Looking at AR's

MTC(SS)Ret · Jan 20, 2018

Hello everyone. I have been considering for a while in getting an "entry level" AR rifle and have been reading and watching reviews on several models. I have narrowed my focus to two particular models, the M&P 15 Sport II with Magpul furniture and the Savage MSR 15 Patrol. I believe both are excellent rifles and would appreciate comments from forum members on their experiences with either or both of these rifles. In particular I have a couple questions maybe you can provide answers to.
1. I have been studying a bit about the differences in the chambering between the 5.56 M&P and the .223 Wylde in the Savage. Any opinions on the pros/cons of either? I believe I understand the advantages of the .223 Wylde's potential for better accuracy but is it worth the extra cost for the Savage for what will basically be a plinking/range gun?
2. My LGS has the M&P on sale for $499. Good price?
Thanks in advance for all your feedback.

sgtsandman · Jan 20, 2018

The price on the M&P isn't bad. I have no experience on the Savage model you are looking at, so I really can't compared the S&W to it outside of both brands having good reputations. I don't know if the .223 Wylde chamber is necessarily more accurate than the 5.56 NATO chamber. Both offer the option of shooting 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammo. I think the quality of the barrel would be more important than the chamber as to how accurately a rifle shoots.

JJEH · Jan 20, 2018

I know people that bought the Sport II and love it. I chose the Ruger AR556 and I'm just as satisfied. It's supposed to be a truck gun, nothing fancy and I'm not heartbroken when it gets scratched up. Put some Daniel Defense parts on.

A friend f mine shot it (he's an instructor in his department) and he's dead on with it. I recommend it.

WR Moore · Jan 20, 2018

One of our issue ARs was the M&P15. They ran (I'm retired) right along with the Colt LE model at much less cost and a better warranty. I agree with the comment about barrel quality vs chamber spec.

I personally prefer the mid-length gas system, but that's personal preference. I don't think you'd regret the Sport.

ditto1958 · Jan 20, 2018

The Sport II hadn’t come out yet when I bought my AR, so I bought the Ruger AR-556 and am very happy with it. If the Sport II had been available, I probably would have bought whichever of the two was cheaper at the time. The Ruger and the Sport II are very similar offerings, and I dont think you can go wrong with either one of them. As for the Savage, I can’t speak for it.

MTC(SS)Ret · Jan 20, 2018

I read recently (Guns & Ammo I think) that Savage is well known for producing rifles with outstanding barrels with exceptional accuracy for their price point.

fyimo · Jan 20, 2018

I have 3 AR 15's with one being a S&W Sport II with 1/9 twist and two PSA AR 15's with 1/7 twist. They all shoot great and the 1/7 barrel twist on the PSA AR's lets me shoot heavier bullets.

PSA Freedom AR -15 Stainless Barrel with 1/7 barrel twist

cyphertext · Jan 20, 2018

Between the two rifles listed, I would go with the Smith... The Savage has the Smith beat on paper. But just reading the comments from some folks who have purchased them... Go with the Smith. Known value, lots of happy owners out there.

C J · Jan 20, 2018

I have several Savage made rifles and they are all very accurate. But I have a Sport AR and I couldn't be happier with it. It is also very accurate and it's reliable so far. I've seen entry level AR's that weren't. Have no experience with Savage made AR's though. I just know my Sport works very well.

Rastoff · Jan 21, 2018

ARs today, in this price range, are all the same. The only real difference is the furniture attached and the warranty. In this case, the S&W is leading the field.

The Savage warranty:
How long is the warranty period?

One (1) year from the date of purchase.

The S&W warranty:
Smith & Wesson’s Lifetime Service Policy begins after the warranty period has expired. Smith & Wesson will repair, without
charge, for the lifetime of the original owner, any Smith & Wesson handgun purchased on or after February 1, 1989, and any M&P series rifles, that is found to have a defect in material or workmanship.

So, both have an initial warranty of one year, but S&W then warrants the gun for life to the original owner. To me, this is what makes the M&P stand out.

$499 is not the best price we've seen for a Sport II, but with the Magpul furniture it's a good price.

Looking at AR's

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