Hey y'all. New to the forum. Just recently I have been able to start my collection. Been buying firearms for about a year and a half now. I bought a Smith and Wesson pistol M&P 40 and fell in love with this brand. Now I'm in the market for an AR. My two choices so far are the model 811041 and model 811053. Any suggestions on which one to get? One more question, I buy from budsgunshop.com and both are listed as 223/5.56 caliber, but on S&W website they're both listed as 5.56. Are they compatible with both calibers? Thanks guys.
Buying 1st AR ... need some advice!
- Thread starter Bubba2490
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AR-Getsome
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Most of todays AR platform rifles will shoot both 5.56 and .223. You can tell by the marking on the barrel. If it is marked 5.56 you can shoot both calibers. If it is just marked .223 you cannot shoot 5.56. I would go with the M&P 15t. I have heard but cannot confirm till I do some research, but I hear the flash suppressor on the M&P 15 MOE cannot be removed because it might be pinned & welded.They both have the desired 1/8 5R barrel (supposed to be better). Now its up to you to decide. Click on the link here to see a side by side comparison.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...langId=-1&catentryId=786010&catentryId=802553
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...langId=-1&catentryId=786010&catentryId=802553
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Thank you so much! I was leaning more towards that model anyway. I guess this is just re-assuring me that I was going to make a good decision.
If you like the Magpul furniture on your AR, go with the 811053 model.
If you like the quad rail handguard, get the 811041, but plan on replacing the butt stock - it's only "okay" in my book. I'd suggest the Magpul CTR or STR - especially if you're tall and have long arms. You can add a thicker recoil pad to the Magpul that will add up to an extra 7/8 inch to your length of pull.
If you like the quad rail handguard, get the 811041, but plan on replacing the butt stock - it's only "okay" in my book. I'd suggest the Magpul CTR or STR - especially if you're tall and have long arms. You can add a thicker recoil pad to the Magpul that will add up to an extra 7/8 inch to your length of pull.
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.223 is ok in 5.56 chamber, but not the reverse.
As for an AR, get the basic S&W models (811000, or if you want a handguard with rail, then 811008) or the Colt LE6920 or LE6920 SOCOM.
As for an AR, get the basic S&W models (811000, or if you want a handguard with rail, then 811008) or the Colt LE6920 or LE6920 SOCOM.
BillyJack2012
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I wouldn't think twice about this one. The M&P MOE (811053) hands down. You get the enhanced flash hider on a 16" barrel so no, it's not pinned and welded. You also get the "MAGPUL" roll mark in the lower and that's just sexy. It's the only M&P with this roll mark. And, you get the mid-length gas system vs. the carbine gas length on the "T". It's a sweet, smooth shooter.
The "T" is a fine shooter as well but now sports a UTG Pro quad rail and MBUS sights (used to be Troy). Just nothing really special about it any more.
The "T" is a fine shooter as well but now sports a UTG Pro quad rail and MBUS sights (used to be Troy). Just nothing really special about it any more.
I use Cabela's or Walmart for ammo.BillyJack2012
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Ammo at a great price doesn't really exist these days. For ammo at a decent price when available, check your local WalMart. Or, check out Palmettostatearmory.com. They have their Federal go on sale every once in a while. When it hits $6.99 per 20 round box, I pick some up. Their prices seems to float around. Hit that price and a free shipping deal and you're in great shape. It pains me to spend .39/round and I don't shoot steel so I guess I get what I get.
uncledoggle
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Bubba, If you live anywhere near an Academy Sports & Outdoors they now have a good selection of .223/5.56 ammo on hand.
Availability seem to be getting better. Hope it stays that way.
Availability seem to be getting better. Hope it stays that way.
BillK01
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I've had good luck with both Ammo To Go and Target Sport USA for online. My Walmart has been devoid of ammo for at least 6 months. I don't even check anymore. 
TheMaineEvent
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I use the Sportsman's Guide for ammo. They've got some Wolf ammo in stock right now which is good for everyday range use.
qrachel
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1st AR 15
Dear Bubba:
Sounds like you on a great track. I have been buying S&W revolvers since January (now have a 617 6" 10 shooter, 686+ 4", and 629 Classic 5") I also have a Sig P220 Equinox and a P226 X5 9mm, plus my pride and joy: an Ed Brown 1911, Kobra Carry.
For the past few weeks I have been reading and studying up on AR 15s. My LGS has an ex-marine Snipper working there, (really a great young man - everyone's young to me, lol), who has been unbelievably helpful. Two points: 1) Don't rush and 2) find someone who really knows the platform that you can bounce ideas and questions off of.
After three weeks, I bought an LWRC AR 15 w/16" with sculpted barrel, Eotech 3X scope that flips out of the way and an aimpoint single 2xMOA dot, and a combat style bi-pod. It comes w/LWRC iron sights which are top of the line. Lot's of reasons why I did what I did, and lots of here's what you gain/loose, and a few don't go there conversations.
Was 3 weeks of great fun slowly getting informed and then seeing the final build this evening. It comes home in 10 days (I live in CA). The LGS and rep made a nice sale, I got a super AR 15 with a healthy discount, and the rep and I will be heading to the range to zero it in (now that's service)! He's cute too, but I'm old enough to be his grandma.
Take care and enjoy the journey,
Rachel
Dear Bubba:
Sounds like you on a great track. I have been buying S&W revolvers since January (now have a 617 6" 10 shooter, 686+ 4", and 629 Classic 5") I also have a Sig P220 Equinox and a P226 X5 9mm, plus my pride and joy: an Ed Brown 1911, Kobra Carry.
For the past few weeks I have been reading and studying up on AR 15s. My LGS has an ex-marine Snipper working there, (really a great young man - everyone's young to me, lol), who has been unbelievably helpful. Two points: 1) Don't rush and 2) find someone who really knows the platform that you can bounce ideas and questions off of.
After three weeks, I bought an LWRC AR 15 w/16" with sculpted barrel, Eotech 3X scope that flips out of the way and an aimpoint single 2xMOA dot, and a combat style bi-pod. It comes w/LWRC iron sights which are top of the line. Lot's of reasons why I did what I did, and lots of here's what you gain/loose, and a few don't go there conversations.
Was 3 weeks of great fun slowly getting informed and then seeing the final build this evening. It comes home in 10 days (I live in CA). The LGS and rep made a nice sale, I got a super AR 15 with a healthy discount, and the rep and I will be heading to the range to zero it in (now that's service)! He's cute too, but I'm old enough to be his grandma.
Take care and enjoy the journey,
Rachel
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batmann
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Several on-line sources are having sales on .556/.223, so ammo is coming back on line and prices are coming down.
I have my MOE zeroed at 100 yards with the XM855 (green tip), but I do shoot a lot of steel case Russian as practice ammo. Go online, Brownell's for example, and break yours in with with some GOOD brass cased ammo either 55 gr or 62 gr to make sure it functions ok. Once you have done that, then look for some cheap Russian ammo.
One word of caution. If you plan on shooting both brass and steel case on the same trip, shoot your brass ammo first then the steel case stuff. Russian steel case is really dirty and steel does not expand like brass and your chamber will look like an old chimney and at times the brass will stick after shooting the steel.
I have my MOE zeroed at 100 yards with the XM855 (green tip), but I do shoot a lot of steel case Russian as practice ammo. Go online, Brownell's for example, and break yours in with with some GOOD brass cased ammo either 55 gr or 62 gr to make sure it functions ok. Once you have done that, then look for some cheap Russian ammo.
One word of caution. If you plan on shooting both brass and steel case on the same trip, shoot your brass ammo first then the steel case stuff. Russian steel case is really dirty and steel does not expand like brass and your chamber will look like an old chimney and at times the brass will stick after shooting the steel.
coltle6920
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No opinion on the AR-15 other than my ColtLE6920. Been shooting steel targets (5"-8"-10") at 100yds. Put a Nikon 3-9x40 BDC scope and a UTG bipod on it and have been shooting 200-250yds since. Wish I had the space to take it all the way out to 600yds.
Been shooting PMC 55gr in both .223 and 5.56 nato and not one single problem yet. Maybe not that cheap but certainly affordable and widely available up to 1000rd cases.
Been shooting PMC 55gr in both .223 and 5.56 nato and not one single problem yet. Maybe not that cheap but certainly affordable and widely available up to 1000rd cases.
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Damien
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When I was employed by the government they used to give us all the 5.56 we could shoot for free. It's my understanding that they are hiring now. Check at GoArmy.gov
qrachel
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New AR-15 Follow-up
Got the newbe out to the range Sat and had a great time*. I'm going to need some practice to match the accuracy of LWRC - it shot 3 rounds consistently that a large thumb would cover at 100yds, amazing. Of course, I wasn't shooting it then - my shooting coach was.
Really was a blast. The gun is light, smooth and easy to operate, but then it should be as that's supposed to be a design hallmark of the AR-15s. I was able to hit 8" steel plates with the iron sights @ 100 yds pretty consistently and about 6" group on paper. With the optics everything improved dramatically and suggests I can be in the 2" circle with optics every time with a practice; the plates at a 100 yds were easy and much less so at 200 yds with optics.
Any way, lots of fun . . . next weekend I'm signed up for a 2-day SD course.
Rachel
*The LGS had/has a sale on 223/5.56 and I bought 22 boxes for a great price!!! (If you're in the LA area - PM me).
Dear Bubba:
Sounds like you on a great track. I have been buying S&W revolvers since January (now have a 617 6" 10 shooter, 686+ 4", and 629 Classic 5") I also have a Sig P220 Equinox and a P226 X5 9mm, plus my pride and joy: an Ed Brown 1911, Kobra Carry.
For the past few weeks I have been reading and studying up on AR 15s. My LGS has an ex-marine Snipper working there, (really a great young man - everyone's young to me, lol), who has been unbelievably helpful. Two points: 1) Don't rush and 2) find someone who really knows the platform that you can bounce ideas and questions off of.
After three weeks, I bought an LWRC AR 15 w/16" with sculpted barrel, Eotech 3X scope that flips out of the way and an aimpoint single 2xMOA dot, and a combat style bi-pod. It comes w/LWRC iron sights which are top of the line. Lot's of reasons why I did what I did, and lots of here's what you gain/loose, and a few don't go there conversations.
Was 3 weeks of great fun slowly getting informed and then seeing the final build this evening. It comes home in 10 days (I live in CA). The LGS and rep made a nice sale, I got a super AR 15 with a healthy discount, and the rep and I will be heading to the range to zero it in (now that's service)! He's cute too, but I'm old enough to be his grandma.
Take care and enjoy the journey,
Rachel
Got the newbe out to the range Sat and had a great time*. I'm going to need some practice to match the accuracy of LWRC - it shot 3 rounds consistently that a large thumb would cover at 100yds, amazing. Of course, I wasn't shooting it then - my shooting coach was.
Really was a blast. The gun is light, smooth and easy to operate, but then it should be as that's supposed to be a design hallmark of the AR-15s. I was able to hit 8" steel plates with the iron sights @ 100 yds pretty consistently and about 6" group on paper. With the optics everything improved dramatically and suggests I can be in the 2" circle with optics every time with a practice; the plates at a 100 yds were easy and much less so at 200 yds with optics.
Any way, lots of fun . . . next weekend I'm signed up for a 2-day SD course.
Rachel
*The LGS had/has a sale on 223/5.56 and I bought 22 boxes for a great price!!! (If you're in the LA area - PM me).
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