m&p 15 tactical vs. core 15 m4

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boudin

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i am in the market for an ar rifle. i have done alot of research and reading reviews. i have narrowed my choices down primarily to these two rifles. anyone who could offer some insight as to pros and con of these two would be appreciated.
i have also looked at the red jacket KMP 5.56 rifle at academy,but i am not to sure about it.
thanks
 
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Boudin,

Two things I like about this forum; good people, and I learn something every day. The CORE 15 M4 mid-length has a 3 groove polygonal rifling. I did not know that existed in the AR platform. Any idea who makes this barrel?

I guess you are comparing the M&P15 VTAC to the non-piston CORE, both mid-length systems. Otherwise it's apples & oranges. Good specs and accessories on the CORE, but that stainless steel 3 groove barrel is an unknown. Depending on the barrel manufacturer, stainless should be very accurate, but the VTAC has the melonite 5R barrel which we all know is very accurate. Given equal cost and typical consumer shooting, I would go with the 5R every time. However, the VTAC is a bit more money which muddles everything, and then what value do you place on good customer service.

Whichever weapon you choose, good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Added - A quick search showed me 3 barrel manufacturers doing 3-groove barrels; Lilja, Rainier, Pac-Nor. I'm sure there are more. Mixed, inconsistent reviews on the barrel, none of them on .223/5.56 cal.
 
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Stebo, I bet he is looking at this one
Academy - Core 15 Base Direct .223/5.56 x 45mm NATO Semiautomatic Gas Rifle

From what I have read, the 3 groove polygonal rifling is only used on the piston rifles in the Core line up.

Boudin, I can't tell you anything about Core 15. Just another new AR manufacturer...only time will tell how good they are. With the Smith, you are getting a quality firearm with a reputable manufacturer standing behind it with customer service. As far as accuracy, or issues with the M&P, the new tactical model is basically a M&P 15 Sport, with the forward assist, dust cover, and quad rail added to it. Search this site or others for a whole bunch of reviews on the Sport, and you will see that the 15T should be a fine rifle. If you have any specific questions, let us know and I am sure someone on the board will answer.
 
I don't think you can wrong with either. I'm partial to the Smith as an owner and it's a great proven rifle. Outstanding customer service and great warranty. Core is a newer outfit out of Ocala, FL. Pretty dedicated guys from those that know them and are starting to make a mark in the market. Red Jacket... I'd stay far away from that one. No personal experience but just search some reviews. Also, when AR comparisons come up and new buyers are narrowing down brands, I NEVER see them considered.
 
Boudin,

I can;t comment about the CORE, have never owned or even shot one.

I can tell you the M&P 15 techtical is nice. I have put several 100 rounds through one. A buddy at the range has one and he likes it and it has been very consistant. We have had no issues with the M&P 15.

good luck with your choice and want to see the results when you have your new weapon.
 
Gander Mountain has the S&W AR 15 with eotech sight for 1299.00
The sight alone is 400.00
 
first let me say thank you to those who responded to my post.your views and knowledge are much appreciated. i have made my decision and i will be buying the smith & wesson mp 15 in the very near future.cant wait to literally have a blast with it.
again, thank you everyone for the advice.
 
I bought a new Core15 AR and am unimpressed. The fit between the lower and upper is way too sloppy. It wiggles and makes a racket when you pick up the rifle. I put wedged the rear takedown pin as if it were a worn out milsurp. One of my kids bought a Smith and it is tight, and I mean absolutely tight, you have to work to push the takedown pins and it is fabulously accurate. Others have had both good and bad luck with Core. Bottom line is they are inconsistent so I scratched Core off my list.
 
I have owned both. I kept the Core 15 as my AR 15, and now have an M&P 10 in place of the M&P 15. You cannot go wrong with either the M&P 15 or Core 15. After 1000's of rounds through both, neither of which ever had a failure or malfunction of any kind, I believe both to be equal, and incredibly worthy and reliable rifles. I liked S&W enough to but an M&P 10 over a Core 30, but that decision was primarily price and resale value driven, or at least my perception that the S&W would hold its value better.
 
I have a Core-15 Key Mod Scout. I got it for a good price but I must say I have had a terrible time with it. Out of the box, it grouped 5 inches at 50 yards off sandbags. Yes, you heard me correctly. FIVE INCHES. I used 55 gr ball and 62 gr Green Tips. Same groups. Tried expensive 69 gr. match ammo. Same groups, or rather patterns. Sent it to Core-15 on their bragged upon warranty. Was told they replaced the barrel and upper and sent me a target they said they fired with it at 100 yds. 5 shots under and inch with 77 grainers. I thought great, it should shoot good now. Just got back from the range, got 5-6 inch groups at 50 off bags. I tried 2 different scopes rings and mounts. Both scopes are known good scopes on other rifles. I've never had trouble like this in 45 years of shooting. My old Sako .243 Forrester shoots 1" at 200 yds of bags. Simply put, Why would this rifle shoot the same horrific groups if the barrel and upper were changed? My nephew has a cheapo S&W AR Sport and it's a tack driver using the same scope, rings and mounts I tried on the Core-15. Maybe I just got a bad one, but why did Core ship me back a gun with a good grouped test target, that still shoots like dog doo? 5" groups at 50 yds is most assuredly; dog doo. And they know it.
 
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