I am wanting to get an AR but don't want to break the bank and was wanting to know if the M&P 15 Sport was a decent rifle. Is it easy installing a scope or a handle under the barrel with a built in bipod or is it just entry level and there's not alot you can add on?


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The only major ways a 15-Sport differs from a standard AR15 is the omission of a dust cover and forward assist. Other than those two things, the 15-Sport is compatible with all AR15 aftermarket furniture.

You can install a vertical grip and/or bipod under the standard handguards with a rail adapter. You can swap out the front handguard with whatever you'd like.

Forum member Oneyeopn has an AB arms handguard onto which he's mounted a bi-pod. I think it's this one:



He also replaced the A2 front sight/gas block assembly with a railed flat top gas block.

From what you've asked, I think the way Oneyeopn set up his 15-Sport will be up your alley. Check it out by clicking the link below:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-w...detailing.html

The 15-Sport may be entry level priced, but it delivers performance beyond what its retail price point implies. I'm sure you'll be more than satisfied with it. The hard part is finding one.

It's a very good rifle. Maybe the absolute best 'bang' for the buck in the AR realm.
It will accept any AR based doo-hickey, optic, etc. you would want to add to it.

Thanks for the input, I shot my first AR over the weekend and really liked the way it shot and pretty much got hooked. I just don't know alot about them but I guess I have to start somewhere.


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Boy dont let me get started:

How do I love my Sport, let me count the ways!!!!LOL

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Grover Oathkeeper

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These are pics I took today, I had to take the hand guard off but will be putting it back on in a couple of days. This is one prairie dog getting rifle and is way more accurate than any I have compared it against that are similar, colt and bushmaster. I would recommend this to anyone except someone heading to Iraq, and only because of no dustcover.
If you can get one you wont regret it...
grover

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Grover Oathkeeper

Ok. Quick points on the 15-Sport as I think of them.

Melonite: A salt bath nitriding process that imparts hardness and corrosion resistance to the barrel's metal. Melonite imparts properties similar to hard chrome at a lower cost than hard chrome. The Melonite process treats the metal itself, it doesn't layer onto the metal like hard chrome.

1:8 5R Progressive Rifling:

5R Rifling info= Technology - Thompson/Center
Lands & grooves are opposite to each other leads to less projectile deformation in the barrel, lending itself to being more accurate.

1:8 = Twist rate. Normally you'll find 1:7 or 1:9 rifling. With 1:8, it lets you shoot a wider range of projectile weight. Just don't go too high or too low.

Progressive Gain = Rifling starts out loose then tightens up to 1:8 towards the muzzle. The advantage is that it's easier on the projectile as it travels through the barrel, leading to accuracy.

Direct Impingement = Hot combustion gasses are redirected via gas-tube and act directly upon the action to cycle the bolt.

Gas Piston = Not the 15-Sport. Gas Piston systems direct hot combustion gasses into a gas port/valve. The energy is then transmitted to a piston, to a rod, which then impacts the bolt to cycle the action.

The 15-Sport uses an A2 "F" marked front post sight/gas block assembly.

The 15-Sport is issued with a carbine weight buffer.

... I'll post more as I think of them. If you have any questions, just ask.

Great rifle and way more accurate than I'll ever need. No malfunctions to date with assorted brass ammo. I'm a lefty and have no issues with the function.

Added some risers, one inch rings, and a four power scope. Third shot and it was three inches high at 100 yards. I've NEVER had a rifle site in that fast before but maybe it was just luck and not the rifle.

It's an outstanding value and a great rifle. I tried to get one but the store sold it minutes before I got there. I looked for weeks to find one also. Stores can't keep them in stock. I stayed in the Smith family and got an OR. However, I'm still keeping my eyes open for a Sport locally.

You won't be disappointed owning a Sport model.

I lucked out in picking up my Sport. I went to a LGS looking to buy a Noveske N4 they had on sale. But when I got there I spent some time looking through all the ARs the store had on display and got to talking to the guy behind the counter.

We started discussing the Sport and how he felt that the lack of a FA and dust cover really weren't an issue for a non-battle rifle, and that he personally sets up all his personal ARs without a FA to reduce any protrusions off the upper...well that and the $400 savings off the N4 sold me on the Sport.

Not a single moment of buyer's regret after making that decision.

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- Bill

I gotta step in here. You say those weren't an issue for a "non-battle" rifle. After the testing we did with my Sport, I don't think they're an issue for a "battle" rifle either. We buried it in mud, caked on snow and mud, threw mud, dirt and other debris at it while firing and it NEVER choked once. It functioned far more reliably than the "battle" rifle I was issued from 1998 to 2002 and was more accurate as well.

No obviously, the above torturing was done with a mag inserted and the bolt forward, but hell, if the bolt was open the dust cover would be too if you had one. As for the FA, I used mine exactly 3 times while I was in. Those were when the PMI and DI said to. After that, it was clear the jam and fire. I couldn't be happier with my Sport. Get yourself good mags and decent ammo, you will be too.

Edit: I wish the video came out, but my buddy's wife was not so good with her cell phone. I'm sure there are gonna be nay sayers, but the above is no BS!

No need to call BS on this. There's a write up on a torture test done at Gunsite Academy. The Sport is definitely a winner in my book.

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- Bill

from accuracy stand point: 5 shot group .669MOA from reloads, best so far. 2-3MOA from commercial ammo.

i'd like someone definitive - state that the sport has "progressive" (gain twist) rifling.

no failures due to rifle, several failures due to weak magazine springs.
fun to shoot as recoil is very low.

only accessories so far is:
rubber falcon ergo sure grip,
black cotton web sling, and
S&B3-12x50 scope,
burris extra high signature rings.

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A&M'61,NRAlife'61.

Phil, take your cleaning rod and a patch. put a piece of tape around the cleaning rod like a flag up by the handle. Start at the chamber end and run it down 8 inches and see how far the flag turns. then start at the muzzle end and run it into the barrel 8 inches see how much further the flag turns. You with your very own eyes will be able to see the difference. From the chamber end it appears to be about a 1-11 twist and from the muzzle end it appears to be about a 1-5 twist when you average the twist rate it becomes 1-8
grover

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Grover Oathkeeper

I saw the video you linked. We did a side by side with my Sport and his Stag. His Stag had all the things the nay sayers condemn the Sport for not having: Chrome lined barrel, dust cover, forward assist. The point of it was supposed to be 2 rednecks couldn't jam a rifle that was supposed to be "non combat" ready.

that will be a projcet for tomorrow, when the garage is empty.
i'll see how definitive i am.

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A&M'61,NRAlife'61.

I've been a S&W guy for many years. Now own 3 M&P's .40FS,
.45c and 9mm compact. My first was and still is an old model 10. I have been wanting a Sport for a while now but they have been "out of stock" in the Dayton Ohio area for a while. I check 4 local guns shops on a weekly basis, one being a pretty big chain store. I get the same answer from everyone. Out of stock, they can't make them fast enough and one dealer told me he was told by his distributor they are on indefinite back order. I called a big store in another state and they had one. It is put on hold and I am driving 250 miles next weekend to pick it up.
I can't wait until I can get my hands on it. $699.99

Well I did it!!! I finally found and ordered me a Sport, found it on GunsAmerica.com all the way in Alabama, I can't wait for it to get here, picked it up for $639.


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That's what I paid at one of the "higher priced" LGS. Cost me $689.00 out the door. I found a good deal on PMags at CDNN Investments and I'm a happy boy. Sold an old .40 cal that I haven't shot in ages and that got me 1000 rounds of XM193 plus some loose 20 packs. Great for the zombies!

Great to hear it. Sounds silly but, keep it stock untill you put a hundred rounds through it, just for the experience.

^^This, irons don't run on batteries. Therefore they always work! Make sure you can use them before you start adding dots and scopes.

i always wanted an ar15 but just couldnt afford one....until the mp15 sport came out. i love mine and the extra money i saved was used for accessories and ammo etc. my brother special ordered a RRA for twice what my sport cost and he has been waiting for 3 months. ive been shooting mine for 3 months and have it decked out with cool aftermarket goodies...and my brother will have to wait another 3 months to save up for accessories. yeah i guess you coould say i got the brains in the family

Thanks for the excellent info; I've searched and might have overlooked, but what is the range for 223/556 grain bullets for the 1:8 twist on the Sport? I wrote down 55-68 but not sure where I found that. I ask because locally there is a ton of 45 and 50 grain 223 but not much 62-68 and hardly anything in 5.56.

I have a question for you guys now that I got my optic installed. What was this weapon actually zeroed for from the factory? I grouped ok, but was mostly using Kentucky Windage to adjust and I figure I should set it up for 50 yds as that'll get me .36 inches high at 200 yds and 1.47 low at 25 yds. All of which are acceptable when you think about where your shot should land...take a ruler to your COM and you'll see what I mean. So again, what was the factory zero? Or is there one?

For 1:8 twist, general guidelines are 40 grain and up. Each individual barrel is different though, so you may find that yours does not handle the 40 well. The 50 grain should not be an issue. Typically, I can find the 55 or 62 grain .223 locally, and fairly cheap. Most of the 5.56 is FMJ and is not allowed at my range. Once you get over 68 grain, the rounds become expensive and not necessary for plinking at 100 yards. But the Sport should handle up to at least the 80 grain without a problem.

Mine was good at 50 yards from factory. I adjusted windage a couple of clicks, but nothing on elevation.

Cool, I may have been at 50 yds when I tested it out the first time. I don't even know as we didn't have anything measured. I'll take it up to the state range and do some known distance shooting to confirm that and dial in the dot. But the way, the UTG Red/Green on a cantilever mount is a really nice low priced option...as long as it works when I shoot with it.

Best bang for the buck by far..... Never any problems and always ready to play

I can't remember who it is. Someone on this forum put a standard AR receiver on his 15-Sport. It's pretty cool. If I didn't build an AR with a FA & dust cover, I'd be real tempted to try it on my 15-Sport.

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-John

Well I got my Sport a little over a week ago, fixing to start customizing it. I guess I need to at least shoot it first, I ain't been able to make it to the range yet.


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welcome to the club

Thanks, it's great being part of a forum where the members don't look down on you because you didn't spend $1500 plus on a "quality" AR.


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Hey that $683 AR will do everything that the $1500 AR will but with more money left for ammo and goodies. No shame in it, no regrets about it!

Its a great ar15. I have one. You can attach a rail system on it and attach any accessory u want. You can do whatever you want to it. It is a cheaper ar15 because it has no dust cover or foward assist. But your arent at war so who cares? I shoot mine outdoors where it is windy and sandy, and I have only had 2 faillures to feed. But that was because of the mag

That has to be the funniest misconception in today's times, just because a object cost more doesn't mean its better quality all the time.

I can't tell you how many times I have looked at things and seen name brands that were poorly made and higher cost and lesser known brands that had great quality and lower cost.

You got that right! So we Sport owners are the lucky ones! We got name brand, well made, for a good price. What more could you want?

^^^^^^Totally agree!!!!


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thank you for the info sir! the 50/55gr *is* a lot easier to find versus what I was thinking the 1:8 needed.

I recently bought an M&P 15 (811000) for $830 + shipping on Gunbroker. Sounds like I should have shopped around and gotten a "Sport" for much less.

Are their any advantages to the more expensive version I bought or is the $500 extra asking price just wasted money?

500+ asking price? Are you talking about MSRP on Smith and Wesson's website? You got a pretty good buy on the M&P15. It's equiped pretty much like the Colt LE6920 that Wal-Mart sells for 1097.00.

Your price is probably only about 200 over that of a Sport. And I believe your price is a solid 300-350 under MSRP.

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Rod
M&P 22A, 40c, 15A, 15-22

I am not familiar with the part numbers but all of the M&P's are good rifles I am just a fan of the sport because I own one. From what I just read you bought the Standard M&P15 Rifle with the 1-9 twist barrel. It is a fine rifle. Welcome to the club. You got a forward assist and a dustcover. You also got a carrying handle. All items you dont get with a sport. I prefer the Sport barrel but you got a nice rifle and are well under the MSRP. Like I said welcome to the club...now watch out for the EBR disease. It makes you start buying all sorts of stuff to change your rifle to meet your individual tastes. you would not believe how many transformations my Sport has been through. There are a lot of fine people in this forum who will be there to help you with any questions you might have. Oh you wont find a sport for under $600 very easily.
Grover

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Grover Oathkeeper

Thats a good price for that version.
Main difference is the barrel and bolt carrier are chromed.
It also has a carry handle,forward assist and a dust cover.

Yes, MSRP. I bought this: 811000 S&W M&P Carbine 223 Rem 16" 30 RD Rebate : Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com

I do like the Adjustable Dual Aperature rear sight and carrying handle built into it, along with the chrome lined barrel. I'm new to the black rifle game though and after reading the comments here, it sounded like the "Sport" was the better way to go.

Thanks Grover. What's the best source for accessories? Any links or advice are much appreciated.
Brad

Brad, I do a lot of shopping on eBay. Some people shop on Amazon. Other people shop at Magpul, DPMS, Rock River Arms, Yankee Hill Machine and so many others. Do a search for AR parts or accessories and when you find something either search the forum or ask and you will get other members experience with the items. Some of us have learned the hard way by buying a lot of **** and then learning that that is what it is. So start looking, but shoot your rifle and figure out what it is you want. Figure out what range your are going to shoot, whether you want it for close quarter combat stuff or like me shooting prairie dogs at over 200 yards, that makes you want to get totally different set ups. Just a start and when you find someone who's posts you like you can also pm them and ask questions. Here it is possible to learn from someone elses mistakes.

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Grover Oathkeeper

That's because this is where the Sport owners flock. Better is subjective, you've got a fine rifle.

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Rod
M&P 22A, 40c, 15A, 15-22

Yeah we started flocking here because the other forums wouldnt talk to us...now we have a great group of people.

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Grover Oathkeeper

Oh, they talked to you Grover, you just didn't like what they were saying

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Rod
M&P 22A, 40c, 15A, 15-22

Fishy,
Finding the store to buy accessories from is only half the battle. Finding out what's out there is the trickier part. Your best bet is to read through all the upgrade and picture threads here. Chances are, if there's a new or cool accessory out on the market someone here will have bought it or at least posted about it.

I know my next furniture upgrade is going to be an Apex hand guard...
.

It'll fit around the stock front sight once I cut off the sling and bayonet lug...the fun just never ends! haha

P.S. Forgot to mention that it clamps onto the stock barrel nut as well.

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- Bill