Didn't have a flat top CAR in the safe set up for low light. Have a Rem R15 18" carbine with a 3-9x scope for daylight hunting, specifically for coyotes.

Wanted one for low light with maybe an EOTech, and cowitnessed sights. Don't care for M4 profile barrels. Sure, the Sport II does not have a chrome lined barrel, but have other guns to pump a lot of rounds through. Been filling holes in the collection before the legislature does something stupid next year, and by all indications they will.

I think for the price it's a bargain. It wasn't that much more than some of the rifle kits or uppers in the same quality class. I like that they've added a dust cover and forward assist, though I've never had to use the latter.

No pics, ya seen one Sport II ya seen them all. Maybe after it gets set up.

But it does have the S&W branded salt-bath nitriding treatment.

From what I've heard that's only an exterior finish?

Specs say "Armornite® Barrel Finish" on the website, but nothing specifically for the bore.

No, it is the whole barrel, inside and out.

Well that's a nice bonus. I prefer that finish over chrome.

I did check threads here about the finish, but they were older threads going back to circa 2010 to 2013, and were specific to the 1:8 twist. This barrel has a 1:9" twist, which I also prefer to anything faster, because I rarely shoot anything other than 55 grainers.

This is good to know, thanks!

CONGRATS on your new Sport II , I got mine a moth or so ago and with a Red Dot it does well for me..

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9mm Shield

On some rifles, that chrome bore is a good thing. But, I agree, I like my AR barrels not chromed.
Before I bought my AR-556 I did not see anywhere in its specs. where it stated if the barrel were treated in any way. So, I called Ruger. Twice. Once before I bought the rifle to ask if it were treated, and, again, after some members here stated Ruger didn't treat their barrels in any way. Each time I called Ruger I was told the same thing; they line them in a way like a Melonite coating. So, that works for me.

I wish companies would learn how to make proper spec sheets. I would have a hard time believing that the Ruger barrel is treated when it is not mentioned at all in the spec sheet. S&W mentions the treatment, just not in enough detail. Both companies could use some help in the marketing department! AR buyers want to know every detail, whether it makes a difference in real world applications or not!

Took a pic of the new MP15 Sport II today. Since they all look the same, waited until she got all tarted up with Magpul goodness from the spare parts bin. Also grabbed a 20 round PMAG, which I prefer for handling over the 30 rounders.

Pulled an EOTech 552 off another gun to test. Not sure what red dot style optic I want to run. Considering an EOTech XPS2-1. This is a more compact version, shorter in length, with a single 1 MOA dot and no 65 MOA ring. Much cleaner sight picture. The 65 MOA ring is distracting in dim light and makes the display too "busy".

Also considering installing a railed gas block so a folding sight can be installed. Probably an all metal folder from Yankee Hill.

Also looking at linear compensators to throw noise to shooter forward. Have a suppressor but it's heavy. Usually use it on heavier barrels. Remains to be seen how much POI shift there will be on the Sport II A2 contour barrel.

I've heard/read from a couple sources that S&W / Ruger "got away from" the Melonite name but still fully treat their barrels, as vaguely mentioned. Fire & maintain as needed. Spend the money you saved on decent mods.

Both companies are selling ARs as fast as they can make them. What purpose would be served by altering their marketing material so as to increase a level of consumer demand that already cannot be met?

S&W's spec sheets have been lacking for a long time... even when inventory was stacking up.

In May of 2012 I bought a new Sport 1 AR. The only thing I knew about it was, it was not like the M16A1 rifle I was issued while in the Army, and it cost me a few cents shy of $625. My FFL cousin got it for me. When it arrived at his shop he unboxed it. To this day he still has the owners manual. I need to get that back from him!
I do remember him stating that the barrel was NOT chrome lined. He stated it was Melonited. To this day, we still talk about how S&W was able to use that word, but, because it's a Glock thing, no way Jose'!
For those that don't believe the AR-556 barrel is coated, just call them and ask them. I'm sure they will send you a spec sheet, with some Ruger eagle decals to put on your S&W gun case.

SavageMessiah wrote:
For what I need an AR to do (i.e. hit deer-size targets at 200 meters or less), the S&W M&P-15 met that need right out of the box. The only "mod" I have made is to use blackened stainless steel magazines instead of the plastic one that came with the gun.

But that spec sheet still won't tell you what you want to know! I do like the stickers though... have a couple on my ammo cans, along with Glock, Beretta, Mojo, Buc-ee's...

For some reason, every time I bend over in the barn, I keep hearing that big horned billy goats hooves charging towards me, wanting to knock me down..........
FRAM OCOD oil filters make great shooting targets. Safety orange!