M&P 15 Sport as a first AR-15

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wormraper

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I know this has probably been beat to death, and I've seen a few threads around the net on this issue, but I"m really not very familiar with AR-15's so I'm having to rely on everyone else here. I am really wanting a first AR-15 and have been chewing it over. I've been looking at the M&P 15 Sport, the Ruger AR-556 and even the Colts. everyone seems to have a hard on for the Colt 6920 (and for good reason it seems). however most of those threads that said "just buy the colt" where when you were spending $700-$800 for the Sport and like $1000-$1100 for the colt. With the Sport being on sale for $499 shipped this weekend and the Colt being $822 on the LOW end is that still the case? I don't want to buy a really sub par piece of machinery, but is the Colt really worth paying almost 70% MORE than the Sport right now? My use is for Range gun and if someone by chance breaks into the house (I'm not a survivalist, but I do require that all my guns but my .22's at least be able to be grabbed and fend off an intruder if it's the closest one at hand).

Like I said, this is my first AR-15 and while I've had plenty of experience with Semi-auto handguns (love me some 1911's and M&P handguns) I just haven't dipped my toes into the AR world until now (in before the prices of guns shoot up thanks to Hillary :( ).
 
Hello my friend having spent 23 years in the military I'm very familiar with the AR platform. While the colt system is a fine one the M&P Sport is just as good. I have had the 2011 version which I paid $650 and have not regretted or looked back. My M&P Sport has performed so we'll I would not hesitate to take it into battle. So my advise to you is by the sport and use the extra money to buy ammo, optics and anything else you need....good luck on your purchase.
 
I've learned a few firearms buying lessons the hard way over time. Here's my 2¢.

Close your eyes. Think about an AR-15. Remember what comes to mind. If that ideal image includes:

  • A full featured upper receiver with a forward assist
  • A dust cover
  • Handguards with heat shields
  • Chrome lined 1:7 twist barrel

Go with the Colt. You won't be happy with anything else. If not, the 15-Sport is a good all-round AR-15.

Advice #2:

Imagine that AR-15 in your mind. Put that in relation to your max budget. Your max budget should be the amount of money you have left over that is truly discretionary after meeting all financial obligations and retirement savings. AR-15's are built on standardized dimensions. Buy a factory complete AR-15 from a big, well-known, manufacturer that fits your budget. Buy an AR-15 that is built on a metal upper, metal lower, mil spec buffer tube. Buy an AR-15 that is equipped from the factory with as many of the features and furniture your budget allows.

Also leave room in your budget for:

  1. Rifle case / bag.
  2. Flexible rod cleaning kit.
  3. C.A.T. M4 cleaning tool.
  4. Chamber brush.
  5. Extra magazines.
  6. Ammo.

After all that, then start thinking of a red-dot optic (whole different conversation).

While polymer uppers and lowers can drive down the price of an AR-15 pattern rifle, I highly advise staying away from polymer upper/lower construction in your first AR-15.
 
I guess it depends on what your budget is at. Do you want the Chevy or the GMC/Buick? The GMC/Buick will offer more features, for a price but are they features that are worth the price to you?

Personally, I would go with the Chevy first and get to know the system. Just get the Chevy that has pretty much what you want on it or you will never be happy with it.

Ie. Don't buy a Chevy Cobalt when you want an Impala or don't by a Colorado if you want the Silverado.
 
thanks for the advice guys. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't buying a substandard gun if I DID go with the sport. at the moment I've dropped over $3k on guns in the last 4 months so budget is a bit tighter + I figure that if the 15 sport is as great a range and simple nightstand gun as people are making it out to be it will be a great introduction to the platform. + saving over $350 from a colt 6920 is a fairly large amount comparatively. I'm sure once tax return season comes a colt will call my name, but who knows. I don't want to mod or spend a lot of money putting addon's like red dot's and massive scopes on my first AR so unless someone has a really compelling argument to get the colt (like it will ACTUALLY last twice as long etc) then I think the Sport is in my future

I'm not an AR expert, but the lack of forward assist and dust cover aren't a big deal for me since we're here in the U.S. Both my brothers were active duty marine's for almost a decade and both said they never ONCE used the forward assist except to silently chamber a round (ride the bolt back and then use the forward assist to finish seating the round) and they both laughed at the dust covers. Said they never even USED them even over in Afghanistan except when on a convoy that REALLY kept them in a dust storm and they were near the back
 
Last edited:
M&P 15 Sport $499 http://smith-wessonforum.com/redirect-to/?redirect=http://youtu.be/dX4BQl2nlek

LE6920 $839 Colt M4 Carbine 5.56x45 NATO LE6920 Series | Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Both really good deals.


wormraper said:
thanks for the advice guys. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't buying a substandard gun if I DID go with the sport. at the moment I've dropped over $3k on guns in the last 4 months so budget is a bit tighter + I figure that if the 15 sport is as great a range and simple nightstand gun as people are making it out to be it will be a great introduction to the platform. + saving over $350 from a colt 6920 is a fairly large amount comparatively. I'm sure once tax return season comes a colt will call my name, but who knows. I don't want to mod or spend a lot of money putting addon's like red dot's and massive scopes on my first AR so unless someone has a really compelling argument to get the colt (like it will ACTUALLY last twice as long etc) then I think the Sport is in my future

I'm not an AR expert, but the lack of forward assist and dust cover aren't a big deal for me since we're here in the U.S. Both my brothers were active duty marine's for almost a decade and both said they never ONCE used the forward assist except to silently chamber a round (ride the bolt back and then use the forward assist to finish seating the round) and they both laughed at the dust covers. Said they never even USED them even over in Afghanistan except when on a convoy that REALLY kept them in a dust storm and they were near the back
Click to expand...
 
I bought the M&P Sport about a year ago. Have ran over 1200 rds thru it and not one single problem.
Unless you plan to do some serious rolling around in the dirt, you won't need the dust cover and from previous posts that I've read here, even the guys who used them in combat, didn't use the forward assist.
Keep in mind that the dust cover opens up after the first Rd so the only advantage of that is while you're humping and not using the rifle.
I'm also new to the AR as I used the M14 while in country. So you guys that used the M16 feel free to correct me.
 
Tactical blue dust cover dispenser

Blue-Painters-Tape-2.jpg
 
In your hands you have $800.
In front of you, you have the Colt as it comes, and an M&P15 with a $300 optic.

Which would you pick?
 
I broke down and got the sport. $499 for an entry level AR 15 was too good to pass up from a reputable company. I'm keeping this thing stock too. it's a HD gun along with a medium range gun so no need to blast it with optics and what not. once I get more proficient I'll upgrade to a colt or just build my own.
 
cyphertext said:
Why? I'll take a Sport with a high end optic over a higher end rifle with a dime store optic any day of the week.
Click to expand...



My thoughts were to buy the higher end M&P without optics, then down the road after shooting for a few months decided after reading reviews which optic to buy.

I bought 2 Sports, put a Nikon P 223 on one, and a Bushnell TRS 25 on the other. I would rather pick my option over a store telling me what to buy.
 
wormraper said:
I broke down and got the sport. $499 for an entry level AR 15 was too good to pass up from a reputable company. I'm keeping this thing stock too. it's a HD gun along with a medium range gun so no need to blast it with optics and what not. once I get more proficient I'll upgrade to a colt or just build my own.
Click to expand...

Good starting point. There is no practical difference between the M&P15 Sport lower and most others. The integrated trigger guard is really the only difference.
If you want an "upgrade" the you could just buy an upper you like, and still use your M&P lower. In fact, you can go buy the Colt upper and have a setup that shoots identically to the Colt in question.

This makes even more economical sense if you upgrade to a nicer trigger. Swapping uppers means you get to use your nice trigger all the time.

Be careful, the AR world is dangerous to your financial health.
 
McE said:
Good starting point. There is no practical difference between the M&P15 Sport lower and most others. The integrated trigger guard is really the only difference.
If you want an "upgrade" the you could just buy an upper you like, and still use your M&P lower. In fact, you can go buy the Colt upper and have a setup that shoots identically to the Colt in question.

This makes even more economical sense if you upgrade to a nicer trigger. Swapping uppers means you get to use your nice trigger all the time.

Be careful, the AR world is dangerous to your financial health.
Click to expand...

that's what I figured. a good simple AR with no frills for having fun and protecting the home. I see what you mean about dangerous for financial health. I'm already looking at Colt's and other builds thinking "ooooo, I could do this, and this, or just swap on this upper"...uggggggggggg, not good for a guy who already has a bad weakness for 1911's pocketbook wise
 
rtquig said:
My thoughts were to buy the higher end M&P without optics, then down the road after shooting for a few months decided after reading reviews which optic to buy.

I bought 2 Sports, put a Nikon P 223 on one, and a Bushnell TRS 25 on the other. I would rather pick my option over a store telling me what to buy.
Click to expand...

I interpreted what McE was saying a little differently... I looked at it as I had cash in hand and with it I could either get a Colt LE6920, or a Sport with an Aimpoint. Basically, the difference in cost between the two rifles could get me a decent red dot of my choice, not a particular model the store had on the rifle.
 
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cyphertext said:
I interpreted what McE was saying a little differently... I looked at it as I had cash in hand and with it I could either get a Colt LE6920, or a Sport with an Aimpoint. Basically, the difference in cost between the two rifles could get me a decent red dot of my choice, not a particular model the store had on the rifle.
Click to expand...



Understood, were good.
 
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