliable enough not to need these add-on band-aids.

No offense but that is like saying you believe Chevrolet when they say the Volt is a good choice or gets better efficiency than other, better designed vehicles of a similar type.

No knock on the Sport, just the use of a company web site for "proof" of suitability.

The LE designated Colts all have FA and dust covers and are the only weapons many Departments will buy. The Magpul versions are enhanced, non standard versions and therefore won't meet requirements for type of handguard etc.

Any AR is lethal in the hands of a "go to" guy, departmental specs. aside.

Please notice, the M&P15 Sport has a barrel made from 4140 Steel barrels.

Only S&W rifles with the 4140 steel barrels are listed as Professional/Duty use. The M&P15 MOE has a 4150 CMV barrel.
There are specific reasons for this. Do your research, S&W did theirs.

BTW: I'm talking guns not people. A paperclip is deadly in the right hands too

???

4140 = less carbon 0.40%

4150 = more carbon 0.50%

4150 CMV = Steel alloyed with chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium for better heat resistance (mil spec)

What surprises me is SW labels a non mil-spec barrel, "professional/duty" grade.

Granted, a civilian semi auto AR will not see "hard use" of a military full auto M16/M4.

While the Sport barrel is 4140 steel, it undergoes the Melonite process which increases its Rockwell hardness. Maybe the Melonite process imparts onto 4140 some properties that bring it close to 4150CMV? Is there a metallurgist in the house?

The difference in metallurgy, rifling, metal treatments, coatings...been reading threads on different forums where the anonymous keyboard commandos endlessly bicker over minute differences...

The more fine details I learn, the more of a headache I get trying to make sense of it all.

All I can say with 100% confidence is that as a complete rife, with each individual factory spec component operating in concert as a system, my 15-Sport performs like a champ.

Aim, pull trigger, repeat cycle over and over and over...

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-John

Never used Forward assist in 40 years,better to clear round and rechamber than jam it in and make it useless. As cover is open in combat. Its how good the weapon is made that makes it reliable.

Hearing all these good things about the sport is making me think of paying $400 less and getting one.

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M&P15,9MM,M66,22-A,Glock 30SF

That is what led me down the path to the Sport, gets one in my hands and if I find some component that I think is a weak link, then in the future I can replace it. Yes you can build one cheaper but you dont get a warranty and S&W's warranty is a good one. To me the little more I pay for the Sport over building one is like a gun insurance policy. Enjoy your choice.

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Grover Oathkeeper

Strictly speaking of the professional duty remarks, made me check my latest handguns magazine. Page 11, Industry Intel report:

The San Antonio Police Officers Association ordered 550 M&P15A Patrol Rifles. (That's what I got, maybe I can go patrol in San Antonio...)

Austin PD selected the M&P40 as its new handgun of choice, ordering 1775 units.

Belgiums Federal Police gave Smith and Wesson a contract for 20,000 M&P 9mms over a period of 10 years.

Seems S&W has got a good thing going.

"Professional" simply means used by someone employed in a workplace that sets standards for equipment the Organization will purchase.

The designation by a manufacturer may actually be an astute marketing ploy, realizing a certain "cache' " may attach for novice shoppers. Kind of like the Holy Grail status of "mil Spec" which simply denotes meeting Military Purchasing requirements. NOT, necessarily, superiority to all non mil spec items.

Many companies use this description to market parts . It gives an impression of superiority and works well, psychologically.

I have nothing against the Sport, it's a good value. But saying it is more "professional" or duty/LEO capable is just plain wrong. Don't buy into marketing hype on a manufacturer's website. Buy the Sport for what it is, a value AR made by a good company.

AND IF you buy one, then put on expensive BUIS, a high end Quad Rail and other adds, your savings over a full blown Factory tactical model can evaporate fast. Some M&P 15 models are deeply discounted and have more "mark up" to discount and can be pretty good bargains if you shop carefully and intend to upgrade anyway.

Yep, the M&P15A must have pretty good mark up, because I got mine for 870.00. At the gun show I bought it at, it was a couple hundred higher than what the sports were selling for.

You know what guys, all I know is if I need an AR for what ever comes my way in a SHTF situation, whether I pick up my Colt or my M&P Sport, I can kill anything just as well with either or. Lets not get wrapped around the axel on this one.

No, no..... we NEED to get wound up on this stuff. Once you run out of ammo, you are going to need a FA assembly; you can remove it, whittle a slingshot out of a tree branch, cut up an inner tube for bands on it, and shoot the very last bad guy with the FA button off your rifle.


Or, you have a Sport, and you are gonna DIE. This is the internet, so you know it's true.

Product: Model M&P15 MOE Mid MAGPUL® SPEC SERIES™

Well I went by my dealer to order this today. He said being a ShowShot he didnt know if its limited supply or there in full production. I hope he can find me one. He had a dark earth one in stock but last years model which this new 2012 model has a few upgrades.

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M&P15,9MM,M66,22-A,Glock 30SF

Congrats on buying the M&P 15 trim level that satisfies your wants & needs.

Nice choice, hope the wait is short.

They called me back this morning and said these were brand new and no one has any as of yet. He back ordered from 4 different places and hopefully it wont be to long. Looks like a really cool gun. I previously said he had one in the dark earth which he does but its last years model which this one has alot of new features.

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M&P15,9MM,M66,22-A,Glock 30SF

Do you know what the difference in or new features are?

The New one has:

4150CMV Barrel with Melonite Finish VS the 4140 Steel Chrome lined.

1in8 with 5R Rifling VS the 1in9

Mid length gas system Im not sure what the other has.

Has Magpul handle on bottom of front hand gurard.

May be more thats what I can think of off top of my head.

I think its only $11 higher than last years model.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y Old One

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y New One

Im getting black though.

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M&P15,9MM,M66,22-A,Glock 30SF

Ok, I see now. I like the carbine length and chrome lined barrel and chamber, but that's just my prefrence. I'd get the one in stock, once they are gone, they are gone. The others will be around until they can find other ways to cut costs. Not saying there is anything wrong with Melonite.

They only have the dark earth in stock. From what I gather the Melonite is better in durability and accuracy. Thats just what I've seen from doing research. I want a black one I just really dont like the dark earth.

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M&P15,9MM,M66,22-A,Glock 30SF