New M&P 15 Sport...WOW!

[TangoFoxtrot]

Just brought her home today. What a good value for the money. I've handled the M4 /AR platform for 22 years in the service and I must say I'm impressed...so far! I haven't had it out to the range yet. It ran $610 out the door and the owner threw in an Ergo tactical grip for $10 and a free box of ammo. Ya can't complain about that deal.

 

[rojodiablo]

You suck. I paid a lot more here in Ca......... Oh well!!


It's a good rifle, and a great value!!

 

[TangoFoxtrot]

Hey Rojo its funny you said that. I just read two other comments on another site that stated the same thing and they too live in Kommifornia. Sorry dude sucks to be you...LMAO just kidding, How you liking that bad boy?

 

[4thatguy]

Shot mine for the first time today. I love it! Do you have any mods in mind?

 

[JaPes]

Hey TangoFoxtrot! Nice to bump into you here as well as GT.

I just picked up a 15-Sport a few days ago. Haven't had a chance to get to the range yet.

I need a semi-auto rifle for range target practice, home defense, and general use. The 15-Sport gives me everything I need, nothing I don't, at a price that can't be beat.

I'm mechanically inclined. I could have built an AR lower & topped it off with a completed upper. I priced it out, and it was similar to a 15-Sport.

I also compared complete AR's from a couple other manufacturers within the same price range, and the 15-Sport came out on top.

I set up exterior furniture based upon my experience with the 15-22.

1.) Magpul MOE butt stock & enhanced butt pad. On the 15-Sport, I'm not going to put on the cheek riser. The cheek riser interferes with the operation of the charging handle when the stock is fully collapsed.

2.) Magpul MAID grip. I like the feel. I also get a kick out of the 3 rounds I can store in the grip compartment.

3.) Magpul MOE hand guard. The shape of the Magpul hand guard feels better in my hand. It also has a heat shield whereas the stock does not.

4.) Magpul BAD lever. Threw one on the 15-22 for giggles, and found that it was actually useful.

I honestly like the stock sights. I want to mount an optic, but not break the bank. I'm most likely going to order a Primary Arms M3 red dot with a high cantilever mount.

What I like the most? The lifetime factory S&W warranty. I'm keeping all my mods to just exterior furniture.

 

[rojodiablo]

TFT, I have had my Sport since July now. I have run 3500 rounds thru it. I shot carbines in my past lifetime, and the Sport is very, very similar to my carry rifle in feel and action (Sans the rock-star burst switch). I like how light it is, and it is very well balanced. So far, it eats all Wolf/ WPA ammo just fine, and gives up good accuracy. (Best accuracy with MBUS sights is about 2.5MOA. With an optic and good ammo, it could be cut to close to 1MOA.) The rifle is not picky; it likes all magazines except pure junk ones. It will even work fairly well with Thermold mags (Cheap, cheap 10rnd units for Ca.) No lights, no optics. I'm kinda old school in that respect. No issues from the rifle, and no complaints from me.

 

[JaPes]

TFT, I have had my Sport since July now. I have run 3500 rounds thru it. I shot carbines in my past lifetime, and the Sport is very, very similar to my carry rifle in feel and action (Sans the rock-star burst switch). I like how light it is, and it is very well balanced. So far, it eats all Wolf/ WPA ammo just fine, and gives up good accuracy. (Best accuracy with MBUS sights is about 2.5MOA. With an optic and good ammo, it could be cut to close to 1MOA.) The rifle is not picky; it likes all magazines except pure junk ones. It will even work fairly well with Thermold mags (Cheap, cheap 10rnd units for Ca.) No lights, no optics. I'm kinda old school in that respect. No issues from the rifle, and no complaints from me.

This is exactly what I hoped to hear. I wanted my first AR to just work. I didn't want to have to worry about it.

 

[TangoFoxtrot]

Hey TangoFoxtrot! Nice to bump into you here as well as GT.

I just picked up a 15-Sport a few days ago. Haven't had a chance to get to the range yet.

I need a semi-auto rifle for range target practice, home defense, and general use. The 15-Sport gives me everything I need, nothing I don't, at a price that can't be beat.

I'm mechanically inclined. I could have built an AR lower & topped it off with a completed upper. I priced it out, and it was similar to a 15-Sport.

I also compared complete AR's from a couple other manufacturers within the same price range, and the 15-Sport came out on top.

I set up exterior furniture based upon my experience with the 15-22.

1.) Magpul MOE butt stock & enhanced butt pad. On the 15-Sport, I'm not going to put on the cheek riser. The cheek riser interferes with the operation of the charging handle when the stock is fully collapsed.

2.) Magpul MAID grip. I like the feel. I also get a kick out of the 3 rounds I can store in the grip compartment.

3.) Magpul MOE hand guard. The shape of the Magpul hand guard feels better in my hand. It also has a heat shield whereas the stock does not.

4.) Magpul BAD lever. Threw one on the 15-22 for giggles, and found that it was actually useful.

I honestly like the stock sights. I want to mount an optic, but not break the bank. I'm most likely going to order a Primary Arms M3 red dot with a high cantilever mount.

What I like the most? The lifetime factory S&W warranty. I'm keeping all my mods to just exterior furniture.

Nice setup!!! Go to a Dick's sporting goods(if there is one in area) They have some nice optics by Truglo dirt cheap. Risers you'll have to by elsewhere. I put one on my Rem. 870 SG and its been durable and reliable.

 

[TangoFoxtrot]

Shot mine for the first time today. I love it! Do you have any mods in mind?

Yes. I put on an Ergo grip(hate the stock one) I'm goona add a new VFG and thats it.

 

[rojodiablo]

Yes. I put on an Ergo grip(hate the stock one) I'm goona add a new VFG and thats it.

If you don't like that stock grip, send it to me! I actually really like the profile, it is slimmer, and it is really similar to my carry M4 was. I have a DPMS that has a Foster's beer can for a foregrip, and I am hunting for something slimmer that is not a free float rail. (No bipod, so no FF rail necessary.)

 

[jt185]

Just brought her home today. What a good value for the money. I've handled the M4 /AR platform for 22 years in the service and I must say I'm impressed...so far! I haven't had it out to the range yet. It ran $610 out the door and the owner threw in an Ergo tactical grip for $10 and a free box of ammo. Ya can't complain about that deal.

Congrats! I've had mine for a couple months and really like it. It has worked flawlessly.

 

[jt185]

Hey TangoFoxtrot! Nice to bump into you here as well as GT.

I just picked up a 15-Sport a few days ago. Haven't had a chance to get to the range yet.

I need a semi-auto rifle for range target practice, home defense, and general use. The 15-Sport gives me everything I need, nothing I don't, at a price that can't be beat.

I'm mechanically inclined. I could have built an AR lower & topped it off with a completed upper. I priced it out, and it was similar to a 15-Sport.

I also compared complete AR's from a couple other manufacturers within the same price range, and the 15-Sport came out on top.

I set up exterior furniture based upon my experience with the 15-22.

1.) Magpul MOE butt stock & enhanced butt pad. On the 15-Sport, I'm not going to put on the cheek riser. The cheek riser interferes with the operation of the charging handle when the stock is fully collapsed.

2.) Magpul MAID grip. I like the feel. I also get a kick out of the 3 rounds I can store in the grip compartment.

3.) Magpul MOE hand guard. The shape of the Magpul hand guard feels better in my hand. It also has a heat shield whereas the stock does not.

4.) Magpul BAD lever. Threw one on the 15-22 for giggles, and found that it was actually useful.

I honestly like the stock sights. I want to mount an optic, but not break the bank. I'm most likely going to order a Primary Arms M3 red dot with a high cantilever mount.

What I like the most? The lifetime factory S&W warranty. I'm keeping all my mods to just exterior furniture.

Sorry to get off topic from the original post. Does your MOE hand guard fit snug on your Sport? I want to get a MOE hand guard, but have read reports of loose-fitting issues with some AR models. Thanks.

 

[JaPes]

Sorry to get off topic from the original post. Does your MOE hand guard fit snug on your Sport? I want to get a MOE hand guard, but have read reports of loose-fitting issues with some AR models. Thanks.

Yes, the MOE hand guard fits snugly on my Sport. No wiggles.

 

[TangoFoxtrot]

Yes, the MOE hand guard fits snugly on my Sport. No wiggles.

Dumb question but I have to ask...Is the MOE insulated from heat in any way?

 

[JaPes]

Dumb question but I have to ask...Is the MOE insulated from heat in any way?

The MAGPUL MOE handguard has heat shields in the lower 1/2 of the handguard that protect the sides. The bottom and top vent holes are open. I wish I took pictures of it prior to mounting it on the 15-Sport.

Here's a good write up on the MOE I found while researching after-market handguards:

Heat Dissipation Update: Magpul MOE « Vuurwapen Blog

 

[9c1 lover]

you could have built your own for less AND got a forward assist and dust shield, to make it a TRUE AR. you also would have known that you built it yourself which feels great too.

either way you got an AR, one more guy added to the club.

 

[JaPes]

you could have built your own for less AND got a forward assist and dust shield, to make it a TRUE AR. you also would have known that you built it yourself which feels great too.

either way you got an AR, one more guy added to the club.

I was wondering when a "you could have built your own for less and got..." response would pop up. I'm mechanically inclined. I understand that I can build one from the ground up to be as mild or as wild as I would want.

Please correct me if I have my history wrong. I believe that the forward assist was not part of Eugene Stoner's original design. I'm not so sure about the dust cover.

This is my first AR. Having a complete AR from a single manufacturer also simplifies warranty claims. No finger pointing between different parts manufacturers.

I'm not deluding myself into thinking I'm a tactical operator of any kind. I'm just a regular old American citizen who needs a rifle. The S&W M&P 15-Sport has what I need to get the job done. I just changed out some exterior furniture to make it fit me better.

IMO, complexity of construction is inversely proportionate to reliability rate. I usually follow this guideline when purchasing the "first" of any type of firearm in my collection. I do this so that I know I have at least one that I can rely on.

I'll have to have some range time with the M&P 15-Sport before I can proclaim that it "works". I expect it will. If it does, then the M&P 15-Sport will give me the freedom to experiment with building my own because I know I already have one that works.

Maybe I'll build an AR chambered for 300 AAC Blackout...machined lower...match trigger...gas piston... chrome lined everything...full length gas system...free float quad rail...

 

[TangoFoxtrot]

Well stated JaPes. Stoner never intended the FA on his design. I've seen guys semi-freak pounding on the FA in stress situations instead of clearing the clearing the chamber. Oh well to each his own I guess. I like to just keep it simple, less to deal with under stress.

 

[JaPes]

Well stated JaPes. Stoner never intended the FA on his design. I've seen guys semi-freak pounding on the FA in stress situations instead of clearing the clearing the chamber. Oh well to each his own I guess. I like to just keep it simple, less to deal with under stress.

Again, all I have is book/written knowledge. I don't have any working practical experience. I have an intellectual understanding of how all the parts are constructed and how they interact as a whole.

The amount of pressure used on a FA should be the same amount of pressure used when using your finger to nudge the bolt into battery right?

If the bolt does not go into battery, it could be an indication of an out of spec round. No point in cramming home an out of spec round because it can cause a bigger problem. At least this is true for the other types of firearms I own.

The simplicity of the 15-Sport has another advantage just for newbs like me, it makes for a good learning platform.

 

[jt185]

Yes, the MOE hand guard fits snugly on my Sport. No wiggles.

Thanks for the info TF. I might have to take a chance and try a MOE hand guard. Good to hear it's working out for you. You have a great looking, reliable, accurate rifle that will treat you well. I hope you've had a chance to shoot it.
I'll refrain from responding to the forward assist/dust cover stuff if you all don't mind.

 

[JaPes]

I'll refrain from responding to the forward assist/dust cover stuff if you all don't mind.

I understand. I've lurked threads where the FA/Dust Cover debate degenerated into pointless arguments.

The FA and dustcover do serve a purpose. It's quicker to nudge a FA than reach up and forward to push on a hot bolt. The dust cover keeps debris from falling into the action.

If I decide to build my fantasy AR, it will have a FA & dust cover.

For right now, the 15-Sport meets my needs perfectly.

 

[AutoDave]

Picked up my Sport on thursday and shot 80 rounds through it this weekend.
Great gun.
The action seems quiet compared to the Kel-Tec I sold to buy this gun.
Light and well balanced.
Happy camper!

 

[jt185]

Picked up my Sport on thursday and shot 80 rounds through it this weekend.
Great gun.
The action seems quiet compared to the Kel-Tec I sold to buy this gun.
Light and well balanced.
Happy camper!

Congratulations AutoDave! I like mine more and more with each shot!!

 

[TangoFoxtrot]

I understand. I've lurked threads where the FA/Dust Cover debate degenerated into pointless arguments.

The FA and dustcover do serve a purpose. It's quicker to nudge a FA than reach up and forward to push on a hot bolt. The dust cover keeps debris from falling into the action.

If I decide to build my fantasy AR, it will have a FA & dust cover.

For right now, the 15-Sport meets my needs perfectly.

I hear ya, If I were back in the sandbox I would want the FA and DC too. But for what I will be using mine for it will do.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I hear ya, If I were back in the sandbox I would want the FA and DC to. But for what I will be using mine for it will do.

The Garand, Springfield, and Enfields did not have either, and they won a war just fine.

 

[K96771]

^ exactly. I have around 200 through mine so far and love it for all the same reasons expressed here. It's one of over a dozen rifles that I own and none of them have a dust cover. Although you "get what you pay for," up until now I think the AR market was designed to "charge as much as you could get away with." This rifle changes the whole marketing structure of ARs. I'm no expert, but the melonite also appears to be a superior process to chroming. Google it before flaming me

 

[TangoFoxtrot]

The Garand, Springfield, and Enfields did not have either, and they won a war just fine.

True!, but my M4 in the sandbox seem to suck in the sand with breakfree on the carrier/bolt. So what I did is used graphite instead and it was flawless. It made a mess but it worked. The armorer wasn't too happy but hey..oh well.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Thanks for the info TF. I might have to take a chance and try a MOE hand guard. Good to hear it's working out for you. You have a great looking, reliable, accurate rifle that will treat you well. I hope you've had a chance to shoot it.
I'll refrain from responding to the forward assist/dust cover stuff if you all don't mind.

I once handled the MOE wearing version at a Cabelas, had some wiggle. Against my better judgement, I bought the MOE furniture and decked out my sport. Oddly, no wiggle or play in the hand guard whatsoever. The MVG is a nice touch as well, and very comfy.

 

[meanmrmustard]

True!, but my M4 in the sandbox seem to suck in the sand with breakfree on the carrier/bolt. So what I did is used graphite instead and it was flawless. It made a mess but it worked. The armorer wasn't too happy but hey..oh well.

Ha, bet not.

 

[Bionic_Man]

...Although you "get what you pay for," up until now I think the AR market was designed to "charge as much as you could get away with." This rifle changes the whole marketing structure of ARs.

I'ved notice this too. Mossberg has an MMR "AR-15" MSRP $885. No forward assist, but a dust cover. Their thinking is marketing and price point. I enjoy my MP-15 Sport and MP-15/22, and I think S&W has set the bar for entry level as well as potential repeat customers, IMHO.

Now that I'm hooked, S&W should bait me with a "MP-10" Sport in .308 or .30-06 at $885 MSRP.