Looking to buy first AR

[texas_kid]

Okay guys, I've studied this site for a while and finally joined and now I would like to ask for some good advice since I've seen it in abundance here.

I'm looking into getting an AR as a range/defense/SHTF/hog hunt gun and I've got my heart set on an M&P.
I've got it narrowed down to the OR model (811003), T model(811041), and the TS model(811024).
I'm not super concerned about mil spec but it's an added bonus I suppose.
I love the look, and features of the TS but its a tad pricey.
I also love the look of the T but feel that the TS would be better but the T more affordable.
And I like the OR for its low price and the make it exactly my own potential plus I like the chromed components. The only thing is the 1:9 barrel and the fact that I'm a total noob and would be trying to customize it with no experience. Plus I'd spend about the same once I upgraded

So help me out guys what are your opinions/experiences?

Thanks!

 

[Hudgehog]

Start slow and work up to what you decide you like. I started with the S&W MOE edition, shot it and decided what I like and didn't. I built my first rifle based on what I learned I liked/didn't about the MOE. I have now built 5 or 6 AR's to the specifications that I have decided are important to me. With that said, you can't go wrong with any of the three you listed.

 

[texas_kid]

Thanks! That's what I hope to do. I'd like to get my feet wet with this first one and build a couple more once I've gotten a hang of the platform

 

[crofoot629]

Buy a Colt.
6920 or 6940.
Fan Boy? Not really. It just makes good sense.
Aimpoint Pro or Micro and good white light and your done.
Oh, Pmags and IMI 193.

Emory

 

[texas_kid]

Thanks for the input! I hadn't considered Colts that much, but if I found a good deal on one it would be hard to pass up. I'm almost set on an Aimpoint micro dot once I've gotten good with the iron sights.

 

[Kadonny]

Of your choices, I'd probably go OR depending on what the pricing is and what you will use it for the majority of the time. If you can get a T for under 1k, then do that. If not, then consider the OR. With the OR you can add what sights you want and decide if you want to replace the handguard to a railed system etc.

Regarding the 1/9 twist on the OR, if you are going be hog hunting with it and you will be shooting heavier weight bullets, it might pay you to to go with the T or TS with the 1/8 barrel right from the start.

 

[BillK01]

The TS version is a 1:7 twist. Plus the added stuff it comes with amounts to about $450 in extras - so the higher initial price really isn't that bad once you factor that in.

Love my TS and would buy it again without hesitation.

 

[tarheelbball]

S&W M&P 15TS at G and R Tactical

 

[gdnagle]

811003 1 in 9" $1,069.00 MSRP
811024 1 in 7" $1,569.00 MSRP
811041 1 in 8" 5R Rifling $1,159.00 MSRP 13" Troy® TRX Extreme Handguard
or maybe look at the MOE
811053 1 in 8" 5R Rifling Mid-Length Gas System less recoil, $1,259.00 MSRP but has M4 A2:Front Sight Post. I've seen them under $1k if you look and wait long enough. I have the older version Carbine length gas system.

 

[SmokeStack Lightning]

15T's are on GunBroker for $999 w/free shipping thru Northern Firearms out of Minnesota.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=354199421

 

[Smithsrevenge]

Great starter gun *although not a S&W* "although I own 3 and love them!"

Is the old bushmaster , now Windham weaponry rifles. I got my fiancee one as her first AR and she loves it. Very well made, good pricing and one of the best warranties known to man.

If you go with a S&W. The one's you've chosen are all great rifles as well :-D

 

[texas_kid]

S&W M&P 15TS at G and R Tactical

Thanks for that! That's $100+ better than any deal I've been able to find so far.

 

[texas_kid]

I really appreciate all the input y'all have given. I think that the TS is still strong in the top spot but there's just so many choices out there.
One more question. I intend to run a good amount of cheap steel cased ammo through my rifle, would the chromed components on the TS or OR be best for that? (I also found a Daniel Defense M4 V7 for $1349 but I love the S&W brand. Any opinions on those would be appreciated as well.)

Thanks again guys!

 

[BillK01]

You're welcome.

One caveat with the TS model is if you want to put a lot of stuff on the handguard. You need to the Troy rail sections and they are sort of an annoyance to add/remove from the TRX handguard. Particularly annoying is if you want a VFG where the gas block is. I ended up having to buy the Noveske low profile mounting system to put my VFG under the gas block and use a 4.2" rail section which is longer than the VFG needs.

 

[LEEJAY1]

I really appreciate all the input y'all have given. I think that the TS is still strong in the top spot but there's just so many choices out there.
One more question. I intend to run a good amount of cheap steel cased ammo through my rifle, would the chromed components on the TS or OR be best for that? (I also found a Daniel Defense M4 V7 for $1349 but I love the S&W brand. Any opinions on those would be appreciated as well.)

Thanks again guys!

Daniel Defense and Colt are both top picks.

 

[texas_kid]

You're welcome.

One caveat with the TS model is if you want to put a lot of stuff on the handguard. You need to the Troy rail sections and they are sort of an annoyance to add/remove from the TRX handguard. Particularly annoying is if you want a VFG where the gas block is. I ended up having to buy the Noveske low profile mounting system to put my VFG under the gas block and use a 4.2" rail section which is longer than the VFG needs.

That is something I've thought as a drawback for the TS and the T is higher in my mind for instantly testing new accessories and more mounting options. However I do plan to only mount a light on the right side and a VFG close to the end so it should be okay in that regard. But yes taking off the hand guard to get it right does sound like a bit of an annoyance. . But man, the TS is a sweet looking rifle and I love the simplicity of it.

 

[Wee Hooker]

You seem concerned with a 1 in 9 twist but don't mention why.

A 1 in 9 twist is actually a very good choice for a 'do all" Ar. Bushmaster has been using 1:9 for years. The slower 1:7 or 1:8 are geared towards shooting heavy bullets (75gr+ ) at long ranges. They however, loose something if you want to shoot lighter (say 45 gr) varmint bullets. All else aside, unless you are going to be shooting the heaviest bullets/ past 300 yds on a regular basis, the 1:9 is fine. ( Keep in mind that many bolt action 223's are 1;12 or faster. )
FWIW, I shot a bushmaster in 1:9 for years and never felt held back.

 

[BillK01]

That is something I've thought as a drawback for the TS and the T is higher in my mind for instantly testing new accessories and more mounting options. However I do plan to only mount a light on the right side and a VFG close to the end so it should be okay in that regard. But yes taking off the hand guard to get it right does sound like a bit of an annoyance. . But man, the TS is a sweet looking rifle and I love the simplicity of it.

Once you remove the TRX a couple times it's pretty easy. The issue is actually getting the nuts inside and catching them with the screws when putting on rail sections - particularly when they're far enough in you can't poke your finger in and hold them.

Here's mine before I got my Larue mount.

 

[texas_kid]

You seem concerned with a 1 in 9 twist but don't mention why.

A 1 in 9 twist is actually a very good choice for a 'do all" Ar. Bushmaster has been using 1:9 for years. The slower 1:7 or 1:8 are geared towards shooting heavy bullets (75gr+ ) at long ranges. They however, loose something if you want to shoot lighter (say 45 gr) varmint bullets. All else aside, unless you are going to be shooting the heaviest bullets/ past 300 yds on a regular basis, the 1:9 is fine. ( Keep in mind that many bolt action 223's are 1;12 or faster. )
FWIW, I shot a bushmaster in 1:9 for years and never felt held back.

I want to hunt hogs on occasion and because of that I'd like to shoot the 75gr rounds plus I intend to stock up on the 62gr. green tips as some of my main stockpile ammo. So that's why I'd tend to prefer the 1:7. But it wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't get a 1:7 that's just my preference. (I guess there's also a tiny desire for milspec but it's not a make or break deal.)

 

[texas_kid]

Once you remove the TRX a couple times it's pretty easy. The issue is actually getting the nuts inside and catching them with the screws when putting on rail sections - particularly when they're far enough in you can't poke your finger in and hold them.

Here's mine before I got my Larue mount.

That's a thing of beauty I tell ya. You've got it set up just right.
Any tools you'd recommend for the rail removal/customization?