It's my understanding that Colt's civvy and .mil AR-15s/M4s are identical save for select-fire and 16.1" versus 14.5" barrels. Same parts, same builders, same work area.

If correct, it seems that only by pedantic standards are the Colt ARs not mil-spec, owing to no government inspection; in every respect that counts -- kind and quality of parts and build -- they're mil-spec.

__________________
Pickpocket

No, you either meet the standard, or you don't. At one time, Colt production lines were seperate. I don't know if that is still true, but they do list seperate divisions on their web site. The mil-spec processes are very well documented, with certain requirments and inspections to insure the requirments are met. It is quite possible that Colt has different standards for their civilian rifles. Is it not possible that a part that does not meet the standard for a government rifle still very well could be used in a rifle produced for the civilian market? Kinda like back in the day when you could purchase a 486DX processor, or a 486SX processor... The SX processor did not meet the requirements of the DX processor, but was deemed still acceptable for many applications.

I used to be a member of the M4 online forum but stopped going there a long time ago. I'm sure you'll find great info over there but I won't look. I got called out by ppl for buying an American Spirit Arms M4 which was not to mil-spec according to some ppl at the M4 forum.

First, I did a factory tour with the previous owners and it's a top notch facility that produces quality parts. Ownership changed and I know nothing about them.

Second, what if I don't like mil-spec? Why should I be hung up on mil-spec when I can get better?

Apparently there's differences in the barrel cut, the stock buffer, the "F" stamped front sight (omg, how dare you NOT getting a "F" stamped front sight on your AR15, you must be an imposter), etc.

Who cares? Get with a reputable manufacturer, choose your specs and don't let ppl on the internet tell you what you need.

__________________
Jorge

Of the 3 listed by the OP:

I have never owned a M&P AR. Have quite a bit of time with them dialing them in for other folks.

Same applies to the Ruger.

Have handled several Colts and own a LE6920-R Trooper and a couple of lowers. (Colts always had the crappiest triggers less my latest lower for some reason)

Colts have always been gtg.

Rugers were ok but some always seemed to have slop somewhere, for example, a sloppy, loose selector switch. Easy enough fixes but should be unnecessary.

M&Ps were always good to go. Their quality actually stood out to me.

Based on my experiences and "bang for buck", I'd recommend the S&W. I don't see the 1:9 twist as a deal stopper unless you have a need for mid-70gr or heavier stuff.

This one deserves a look if in the market.

I really like it. Purchased new in Oct / Nov 2017 for low 700s. Seems like more than a handful of folks opt'ed to spend more and go with the Colt CCU.

1:8 5R progressive gain twist is the best. Cyphertext knows.

1. Determine your overall budget. AR-15's can become a never-ending $$$ black hole. Make sure you include:

• Base price of rifle.
• A case. You'll need something to transport to and from the range.
• If the rifle does not include them, old fashioned "iron" sights.
• A sling.
• Extra mags.
• Ammo. Pointless to blow your wad and not have anything left for ammo.
• Cleaning kit.

This gets you to the range and plinking. There are lots of options to fit your overall budget.

2. Close your eyes and envision the AR-15. Purchase a factory complete rifle that is equipped as many features you envision that fits within your budget.

3. Purchase a factory complete rifle from a well known large manufacturer, that is financially stable, who has the resources to back up their warranty. S&W, Colt, Ruger, Sig, BCM, etc.


Optional / Eventual:

A.) Trigger upgrade. This is one of two of the most useful upgrades to a rifle.

B.) Red Dot Optic. Since your goal is "not a weekend toy", you'll most likely mount an optic. This means Aimpoint, EoTech, Trijicon. A proven quality optic is one of the two most useful upgrades to a rifle.

Cleaning Supplies:

Cyphertext can validate. I was an obsessive cleaning nut-job. I bought every darn tool, solvent, lube, grease, etc. Nowadays, I use an Otis flexible rod cleaning kit, a bore snake, Breakfree CLP, cotton patches, and rags. I learned my lesson. I keep it quick and simple now.

__________________
-John

Yeah, a few of us bought into that marketing back in the day!

Louis,

With regard to the original 3 choices, I'd urge you to first see how
much your budget allows, then check out all in the info you can.

Should you decide to buy on line, check out the reviews. Should
you buy LGS, check them out in person. Perhaps one feature will stand out that you really like. For the most part, S&W and Ruger
are very close in price for their basic models with Colt running higher. All 3 are quality weapons.

You're not asking about homebuilt options or other manufacturers from what I understand from the original post, nor are you asking about twist rates or mil-spec parts.

I’ve really thought long and hard about just that, but given the suggestion that a $600 purchase might provide a reliable platform to be shooting and learning those mechanics immediately has some merit. However I do grasp the importance of knowing a build well enough to be able to build. I’ve never owned a firearm I couldn’t assemble and disassemble. That seems foolish ownership in my mind. Oops, probably preaching to the choir here.

Someone called this a rabbit hole, but I’m certainly thankful for the direction this has taken.

Next I need to have the Glock vs M&P discussion, in a new thread!

why no forward assist? I’ve not run into that discussion.

Colt, S&W, Ruger in that order. My BCM is every bit as good as my Colts (but has a mid-length gas system). The devil is in the details when it comes to AR’s. Only a rich man can afford to buy it twice.

The first generation Sport was marketed as a budget gun. In order to save costs, the rifle did not come with the ejection port cover or the forward assist. Few parts, less machining... less production costs. They also did not include heat shields in the handguards as another cost savings. Since they came with M4 style handguards that most replace anyway, this made sense.

Lots of discussions on if the forward assist is truly needed or not... another rabbit hole if you will. Some say it is a must on a "fighting" rifle. Others argue that if the round does not chamber, then clear it... no need to force it in the chamber.

Since your BCM is every bit as good as your Colts, are we to assume that you are a rich man?

I have had a few different makes of AR's, and I have to say that unless your going to treat it like we treated our M-16's in the Green Machine, just about any one of your possible selections will work well.

I had the Ruger, the S&W, a Bushmaster, and a PSA....all of them ran well, but the Ruger I had would not run any steel cased ammo very well. Right now I have been running a Del Ton rifle, and have been quite pleased with it.

__________________
USMC 83'-87', NRA Member.

Bottom line and you can skip the blather.

I can spend 2k. Over 3-4 months ideal.

$600 out of pocket a month for a build would be perfect. I’m seeing deals and wouldn’t mind some level of build for the invaluable knowledge. I want a rifle my nephews (Afganistan Iraq veterans all) could inherit and bet their lives on the build.

I’d invest in the tools for a total build. Tool cost as an add on cost.
I’m sure the nephews would like that value added.

What to do, thick skinned and listening....

(I went off and overspent on a Glock and am having Sig drools. Just couldn’t go the SW striker, maybe more money than sense)

That seems to be the developing direction. After all the incredible input, regardless of my age, I lean towards a definite upgrade from Ruger and S&W. Those are manufacturers I’ve had a dozen or so pistols and rifles from. I’d always been happy.

So.... I’d not like a “truck” gun. I’ve had several Ruger 9mm tool box specials. They were fun and reasonably reliable. My Mini14 was the most reliable rifle I’ve ever owned. I put thousands of rounds through it. I still am drawn to it, but because it looks nothing like an assault rifle, yet was very capable.

This time I want a sustainable working rifle. Something that can use other parts. Is known to be reliable. I get that my original 3 are reliable by many accounts, but I don’t need to pinch pennies, but I don’t want to spend $2500.

Something in the range of $1000-$1200 that could be improved on, but a good to excellent lower and trigger group. In my experience my trigger and barrel and non AR rifles performed, were most accurate, best for me.

I’m somewhat embarrassed by my n00b questions and developing opinions....

I must say I’m totally impressed by the aplomb and great exchange of ideas here. This has become my go to forum. Thanks ever so much for patiently educating me.

So...

Would it be a good move to build? Every firearm I’ve owned was well enough studied to strip and reassemble nearly blindfolded. I’ve always believed that along with ownership, the ability to maintain was critical. Nothing worse than a tool that can’t be properly used or maintained.

What would constitute a good base to build on. From what I’ve gleaned so far, the Ruger, low end S&W, and Colt may not fit that mold. That said, there seem to be upgrade versions of at least two, with some fit issues with Colt.

Looking around more, I could squeeze out up to 2k but I dip into $$ stash instead of outright purchase over $1000. No Yugo, but no need for a Maserati either. In my parlance it’d be a mis level Toyota. (Never had one need repairs under 150,000 miles)

Again, thanks to all and the mods for a great forum. Even an aging liberal Republican, conservative Democrat cross can find a home here.

"Our shared values define us more than our differences. And acknowledging those shared values can see us through our challenges today if we have the wisdom to trust in them again."

John McCain

You’ve invested a lot of time, thanks. Could you expand?

It is a Colt LE6920 with a free float rail out of the box, and I have seen it priced less than the standard LE6920. Choose your sights and/or optic and you are good to go. You can change out the grips and the stock if you would like, or upgrade the trigger.

If you want to free float the barrel and want a different handguard than what comes on that rifle, you could also look into the Colt OEM2... it comes without handguard, trigger guard, stock, and sights so you can buy what you want. The only reason it comes with the pistol grip is because the grip holds a spring and detent in.

I really like my Sport, but when I built a rifle for my son when he earned his Eagle Scout, I built the lower from a stripped lower and put in an upgraded trigger, as well as a Magpul grip and stock. I purchased a complete upper from BCM that has the midlength gas system and free floated barrel with a keymod hand guard. Spent as much on his upper as I spent on my complete rifle... and when I bought my Sport, they were running $700.

His rifle is the "better" rifle between the two, but the hogs and targets don't know the difference. Don't see any real difference in accuracy between the two, and neither rifle has failed us.

I can see the draw to Ruger and S&W. A 9mm and AR pair for under $1000. WOW!

This season eBike kit and battery sales commissions better be good.

Committed. BCM Gunfighter. Build. I can buy piecemeal out of pocket. Looking for toll and vise block reviews.

Next it’s optics... and a drive to the big city to view. MSE, interesting on paper.

I wasn’t doing too bad when I bought my BCM (upper & lower separately) but now that I’m retired I’m far from rich. I still think if you want a carbine of a non-standard configuration BCM is the way to go (it wasn’t any cheaper though).

I have been a colt AR guy always but recently added an early heavy barrel Bushmaster and I must say it holds its own to my Colts.....but I wouldn’t own more than one of them. I recently discovered Troy and I must say I am very impressed with their product and just might add a few more of them to the pile. There is a lot that can be had relatively inexpensively, but for me, an old man, it has been the lure of the prancing pony.....but I try to stay open minded and will continue to add other brands to the pile.

The pile of colts with a bushmaster lurking in their and a colt M4 lower with an Alexander Arms Beowulf upper.


The newly added Troy

Louis,

I'd still suggest going to a base model first, and see how it works for your needs. The possibilities are endless in the AR platform.
Optics, furniture, barrels, twist rates are all options. Just cause
you buy a base model doesn't mean you're locked into it. Get one first and see what appeals to you regarding options.

For my Zombie gun, I chose the Ruger AR-556, as the most bang for the buck, and ready to shoot right out of the box. Hasn't failed yet, and I like it! Mine is staying stock, because everything works correctly!

If you aren't planning to build multiple rifles, I would not recommend this route. Money spent on tools could be better spent on optics, ammo, and range time.

Did you look at the Colt OEM2 that I suggessted? It allows you to dress it up however you want, and wouldn't require a the cash outlay for tools. You can put BCM gunfighter grip and stock on it, choose whatever rail system, etc.

Colt's Manufacturing LLC

About the build it yourself idea........ various companies build things at various levels of features/quality. Some companies have selections that cover the range. That said:

First, NO builder of AR platforms makes all the parts. There are only a limited number of makers of some of those parts. Companies doing quality work do receipt inspections of parts. Yeah, they buy "quality" parts, but they make sure the vendor supplies what's on the invoice. You don't have that capability.

What do you think happens to the parts that don't comply with all particulars of the blueprint specification? Ideally, they get scrapped. However, that doesn't mean they actually get scrapped or that the scrap recipient doesn't sell them out the back door. Now if the issue is something minor that doesn't affect the integrity of the part, probably not an issue. On the other hand..................

I could go on in depth-especially about part quality & mil-spec vs commercial, but frankly it's impossible to do a quality build for what you can buy from a quality vendor and this is before you buy the tools and gauges-and some of those gauges aren't available outside factories.

I'll give you an example, at one time a lot of ARs was purchased from a name (not mentioned in my previous post) builder. There were several that ate gas rings. You assemble the rifle with 3 gas rings, go shoot the exercises and during cleaning discover that one or two rings were missing. Obviously an issue with dimensions in the BCG, but the maker inspected and claimed within spec. (Cured by one piece gas rings) But, it gets better. At the end of a CQB training cycle our armorers had to replace barrels (not chrome plated), bolts and all the parts in the fire control group. Yeah, they had lotta rounds through them, but the Colts & M&P15s took a licking and kept on ticking. IIRC, the Colts cracked a few bolts/bolt lugs, but not bad considering the usage.

One piece of positive advice: Buy barrels with chrome barrel bore & chamber. This retards gas erosion of the rifling. The price difference is much less than a new barrel and any difference in accuracy won't be seen by us mere mortals.

Second piece of advice: you don't have to spent $2K to get a quality AR platform. OTOH, if you want to, look at Lewis Machine & Tool products.

I did not until tonight. I’ll take a closer look. I got the wild hair about a build simply because my best automobile, and now 3D printing and eBike builds have meant I learned the skills to be pretty darn self sufficient. Any problem I face involved the installation and learning curve to manage the part/build. Would it not be better for the nOOb to start off with a clearer understanding of thevbuild and issues. I don have a clue, but believe me I am carefully focused and listening.


One other thought and question. Would I never need the tools in the coarse of ownership? Wouldn’t the inclusion make the package more sustainable and increase the value to my devisee? I’m not trying to save uncles money. I now, as this gets thought out and sorted would like to end up with a base combat ready AR15. As much as I want the kid to have a great rifle, I want to have a complete, as as complete an understanding as a gut my age can have. If all goes as expected I’ll pop off 1000 or more rounds and then put another few away forposterity. Every few months I d like to cycle a couple hundred rounds. Replacing a fair percentage of my pistol rounds. I wil keep compentensy but replace the oh what the heck rounds.

So. I’m leaning part BCM build, Noveske Lower? Or not of value? From past experience I found a trigger and barrel upgrade useful. With the wheelguns I’ve owned, trigger work was essential. Even if only a slight cleanup.

I apologize in advance. I’m sorting, processing, and struggling with learning all at once.

I’m thankfully convinced there’s enough thoughtful adults here, willing to chase the rabbit and grow this discussion.

If there’s a way to give back, I’m all in.

Colt OEM, hens teeth.

My opinion, there are too many rabbit holes for the newb to get lost in. Until you have a rifle and put some rounds down range, you don't know what you don't know... for example, do you want a carbine length gas system, or mid-length? Do you want a free floated barrel? Do you need a different trigger? Some answers will be dependent upon what you want to do with the rifle. Plus, like WR Moore said, it is sometimes difficult to know if you are buying true quality or just some marketing hype.

I say your best bet is to buy a complete rifle from a reputable manufacturer in as close to the configuration that you think will meet your needs and go from there. Because I started with the Sport, I knew that when I built my son's rifle I wanted a free floated barrel with a slimmer handguard. I wanted folding sights as we planned to use an optic, instead of the standard A2 style sights. I knew that I wanted to stay with a standard, mil-spec type trigger but for it to be polished with less grit than the one in my Sport. I wanted a different grip than the standard A2 style grip... I knew all of these things because of the time we spent at the range with my Sport.

Building is great when you know exactly what you want and nobody sells that configuration. But I don't think it imparts you with any greater knowledge that is going to make you a better shooter. Watch a few youtube videos on how to build an AR and you will see how the parts go together and how they work... you don't have to actually build it to get the knowledge and understanding.

This web page says in stock...

Colt LE6920-OEM2

I just saw on another forum that Colt discontinued these... so they may be hard to find.

Some of the tools, such as an armorers wrench could come in handy, but I haven't needed them in day to day ownership and use.

Noveske stripped lower? I wouldn't pay the premium for it. There are a handful of forges that make all of the forged lowers. The difference in quality comes with who does the final machining. While Noveske is a premium brand, there are many other manufacturers who machine a lower to spec as well and the cost is less. I know you said you aren't trying to save money, but why throw money away when you could use that on optics or other parts.

If you want a BCM build, why not just buy a BCM upper and a BCM lower with what you want already on it? By buying the upper and lower separately and not as a complete rifle, there is some tax savings, but you should always check to see both ways to see which is the better deal.

gotcha. Makes sense thing is old PetervPan here wants something in hand. Doling out $600 a month is out of pocket. So either I save over 3-4 months, there’s that never grow up fella lurking, or draw attention to a large purchase.Gone are the pre retirement days when cash was king and I could claim HUGE discounts unnoticed. In the end it’s ver a problem, but over 45 years I’ve learned how to keep calm water. So in the end common sense will probably win out... then again I just can’t NOT be competent enough to build. My nephews get more goodies or tools make a great donation to local guard or leo. BCM, DD here I come.

Thanks for the shared values.

Besides the armorers wrench, the widget to remove hand guards and the spanner for the receiver extension/buffer tube nut are nice to have around. As is a CAT M4 tool for cleaning the bolt, but that's a maintenance tool.

Most of the other tools you'd need for builds you'd never use for anything else. A full set of headspace gauges (GO, NO-GO and FIELD-OK, the FIELD gauge is good to have for wellness checks) being a prime example. Yeah, people do builds without them , but I value my various body parts.

Remember the school shooting up in Connecticut in 2006?
I was at a gun show in Athens, Texas when it happened.
I knew at our Walmart here in Gun Barrel City,they had an AR-15 type rifle there.
I left the show, drove back South to our Walmart and saw they still had it.
I bought it. The clerk called it into NCIC as required, and I took it home.
I still have it in the box. I have never loaded it, nor shot it.
I now have others,loaded, and ready to use if necessary.
I will sell it if anybody is interested.

I have and shoot Kel-Tec's older version of the famous AR-15.
I like it the best!!!!!

Thanks, first of the BCM parts purchased. Just the lower and a couple of tools. Succesive approximations...
Barrel search is on. So much to learn.

As to tools and their expense. When I built my scratch VW motor I bought a number of tools specific to the build. When I sold my convertible to fund a month in Africa I recovered 70-89% of my cost with shipping. Some fella got a better price and I recovered nicely. I’m one to wile away wiznternet time, while mother watches useless tv ****, finding sales and best prices. Doing value to the resell. Been there done that with several hobbies. In this case, if any of my views are close to correct, having tools could mean the difference between usefulness and an unrepairabld poor purchase. I actually recovered close to 90% selling Vespa tools and saved hugely over paying someone else. And in the end, it’s just money. It won’t save me from the inevitable dirt nap.

Lol......these types of threads can go on and on and on and on.....

It really is like Chevy vs. Ford vs. Dodge or 9mm vs. .40 vs. .45

I own 25+ AR pattern rifles. I have built almost half of them. The others were purchased in factory form.

I have built 8 registered SBRs, all AR pattern.

Here are some of the manufacturers that I have used, so I can rate them. This isn't "what I've heard/someone told me/I read on the internet". This is based on observed tolerances/fit/finish/feel/performance.

Aero Precision: Wow....what a quality manufacturer. I just finished building two .300 Blackout SBRs using almost 100% Aero parts. One 10 inch barrel, one 8.5. Their machining is impressive.

Colt: The old stand by. I probably own more Colts than any other manufacturer. Remember, there is a reason everyone says "It is just as good as a Colt". I own older and newer Colts. Very consistent manufacturer.

Anderson Manufacturing: They produce a decent product. Budget priced, decent machining. Not bad if you want to go the budget route.

Palmetto State Armory: Another budget manufacturer. They mass produce for the commercial market. I have observed looser quality control from them. Uneven front site ears, rougher finish machining, little imperfections. Still not bad for budget builds.

Bushmaster (Original): Somehow still one of my favorites. Their finish machining wasn't always the best, but I've seen Bushmasters take a beating and keep chugging along. Front sights exhibit some rough finishes, but definitely functionable.

Temple Machine: My friend's father owns this concern. They produce a HIGHLY refined lower. They only produce a billet lower. Manufacturer of 6061 aluminum, they exhibit some of the finest finish machining I've ever seen. EVER. Good luck finding one.

BCM: I have used their uppers only, but they seem to produce a quality product. They are good for finding/ordering uppers spec'd they way you want them. Of particular note, they actually parkerize/phosphate under the front sight base, which not every manufacturer does. They do show a lot of attention to detail.

LMT: I my opinion (remember it is worth what you paid for it) LMT produces the highest quality rifles/parts out there, bar none. They have a great reputation for quality which is well earned. I have a MARS lower mated to a CQB monolithic piston upper sporting a 12 inch barrel. INCREDIBLE gun, absolutely INCREDIBLE. Fit, finish, attention to detail surpass everyone in my opinion.

There are tons of manufacturers out there I can't comment on because I have no experience with their product. You can find thousands of "opinions" on them all over the web.

If it is your first AR, I would start off with an Anderson or Palmetto and build one yourself. You gain an intimate understanding of the rifle and how it works. It also gives you concrete criteria by which to judge for yourself who makes a quality product.

Good luck in your search. It is almost as addictive as collecting 3rd Generation S & W handguns.

__________________
Un-Reconstructed Southerner

I think you will spend a lot less money and be happier in the end if you do the following.

* Buy a base rifle now from one of the manufactures you listed.
* Get it, shoot it, shoot it some more and then shoot it again.
* Then build your own.

You will spend less and be happier because you will now have a better idea of how you will use the rifle and what you like, and don't like. This will help you avoid having a drawer full of parts you thought you would love and found out you don't like them as much as you thought.

You also have the advantage of having something you can go shoot while you research and save for the parts you need to build.

After you build one you can sell the original rifle. I suspect you won't as you will like it and want to keep it. You will then start looking at doing a second build. It's almost an addiction as it is fun and the possibilities are endless. Once you have one rifle, more are likely to come.

As far as buying the tools.... They can be useful even if you don't build. I use mine and I loan them out to others who don't have the tools.

__________________
Seek peace? Prepare for war!

Best Stoner/ar15 rifle today to me is Larue. Colt quit building good rifles years ago. Larue's for the $$$ is the best deal around. Mil spec is a Joke term.... !/2 the Junk in aero space thats mil spec fails ck... DECAS inspectors checking parts.... ie Gov person cking junk built to the lowest bid contract.

I decided to put a AR together as cheaply as possible. I bought a stripped Anderson lower, a Blackhawk sling, a ODG Amend2 magazine, and a PSA Freedom rifle complete carbine kit in 5.56x45mm. I already had a carry handle. While not something Seal Team 6 members would carry, this thing is fully functional and I will enjoy it. This is a $345.17 investment so far.

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Actually Team 6 DID carry that type weapon... even today. I built up a Larue rifle with a Anderson lower... Lowers are all about the same (Lower receiver) with a outstanding Larue trigger. I bet Your rifle build will do 2inch and less MOA at 100M with GI ammo. I dont shoot the Stoner rifle in 5.56 past 400M tops.

I'm pretty sure Seal Team 6, or any other US military organization have not carried a rifle built by PSA...

Not knocking ColbyBruce's rifle by any means, because he gets it. His rifle hasn't been tested, inspected, and declared fit for duty by DOD, but it meets his needs and he enjoys it. And if called upon for a HD situation, it should be up to the task.

What an adventure. Gun prices have amazed me. I fella could have a backup 380, a 9mm, and an Ar 15 from Ruger, all for under $1200 before tax. A buck or two more for a S&W trio. Makes me wonder what’s wrong with me. Why that won’t ring my bell. So, Ruger on the way. Couple hundred in tools, Aero lower and BCM kit in the mail. RR Arms discussion in full swing.Really nice fellas!

Glock hunt almost over. I just can’t will the nephews a Ruger. That’ll be a part of the stuff the church gets for resale. I know, odd, but it’s only money. No kids, no real bills and a fair retirement. All will outlast me. I cheated out or was frugal,all these years. Heck the nice guys at the LGS decerve a break too. We’re so busy being frugal sometimes that we forget those stiffs have the same wants and desires. Dirt naps require no funds.

Oh and thanks. Great helpful thread.

Would that be the Ruger AR556?

__________________
Seek peace? Prepare for war!

I am going to build another AR to give to my granddaughter. I was thinking she might like these parts on it.

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That is why I built my son's rifle. His highschool mascot is a pirate, so I wanted a lower with a pirate rollmark.

Spike's Tactical Calico Jack is a pirate themed lower. He loved it!

Yes the MPR version. But I’ve been bitten. PT retirement job will allow a new brood by summers end. Rock River/BCM. Howw RR to BCM, TBD. Almost went the budget RR for a bit less but every Ruger I’ve owned was usually one of the lower priced in firearms “class” but uber reliable. A mag problem 50 years ago with 10/22 soon solved and flawless. First full sized 9mm, cannot remember modelbut got the **** beat out of it in my tool box. Never failed after first 100 rounds. P95 or some such.model. Early mini14 was on of the most fun and first non military (but it was a police version from Streicher Arms) .223 I owned. Just plain fun.
I want to buy a S&W but personal experience, however limited won. And a swell fella conversed with me by PM and got my liking RR.
Google Image Result for https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/swat/2017/12/15165635/Ruger-3.jpg
RUGER®
AR-556® MPR
Rifle-length gas system
SBN treated threaded barrel & low-profile gas block
Ruger® Elite 452™ AR-Trigger (2-stage/4.5 lb. pull)
Ruger® muzzle brake with radial port design
Slim, free-float 15" handguard with M-LOK® slots at the 3/6/9 positions with additional slots on angled faces near muzzle
Magpul® MOE® grip & MOE SL™ collapsible buttstock (with MIL-SPEC buffer tube)
Includes (1) 30-round Magpul® PMAG
OAL: 35" - 38.25" (11.1" - 14.4" adj. LOP)
Wt.: 6.8 lbs.

AR-556® COMMON FEATURES
Gas operated, semi-auto
Type III hardcoat anodized 7075-T6 aluminum flat top upper receiver with forward assist, dust cover & brass deflector
9310 alloy steel bolt, shot peened & pressure tested
Matte black oxide finished, chrome-plated bolt carrier & gas key (staked)
Cold hammer-forged chrome-moly steel barrel with matte black oxide finish & ultra-precise rifling
1:8" twist rate
M4 feed ramps
Enlarged trigger guard

The AR-556® MPR looks like a pretty sweet rifle. I've shot my buddies regular AR-556 several times and it is a good rifle, but the upgrades on that are pretty sweet. I love my Smith, but if I had to do it over that MPR would be on my list.

That Ruger P95 is a great pistol. I sold mine to a buddy and just got to shoot it a few weeks ago. Still a Great gun! Only had one problem with it. The recoil assembly broke. Called Ruger to order the part and it was in my mailbox three days later at no charge. I've never had a problem with any of my S&W's so no experience with their customer service, but I am confident if I do, they will be there for me.

Keep us updated on your build and congrats on the purchase. You can probably make room in your safe for a S&W too. Maybe an M&P 15T

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Seek peace? Prepare for war!

BCM Lower parts kit here today, Aero M5E1 Builder Set w/ 15" M-LOK Handguard - Coyote M17 Cerakote Elite ordered tonight. Hopefully she who sometimes is obeyed has a delayed look into my fun account. But WTH, 46 years and still good...