Getting my first M&P15

I'm another one who really has/had no interest in AR's, but I noticed a stack of them (S&W M&P Sport II) at the local gun shop and thought, "Why not?" So now I've got one. I doubt I'll shoot it much, I'm not really a rifle person, but what the heck. I've got one. :p take that gun banners.

The only modification I've considered is a couple of extra magazines, and they're still in the plastic.



I feel the same way. I have a slight fear of not being able to get one later. I figured to just add a rifle to the collection.
 
I bought a Sport about a year ago when the price went below $600. Why? I already have a mil-spec Colt M4 SOCOM. Well, back in 2012 they were cheap. I didn't buy one. In 2013, you couldn't find one and couldn't afford it if you did. I decided to get one when the prices went back down. So, I did. Put it in a nice soft case with a bunch of loaded magazines and threw it under the bed. There it is if I really need it. There it is if the prices go crazy again. . .never adverse to doubling my money. It's a nice gun and shoots good too. Nothing ventured. Nothing lost.



That's awesome. I like the way you think
 
You got my head spinning. Didn't realize optics were so cheap! Lol. I planned on just using the iron sights for a while. I'm sure I'll start looking at optics sooner than later. Thank you for all of the info
Yes, there is much to learn when it comes to rifles. I've learned a ton and I still consider myself a beginner.

Just one more thing and I'll leave you to it...

The iron sights are a great way to go. The M&P15 Sport II comes with iron sights and they work great. This will get you in the game post haste. Even so, most shooters want an optic sooner rather than later. I already mentioned that the fixed front sight can get in the way. Don't sweat that. If you feel it's in your way, we can help you take it off and replace it with a low profile gas block (about a $35 mod). You may not know what that means just now and that's OK. We're here to help and can answer all your questions as you bring them up.

You're gonna love this gun.
 
Got "a" S&W AR in 5.56 in the safe..........I shoot my 15/22 a whole lot more (same manual of arms).

If I'm out and about in Penn's Woods I'm much more likely to take one of my CZ 527 bolt guns (.223 or 5.56 per CZ).... my favorite is a FS/mannlicher w/ a little 1-4x20 Leupold scope. There are other variations in .223 including the 22" American and a 18" Carbine.

Think you can get both for just about your $1000 budget.

Optics/ scope and extra magazines........ can be picked up over time.
 
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If you want a semi, get a semi.

Just a thought. If you really plan on upgrading a bunch of parts, look now at rifles that already come with the parts you would want to change later, it's a whole lot cheaper to buy a rifle with better/upgraded parts from the get go than to start modding it later on. Lots of beginners buy a bottom basement priced AR then proceed to replace parts and then end up spending way more than had they bought the gun with the features they wanted in the first place. The biggie is the free float rail, that swap is not normally cheap. If you think you want a free float rail (either for accuracy or even for looks) get a rifle that had a free float stock. It will save you both time and money. My opinion.
 
I'd get the magpul mid version. I've got 4 m&p 15 rifles, not the mid version. Whichever one you get, all this overload on the internet will start to make sense. They are easy to operate and maintain.
 
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Just FYI, Grabagun has the sport II flat top in stock for 539.00, at that price, I'd probably go that route.
 
Get the MOE Mid Magpul edition....I got mine for $799. Then take the other $200 and buy mags and ammo.

What does that have over the Sport aside from the Magpul furniture (and $300)?
 
What does that have over the Sport aside from the Magpul furniture (and $300)?

Quite a bit actually...

Magpul furniture, including vertical grip
Co-branded Lower
4150 barrel with 1:8 twist, 5r rifling
mid length gas system
different flash suppressor
 
You've only ever owned revolvers, but what experience do you have with rifles? Have you ever shot a .223Rem rifle before? Bolt action? Lever action? Just what is your experience?

Also, what is you goal with this gun? Will it just be for fun at the range? Competition? Self-Defense?

Answer these questions and we can help better.

Not knowing the answer to these questions, and wanting an AR, I would suggest seriously looking at the 15-22. It is a AR platform, shoots 22LR, cheaper to shoot, is relatively inexpensive and is in stock.
It also can be used for the range,competition and self-defense. Its a blast to shoot!!!
 
Quite a bit actually...

Magpul furniture, including vertical grip
Co-branded Lower
4150 barrel with 1:8 twist, 5r rifling
mid length gas system
different flash suppressor

All that is a nice set of upgrades out of the box. It gives you a good start without having to get all those pieces and put them on yourself. I think it is worth the little bit more unless you are looking for a project.
 
Not knowing the answer to these questions, and wanting an AR, I would suggest seriously looking at the 15-22. It is a AR platform, shoots 22LR, cheaper to shoot, is relatively inexpensive and is in stock.
It also can be used for the range,competition and self-defense. Its a blast to shoot!!!

I have to disagree with quite a bit of this (and I love the 15-22)... While the 15-22 mimics the same manual of arms as an AR-15, it isn't an AR platform firearm. It also is not inexpensive, when compared to other .22lr firearms. I also would not recommend the .22lr for self defense, generally speaking... it just isn't reliable enough for me. But with all that said, yes, it is a fun rifle!
 
Not knowing the answer to these questions, and wanting an AR, I would suggest seriously looking at the 15-22. It is a AR platform, shoots 22LR, cheaper to shoot, is relatively inexpensive and is in stock.
It also can be used for the range,competition and self-defense. Its a blast to shoot!!!

IMO a 10-22 is a way better option than any 15-22 when it comes to .22lr......and that is before considering the price difference
 
IMO a 10-22 is a way better option than any 15-22 when it comes to .22lr......and that is before considering the price difference

Unless I wanted a project rifle I'd rather have a Marlin .22. They're almost always more accurate out of the box than a Ruger 10/22 (I've tested them myself) and they are considerably cheaper than a Ruger. I've had several Marlins and all but one were flawless. One came with a firing pin problem but that's what warranties are for.

If you're interested I have a target posted on my web site showing the results of a Marlin vs. a 10/22 both brand new at 90 yards. The circled groups are the Marlin 60. There's a 3 shot group, a 3 shot group and a 8 shot group (a full magazine from the Marlin). The other holes are from the Ruger including some that I shot. The first 3 I shot at the bull and the other groups I shot once at an open area of the target then shot at the hole I made.

http://www.a-framevideo.com/targets/90_yard_target.jpg
 
After looking for several months and reading numerous reviews, decided on the Sport 2, but, inventories were depleted. Finally found an OR today; dealer got 5 in early this week; this was all that was left and was to be sold this weekend. Will sight it in as soon as the snow melts !
 
Quite a bit actually...

Magpul furniture, including vertical grip
Co-branded Lower
4150 barrel with 1:8 twist, 5r rifling
mid length gas system
different flash suppressor

I think Smith went to 4140 on the barrel on the last update.
 
Not on the MOE Mid... unless they have failed to update the spec sheet again...

You may be right. The site still lists the MOE Mid as 4150 cmv, but the newer MOE SL Mid states 4140. I'm not sure if they still manufacturer the MOE Mid or just list it for the ones that may still be out there.

I have the older 4150 Mid MOE, but put an SL handguard on it. Very nice gun.
 
You may be right. The site still lists the MOE Mid as 4150 cmv, but the newer MOE SL Mid states 4140. I'm not sure if they still manufacturer the MOE Mid or just list it for the ones that may still be out there.

I have the older 4150 Mid MOE, but put an SL handguard on it. Very nice gun.

Oh, you are correct... so guess the lesson is still check the specs carefully to make sure you are getting what you want...
 
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