Deciding on an S&W AR

[Whitwabit]

Bingo... every barrel is different and will like a particular ammo better than others. The guides on twist rates are just that, guides.

Do you have an AR ? may I ask what kind and the twist rate and ammo you use and do you hunt with it ??

Knowing some one else's experience could/would be helpful !!

I appreciate the help and info !!

 

[cyphertext]

Do you have an AR ? may I ask what kind and the twist rate and ammo you use and do you hunt with it ??

Knowing some one else's experience could/would be helpful !!

I appreciate the help and info !!

Yes, I do. I have the original Sport. 1:8 twist with 5R rifled barrel that is treated with Melonite.

I hunt with it, but mostly for hog eradication. I use Brown Bear 62 gr soft points, or Remington "Hog Hammer" rounds with a 62 gr Barnes TSX projectile... These are good for hogs and deer here in Texas, and are cheaper than Black Hills with the same projectile.

 

[Whitwabit]

interesting discussion on the AR twist rate .. there are 2 parts .. this is part one .. you can get to part 2 at the end of part 1 video ..

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWP2oow5qW8[/ame]

 

[Whitwabit]

Well I pulled the trigger .. after much deliberation and looking at different models for the last year .. the last 3 months I've watched numerous YouTube video's on the performance of the S&W AR's and other brands .. looked at warranty's and literally over 100 different models .. I read and watched more vids on the difference in twist rates and the performance on the different grains of ammo it causes ..

What I found is basically throw all I've read out the window .. Each AR and AR barrel shoots differently .. It really comes down to what ammo size and brand does your AR shoot the best .. I've seen tests where a certain size grain shouldn't shoot well in a certain barrel twist and ends up with a tighter group then the barrel the ammo was supposedly designed for .. the same grain bullet from 2 suppliers have a 2 inch or more group difference ..

I had no idea there were so many different AR's out there on the market place when I started looking .. brands and the price differences were as numerous as the models !! I've watched the price go up 200 dollars plus and then return to lower levels after a few months .. you can spend as little as 499 to well the sky's the limit with match barrels and other add-ons that are available ..

 

[Whitwabit]

I bought the S&W M&P15T 16" MAGPUL TACTICAL Model 311041LE just over 800 dollars with the FFL fee ..

Model:M&P15
Caliber:5.56 mm NATO / .223
Capacity:30 Rounds, 5.56 mm or .223
Barrel Length:16"
Action:Gas Operated Semi Automatic
Overall Length:35" Extended / 32" Compacted
Stock:6-Position Telescopic
Forend:Troy 4-Sided, 10" Free-Float Modular Rail Forend (MRF)
Sight Length:15"
Barrel Twist:1 in 9"
Weight (No Mag):6.85 lbs.
Trigger Pull:7 lbs. (approx.)
Upper/Lower Material:7075 T6 Aluminum
Barrel Material:4140 Steel
Front Sight:Folding Magpul (MBUS)
Rear Sight: Folding Magpul (MBUS)
Chromed Components:Barrel Bore, Gas Key, Bolt Carrier
Receiver and Barrel Finish:Hard Coat Black Anodized

Also ordered a cheap red dot (60 bucks) to put on it to start with .. will get something better probably a scope .. Sightmark/Landmark SM13041 Tact Red Dot

EDIT : I will also look for some kind of tripod for it the ones that are both a tripod and front hand grip look interesting ..

 

[Ackman110]

I bought the S&W M&P15T 16" MAGPUL TACTICAL Model 311041LE just over 800 dollars with the FFL fee ..

Model:M&P15
Caliber:5.56 mm NATO / .223
Capacity:30 Rounds, 5.56 mm or .223
Barrel Length:16"
Action:Gas Operated Semi Automatic
Overall Length:35" Extended / 32" Compacted
Stock:6-Position Telescopic
Forend:Troy 4-Sided, 10" Free-Float Modular Rail Forend (MRF)
Sight Length:15"
Barrel Twist:1 in 9"
Weight (No Mag):6.85 lbs.
Trigger Pull:7 lbs. (approx.)
Upper/Lower Material:7075 T6 Aluminum
Barrel Material:4140 Steel
Front Sight:Folding Magpul (MBUS)
Rear Sight: Folding Magpul (MBUS)
Chromed Components:Barrel Bore, Gas Key, Bolt Carrier
Receiver and Barrel Finish:Hard Coat Black Anodized

Also ordered a cheap red dot (60 bucks) to put on it to start with .. will get something better probably a scope .. Sightmark/Landmark SM13041 Tact Red Dot

EDIT : I will also look for some kind of tripod for it the ones that are both a tripod and front hand grip look interesting ..

I am interested in purchasing this exact rifle from Bud's. How has your experience been with it thus far? Would you recommend it?

 

[Ackman110]

I am interested in purchasing this exact rifle from Bud's. How had your experience been.thus far? Would you recommend it?

 

[Whitwabit]

I am interested in purchasing this exact rifle from Bud's. How had your experience been.thus far? Would you recommend it?

Just sent you mail ..

Haven't been able to shoot it yet picked it up 2 Friday's ago and then left town till last Thursday .. Its gotten colder now and didn't get a chance this weekend ..

I'm sure it will shoot as other S&W AR15's .. tuning it to the right grain ammo will be the first test .. but I expect 3 round groups to be well under 3 inches and when I find the right grain size ammo it likes I should be able to dial that in to 1 to 1.5 inch or under 3 round groups .. the only thing I can see adding is a possible trigger upgrade .. rail attachments of a flash light and maybe a laser is about all I can think of .. unless you ditch the red dot and go with it scoped ..

 

[Whitwabit]

I'm a S&W fan .. the AR was well built .. fit was very good .. finish on the upper and lower was well matched and smooth looking no blotches of varying color .. everything was tight no rattles ..

It was very dry no oil/grease could be found .. bolt was also a bit tight but worked smoothly after a cleaning and good oiling .. Not sure if it was fired as no burnt powder smell was noticeable .. and didn't get any discoloration on the patches when I cleaned it .. but then it is a couple of years old so powder smell may be gone ..

Yes I would recommend this to others .. in fact thinking of ordering a 2nd one for my wife ..

 

[Whitwabit]

I'm not sure Bud's has this model on the regular pages .. I found it on the QP Discounted Smith & Wesson Firearms Page .. to order there you have to be a present or ex LEO or a VET and send them a copy of your DD214 if a VET .. not sure the LEO requirements ....