After looking for a while, I am saying Merry Chrstmas to myself and getting my first AR this week! I have been considering the base Sport model for a while now, with plans to just add the accessories/furniture as I see fit. A "good" monkey wrench was thrown in my plans when my LGS put the MOE Magpul Mid version (in FDE) on a killer sale price, with it being less than $300 more expensive. I know the obvious aesthetic differences, but what are the main technical and build advantages of this better model? I am guessing the answer is a stout YES, but do those technical differences warrant the more expensive price tag in the real world?

Thanks for any info guys......I am PUMPED to finally be getting one of these bad boys!!

There are 2 big technical differences between the Sport and MOE Mid.

1. The Barrel: The MOE Mid has a 4150 barrel with 1:8 twist and 5R rifling. The current Sport has a 4140 barrel with. 1:9 twist. The MOE Mid barrel is slightly harder with higher carbon content, and the 1:8 twist is more versatile for a wider variety of ammo weights. Will you ever really be able to tell the difference.? Don't know, but MOE Mid barrel is better.

2. Gas System: The MOE Mid has a mid-length gas system optimized for a 16" barrel, whereas, the Sport has a carbine length gas system designed for a 14.5" barrel. Both guns have a 16" barrel, Again, don't know if you'll be able to tell the difference but the MOE Mid gas system is better. Additionally, the mid-length gas system moves the front sight/gas block 2" forward on the barrel, so you get a longer sight radius and handguard compared to the carbine length gas system.

One non-technical difference is the MOE Mid comes with 4 Magpul "Art of the Tactical Carbine" DVD's. They're well done.

I got the MOE Mid for my bday earlier this year. Love it! Get occasional questions at the range because it is somewhat distinctive relative to the usual carbine AR.

Good luck with your decision.'


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Thanks man, really appreciate the info!

I own both (moe mid,sport 1/9) and if your just looking for a plinker, I'd go with the sport. They both come with a enlarged integrated trigger guard not just the moe mid. Both of them are easily capable of 2moa or better. That $300 difference is a Bushnell trs25, 10 pmags and a couple hundred rds of ammo or furniture, you get the point. If your thinking about taking it out to 3-400 yds then I'd go moe mid because of the better barrel and bullet choices. The sport is hands down the best value for a ar15 on the market, even with the 1/9 barrel

If the difference is just the barrel, $300 could replace the stock barrel with a match grade barrel which will be much better than either of the stock barrels.

Of course, the MOE comes with a dust cover and forward assist where the Sport doesn't. Of course, the upper receiver can be replaced for about $100 if that really matters to you.

No, I see no single reason the MOE is $300 better than the Sport. However, as a total package, you'll probably spend more than $300 if you want to turn your Sport into an MOE. This means you have to be serious with yourself and ask just what it is you really want.

One more thing. If accuracy is really your ultimate goal, you'll probably want to change out the forearm so, the MOE forearm vs the basic forearm might not be that big a deal.

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Freedom isn't free.

I went with midlength moe magpul. I just needed that FA and dust cover!!!

Thanks for all the info.....if I end up going with the sport model (I will only use this for target fun and to keep in the home), and I want to upgrade the stock, I'm assuming I would use, for example, the Magpul carbine stock for COMMERCIAL SPEC right? And for the hand guard a MOE SL Carbind length? Just making sure if I go with the Sport, I know the correct cosmetic upgrades that I would want.

Thanks!!

No, Sport has a Mil-spec receiver extension, so it takes a Mil-spec sized stock.

Carbine is correct.

Welcome to the wonderful world of 15-Sport ownership. You've chosen the best gateway to the AR-15 world. Get ready for a steady wallet lightening experience.

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-John

Up until I bought my sport, I never knew what I was missing . Never wanted or thought I needed such a platform. It has turn out to be one of the best sporting fun things I have done in many years. It is definitely a gateway to a lighter wallet. Up to about 4K now and not regretting it at all.

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Not so Free in the Free State

I finally "pulled the trigger" this morning and purchased the Sport model. My LGS had it on sale for $549 so it made my decision that much easier. I'm SUPER pumped to get this thing going, add some modifications and enjoy shooting!!

I am going to purchase the Magpul furniture that the MOE MID model comes with and add a scope for sure......rest of my mods will be over time. Thanks for the info on it being MIL spec as well, that saved me from ordering the wrong thing for sure!

Looking forward to learning a lot as I go with this firearm and contributing to the board as a result. Everyone have a great weekend!!