Any thoughts on the M&P 15 model 11511?

[The West Virginian]

Good morning, all.

Though not a rabid fan of the AR platform, I believe it has a variety of uses ranging from plinker to defense. Not being particularly enamored of the AR, however, finds me grandly ignorant. I really want a plain Jane AR with the carry handle. Sadly, those are rare. S&W makes the 811000, though, which I initially thought about purchasing, and the 11511, which has the 1:7 chrome lined barrel, chromed bolt carrier, and chromed gas key. Might anyone have any experience with the 11511, or thoughts regarding whether or not it is a worthwhile purchase?

Thanks much for any assistance.

Aaron

 

[cyphertext]

If you are not an AR fan, buying the Sport 2 and then adding the removable carry handle would be much cheaper.

 

[Goblin]

I think you can find the carry handle with sight for $55. Try Rock River Arms, but theirs might be more expensive. I agree with cyphertext.

 

[Rastoff]

Unless you plan on adding a grenade launcher, which you don't, the Sport II is the way to go. Then just add a carry handle that attaches to the picatinny rail on the receiver and you'll have the 11511.

The only difference will be the rifling, but the 1:9 twist is fine. Chrome lining makes little difference as long as you maintain the gun.

Here's a handle for $85: http://www.primaryarms.com/anderson-manufacturing-ar-15-carry-handle-am-carrying-handle

 

[WR Moore]

I have to respectfully disagree on the value of the chrome lined bore-but that's dependent upon your use. If for whatever reason, you do high round count shooting in a short time period, the hard chrome lining provides much greater protection from gas and heat erosion of the bore. From that perspective, the $40 or so for the chrome lining beats barrel replacement costs.

Our experience with non-lined barrrels in CQB training was that we'd have to change barrels about every 3 months. The chrome lined barrels just kept on trucking.

OTOH, if you shoot the firearm reasonably with an occasional rapid fire string, Rastoff's right.

 

[MichiganScott]

Hard to beat a carry handle rear sight and A2 front sight tower for durability.

 

[Rastoff]

I have to respectfully disagree on the value of the chrome lined bore-but that's dependent upon your use.

No, I think we agree on this point too. My comments were based on the OP and his original intent. I took it as him seeking a standard range gun that won't see seriously hard use.