What "Tier" is the M&P AR-15?

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trbopumper

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Doing my due diligence before making a purchase of an AR-15/M4 platform, I noticed that some in the community of owners use a "Tier" system to group like AR-15 models based on quality, features, durability and cost.
However, I have not seen the M&P AR-15s listed in any of these comparisons.
Does anyone have any thoughts on where the M&P AR-15 might be listed (Tiers I, II, III w/ I being the best)? Just trying to compare the M&P with other brands.
 
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You have your custom unaffordable builds like Wilson Combat, probably at Tier 1, then you have Colt, as everyone seems to believe they are the pinnacle of off the shelf AR's, and then I would say right below that is the M&P. Just my opinion.
 
Most that use the tier system, or the chart, or want "mil-spec" are going to call a S&W tier 2, a hobby rifle, a commercial rifle, etc.

However, you need to decide what is best for your use. If you want to shoot one ragged hole with an AR style rifle, the 1:7 chrome lined mil-spec barrel is not the best for your application. A unlined barrel in stainless steel, or one of the melonite treated barrels with 5R rifling would be best, but this is not mil-spec so the tier system would say it is second best.

If you are a three gunner, maybe a mid length gas system would be better for you due to less perceived recoil and getting back on target faster. Again, not mil-spec, so falls lower in the tier ranking system.

Decide what you want to do with the rifle and what your budget is and buy a rifle that has the features best suited for your application. Forget all the tier stuff, unless you want a "mil-spec" featured rifle. If that is what you want, then Colt, Daniel Defense, Noveske, or BCM are the brands pushed.
 
If it was built after 1990, Colt quality isn't a standard for anything.

Just my opinion.

S&W makes a fine MSR. So do a lot of companies. M4s aren't supposed to be "tack-drivers" anyway. If you're looking for .2 MOA groups at 300 meters, you'll want a longer barrel. ;)
 
Cyphertext wins.

In the end, a rifle which A: Functions flawlessly, B: Shoots accurately, C:Has compatability with parts, optional equipment and most importantly, with all ammunitions available are what the real criteria for a true tier 1 rifle should be.

There are a LOT of very high end firearms which do not function like a true Tier 1 gun should; from the 1911's that dot the firing ranges, to the 22 rifles that fill the sub-forum directly above this one, to the ar's of all types which choke on certain magazines or certain ammo.

So, look at the material and the make-up of the parts of each of the rifles, and their intended use to decide if they fit the bill.

Nowadays, a true Tier 1 rifle is the rifle with enough filled magazines to go with it to make it impractical to carry unless you get a wheelbarrow!!!:D
 
gm272gs said:
If it was built after 1990, Colt quality isn't a standard for anything.

Just my opinion.

S&W makes a fine MSR. So do a lot of companies. M4s aren't supposed to be "tack-drivers" anyway. If you're looking for .2 MOA groups at 300 meters, you'll want a longer barrel. ;)
Click to expand...

And a bigger bullet!;)
 
Really who gives a rip? I shot several thousand rounds through both my M&P's, my Bushmaster, and Rock River 6.8 without a bobble. If it works 100% and hits the target if I do my part, it's Tier 1 as far as I'm concerned.

If you wish to spend several thousand dollars for a boutique AR, go ahead. It's only money.
 
Imo tiers are like. Stages on a car they only make something sound cooler to those who are uninformed. If a m&p shoots just as good as a "tier 1" for you why waste money on it. Just like if you don't have 600+ hp why waste money on a stage 3 clutch
 
Yeah, I wouldn't over think the "tiering" of the AR. As all others have said, it's a lot of talk from those that are all about "mil-spec or it's ****". There are a lot of solid ARs in the market today. The M&P got a lot of eye rolls when it first hit the market. Then, through time and customer testimonial, it's received high marks and praise. It takes time to build a reputation and Smith's is high. Not sure what you are comparing it with but it should definitely be at the top of the list.
 
Love my M&P Ar 15 sport #1 solid and reliable
But some times I dream I won the loto and bought A Larue Tactical
 
Is the tier system something mall ninjas use? :confused:

Does a higher tier rating make a person a better shooter? Or maybe you get a 'Tier 1' patch for you mall-walking jacket. :p

Stay off those wannabe forums and stick with us here. We keep it real. ;)

.
 
If one will notice, the ones that use the "tier" system are always the ones that own the $2-5000 custom AR styles from various builders that THEY consider top tier.
My S&W M&P MOE feeds anything I put in the mags, including some pretty bad Russian steel case stuff that choked my friends 'top tier' brand.
My BCG is 'mil spec', my barrel is chrome lined (1/9) and it just plain works after several thousnad rounds. Not top tier?
To me, top tier is (like 1911's) is a way to get you to pay more for the same parts that most everybody is using, BUT I (my experience only) have found brand name does not translate into any better reliability and that is what I expect out of my firearms, AR (M&P), pistol (I have couple of Glocks), revolvers (Smiths and Rugers).
To me, they are all top tier.
 
batmann said:
If one will notice, the ones that use the "tier" system are always the ones that own the $2-5000 custom AR styles from various builders that THEY consider top tier.
My S&W M&P MOE feeds anything I put in the mags, including some pretty bad Russian steel case stuff that choked my friends 'top tier' brand.
My BCG is 'mil spec', my barrel is chrome lined (1/9) and it just plain works after several thousnad rounds. Not top tier?
To me, top tier is (like 1911's) is a way to get you to pay more for the same parts that most everybody is using, BUT I (my experience only) have found brand name does not translate into any better reliability and that is what I expect out of my firearms, AR (M&P), pistol (I have couple of Glocks), revolvers (Smiths and Rugers).
To me, they are all top tier.
Click to expand...

Not trying to bust your bubble, but unless you have changed the BCG in that MOE, it is not mil-spec. S&W uses the semi-auto BCG, where mil-spec calls for the full auto type. The S&W BCG is still good quality, as it is HPT, MPI, and all that stuff, but not mil-spec.

I haven't changed mine, works fine in a semiautomatic rifle.
 
If your worried about the "tier" then you don't have the real goal in mind! Plus the chrome lined barrel is 100 year old technology....
 
Tier shhmier

The whole "tier" thing is a little ridiculous. And to further the comparison already mentioned to cars, having more expensive parts isn't always what you want. With a fine tuned sports engine, you need 91 octane fuel (premium), lower grades give it knocks and pings and reduce performance. Is it really better to have a car that won't run on regular? Same with AR-15's, you get the expensive parts and you *might* get tighter groups, but that doesn't mean it's going to be more durable and you may very well be limiting what accessories/ammo you can use.

If you want an AR-15/M4 style for a SHTF situation, you want something that's going to be durable and go "bang" everytime you pull the trigger - and that can be found at just about any price - with the advice to stay away from the few that are ONLY chambered for .223, you need something that is 5.56/.223. Possibly the carbine (16" bbl) length has an advantage for portability/CQB.

For varmint/predator hunting, you probably want one of the 20" BBL models as this will give you better range and accuracy over 16" models (the 2 most popular bbl lengths), and a flat top for attaching a scope. but after bbl length other components short of optics aren't going to matter.

Now if you want to win shooting competitions and/or possibly hunt dear (if legal in your area) you will need to be more particular, needing a tighter twist in the bbl to stabalize the heavier grain hunting bullets, among other things.

The thing is, with 20+ models to chose from there are M&P15's that will work for anything you want and you really can't go wrong with buying one (or more :)), just pick one that fits best what you want it for and buy knowing you are getting a proven, quality product that's backed by a great warranty and a company with OUTSTANDING customer service. Forget tiers.
 
Last edited:
vinney47..hit it real good....I use my Sport as a varmint/predator hunter and it is outstanding at that. But if I had my drothers, I would love a 1:8 5R Melonite treated 20" barrel!!
 
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