Looking at M&P15 Sport

[GeauxHunting]

Hey guys, first post here. This is my first time ever on any type of gun or weapons forum. I am not completely new to forums though. I am very active on a dodge ram forum and several mopar forums. I'd just like to introduce myself. My name's Dillon I'm from south Louisiana and I'm an avid hunter.

Anyways, I have a shotgun for ducking hunting, rifle for deer hunting, and of course a .22 for poppin them squirrels. Who doesn't?! Recently I have been doing a good bit of predator hunting and just mainly using my shotgun. I've always been interested in getting a tactical rifle and I think it's about time. I was browsing around and I came across the Smith & Wesson Model M&P15 Sport and I was surprised to see the price so low. With my 18th birthday being a month away I decided it's what I am going to buy myself. I called a local shop and they said they had a Smith and Wesson Model M&P15, but said it didn't say anything about it being a sport. They said it was listed for $650 and I looked all over Smith and Wessons website and the sport was the only thing close to that price. Is it the same gun? I am going in tomorrow to take a look at it. http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57785_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

I know I am going to be upgrading it so I figured I would find a nice online community that would be able to help me learn about the gun and customize it. Please bear with me because I do not have much knowledge with these types of weapons.

I am looking at getting a nice sight that would be good for easily picking up targets and leading them if they are running. I was also wondering if you can add quad rails to this gun. (I think that is what they are called) I would like to add a flashlight and maybe a few other little things on it.

Thanks in advance for all the help, Dillon.

EDIT: Also I forgot, what websites do you guys suggest for buying accessories?

 

[SilverTree]

Welcome to the forum!

I would call them back to make sure, $650 is a bit high for a Sport.

I have a Sport and the 15-22 and love them!

 

[GeauxHunting]

Welcome to the forum!

I would call them back to make sure, $650 is a bit high for a Sport.

I have a Sport and the 15-22 and love them!

That's interesting, S&Ws site has it marked for $740 and I know a guy that bought one at Academy Sports and Outdoors for $1100.

I guess I will find out when I go in tomorrow to take a look at it.

 

[jt185]

Welcome to the forum GeauxHunting!
The M&P15 Sport is a great rifle. I own one and love it. Make sure you identify and clarify which model of M&P15 it is before you buy. I'm sure you're aware M&P offers several AR models. I hope your friend's $1100. M&P was something other than a Sport.

I've seen Sports priced from $579- $700. I paid $599.00 plus tax. If you shop around you may find one cheaper than $650. There have been a lot of people looking at variations of this rifle offered by Palmetto State Armory. It is well featured and reasonably priced.
Read posts on this forum and others to get ideas on accessories. Try not to over-do the accessories. I would have loved to owned such an awesome rifle when I was 18 years old.

Let us know what you pick. Be safe!

 

[GeauxHunting]

Thanks JT! I think I found what scope I am getting, Nikon Coyote Special. I still have a good month or so to shop around.

I don't plan on overdoing it. I like things clean, plain, simple, and effective.

I know what you mean, I am so psyched to have this gun. I'm so glad I can hold a good job and go to school at the same time so I can buy myself toys

I have been spending all my money on modding my truck, and frankly I ran out of ideas for it. Now I plan to spend all my money I used to spend on my truck on my gun!!

 

[SilverTree]

Don’t forget ammo, lots and lots of ammo.
Federal M855 and M193 are my favorites.

 

[GeauxHunting]

Don’t forget ammo, lots and lots of ammo.
Federal M855 and M193 are my favorites.

Who could forget the ammo? That's like a smoker forgetting the lighter.

I think I will load up on cheap ammo for fun at the range or farm. Then get some expensive stuff for hunting.

 

[Hobie1]

I really like mine!

Who could forget the ammo? That's like a smoker forgetting the lighter.

I think I will load up on cheap ammo for fun at the range or farm. Then get some expensive stuff for hunting.

One suggestion...don't buy a bunch of any ammo until you've shot some of it. It would be a bummer dudeto buy a case or two and have it not work well for you. I have used mainly Fed commercial ammo but I've enjoyed reloading for it also. So far the gun enjoys being fed!

This gun is my entry into the AR-15 world and I couldn't be happier.

Hobie

 

[JaPes]

Hi GeauxHunting! Welcome to the forum.

I picked up my first major caliber AR a few days ago, a M&P 15-Sport. I live in Illinois, about 36 miles NW of the city of Chicago. I paid $615.99 out the door for mine.

I don't plan on overdoing it. I like things clean, plain, simple, and effective.

It doesn't get much simpler than the 15-Sport. Here's mine:

• Magpul MOE Butt Stock
• Magpul Enhanced Butt Pad
• Magpul MAID grip
• Magpul MOE hand guard
• Magpul B.A.D. lever

When making my choice I...

• Separated my wants from my needs.
• Identified the why/when/where I would use the rifle.
• Honestly assessed my skill level.

I also did my research into the differences in AR materials and construction. Are the places where S&W made omissions or substitutions to the M&P 15-Sport important to me? Why or why not would a particular feature set be functionally important in the context of my intended use?

• Chrome v.s. Melonite
• 5r Rifling v.s. 6(?)
• 1 in 7" v.s. 1 in 8" v.s 1 in 9" barrel rifling twist rate
• Forward Assist v.s. No Forward Assist
• Dust cover v.s. No Dust cover
• Direct Impingement v.s. Gas Piston
• Carbine Length v.s. Mid Length v.s. Full Length gas system
• Fixed A2 Front Sight v.s. Railed Gas Block
• Standard Hand Guard v.s. Free Float Quad Rail
• Feed Ramp differences
• Quality & Reputation of the Manufacturer.
• Quality of the factory warranty & the credibility of the manufacturer issuing the warranty.

Because I performed my pre-purchase due diligence, I have no regrets purchasing the 15-Sport. My only regret is that the holiday season is eating up so much of my time that I haven't been to the range for a month.

As far as tips where to find AR accessories:

I purchase from Amazon, E-Bay, Brownells, MidwayUSA, and other online retailers. I'll also go to the monthly gun show to try and find any deals.

If you decide to purchase Magpul accessories, I do have one tip. Make sure you get Magpul OEM, not Magpul PTS.

Magpul OEM = the real deal.
Magpul PTS = Professional Training Series meant for airsoft guns.

If you see a price on a "genuine" Magpul accessory that seems too good to be true, it's probably a P.T.S. product.

 

[GeauxHunting]

Wow, thanks for all the advice guys. I talked to my parents and they gave me the okay. This will be the first gun I get in my own name. My dad said if I pay for the gun he will buy me an accessory under $250 which sounded like a great deal to me!

I've been scouring the net looking at various accessories, cases, extra mags, quad rails. All kinds of fun stuff!

I look forward to modifying and learning more about this gun.

 

[Hobie1]

Have fun, be safe!

You're a blessed person!
I hope that you have a great time with it. Do you have any experience with a semi-auto gun? I ask to find out if you might need someone who's experience could be helpful. These AR's are great fun to shoot but you need to learn the mechanics of the gun and proper maintenance so the gun does you proud when you need it.

Have you given any thought to trying the 15-22 rifle? It is a really great way to get into the AR platform without the cost of ammo(22lr. is just a bit cheaper than .223/5.56)being prohibitive.

Good luck to you and enjoy!

Hobie

 

[JaPes]

Wow, thanks for all the advice guys. I talked to my parents and they gave me the okay. This will be the first gun I get in my own name. My dad said if I pay for the gun he will buy me an accessory under $250 which sounded like a great deal to me!

Congrats! It's always good to meet young adult firearms enthusiasts. It keeps the shooting sports going.

You have a very generous and cool dad.

You're a blessed person!

Couldn't have said it any better.

I've been scouring the net looking at various accessories, cases, extra mags, quad rails. All kinds of fun stuff!

I have this soft case (in different colors) for my 15-Sport & 15-22. Everything fits. Lots of compartments. Sturdy construction. Affordable.

MOLLE-204 - ModGear OD Green Ultimate Carbine Case 36x12x4" Outside Pockets for Weapons Ammo Magazines and other Gear

You can't go wrong with Magpul PMAG's. S&W issues one with the 15-Sport. You can comparison shop on the net to find the cheapest price. Because I don't care what color the mag is, I found Flat Dark Earth PMAG-30's on the Amazon Marketplace for $10 ea shipped. I snagged the last two the seller had in stock.

Your original post stated you said you were an avid hunter. I'm not sure what type/style optic you want. I just purchased a Primary Arms M3 Style Red Dot. I needed something affordable, and Primary Arms came highly recommended by friends.

https://www.primaryarms.com

I chose the M3 Style with a cantilever mount just in case I decide to add a magnifier.

I look forward to modifying and learning more about this gun.

Me too!

I hope that you have a great time with it. Do you have any experience with a semi-auto gun? I ask to find out if you might need someone who's experience could be helpful. These AR's are great fun to shoot but you need to learn the mechanics of the gun and proper maintenance so the gun does you proud when you need it.

Sage advice.

Have you given any thought to trying the 15-22 rifle? It is a really great way to get into the AR platform without the cost of ammo(22lr. is just a bit cheaper than .223/5.56)being prohibitive.

Again, very sage advice.

Not only is the M&P 15-22 economical to shoot during practice sessions, it is also the most true to the major caliber AR platform as a dedicated .22lr AR platform can get. All the controls are in the right place and functional.

I had the M&P 15-22 before the M&P 15-Sport. Since the 15-22 accepts standard AR furniture (exterior accessories), it helped me figure out my preferences.

 

[GeauxHunting]

You're a blessed person!
I hope that you have a great time with it. Do you have any experience with a semi-auto gun? I ask to find out if you might need someone who's experience could be helpful. These AR's are great fun to shoot but you need to learn the mechanics of the gun and proper maintenance so the gun does you proud when you need it.

Have you given any thought to trying the 15-22 rifle? It is a really great way to get into the AR platform without the cost of ammo(22lr. is just a bit cheaper than .223/5.56)being prohibitive.

Good luck to you and enjoy!

Hobie

I decided not to get it because I wanted something a little more powerful so I could take down decent sized animals.

As for gun maintenance, my sisters boyfriend is in the Army and I figured he would be able to help me out with the breakdown and proper cleaning of the weapon.

As for experience with a semi automatic weapon I have shot a good bit of semi automatic shotguns and a few various rifles.

Before I actually get the gun I will do extensive research on how to clean and break it down.

 

[Hobie1]

Cool!

I wish you good fortune in your search of the right gun! Maybe an AR-10 .308? That would be kick butt IMHO.
Whatever you decide on, I hope you enjoy the heck out of it. Drop back by and let us know what you end up getting.

Regards,

Hobie

 

[JaPes]

Before I actually get the gun I will do extensive research on how to clean and break it down.

The quality of information you will find on the internet is only as good as the credibility of the source. Breaking down an AR for cleaning is straightforward.

The actual cleaning of the AR can be a touchy subject on an internet forum. I researched threads on a few forums where the topic of cleaning degenerated into endless bickering. Which tools, which solvents, what methods to use.

The National Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF - National Shooting Sports Foundation) published a series of videos on YouTube about the AR platform.

Clean your AR-15 - NSSF Shooting Sportscast - YouTube

This one is on field stripping & cleaning. They have other videos covering different AR topics.

 

[GeauxHunting]

I wish you good fortune in your search of the right gun! Maybe an AR-10 .308? That would be kick butt IMHO.
Whatever you decide on, I hope you enjoy the heck out of it. Drop back by and let us know what you end up getting.

Regards,

Hobie

Ohh I know that would be sweet! The way I looked at it is that I have a .270 and a .243 for big game so I figured the extra $$ for a .308 would be kinda pointless.

I just wanted something that I could discharge shots at the animal quickly while being able to transfer targets. I also wanted a relatively small caliber so I could still shoot at coons and stuff like that.

The quality of information you will find on the internet is only as good as the credibility of the source. Breaking down an AR for cleaning is straightforward.

The actual cleaning of the AR can be a touchy subject on an internet forum. I researched threads on a few forums where the topic of cleaning degenerated into endless bickering. Which tools, which solvents, what methods to use.

The National Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF - National Shooting Sports Foundation) published a series of videos on YouTube about the AR platform.

Clean your AR-15 - NSSF Shooting Sportscast - YouTube

Ohh I know, people can be a huge pain on the internet. I appreciate you sharing all your knowledge.

 

[keith954]

Buds has them for $615 shipped. I've seen a few places a couple bucks cheaper, but most of them didn't have them in stock.

 

[Hobie1]

Maybe this will work.....

Time for this ol' geezer to call it a day.

Hobie

 

[GeauxHunting]

Maybe this will work.....

Time for this ol' geezer to call it a day.

Hobie

Nice! hahah

A friend of mine has a Barrett 50 cal at his ranch and I've shot it a few times. Man that thing is a beast.

Here is a picture of my buddies secret room at his ranch.

 

[trauma1]

get the piston driven gun! ALOT less cleaning than the gas system(stoner direct inpengment(sp) ). More money initially but well worth the extra price in ease of maintenance! Also, be wary of "cheap" or "special" AR15's. Have heard alot of those are made with "plastic" parts and do not hold up well. Cheapest AR I have seen is the RRA Sportical at $650. Just make sure you are getting all the gun for the money!