Newbie wants direction

[mbliss57]

1st time posting in this subforum...
I haven't fired an M16 since the mid 80's when I got out of the Army. As you can see by my posts I do a lot of wheel gun and semi auto buying and selling. I own a couple of shotguns and a .22 Rifle. But I never thought I might have any interest in acquiring a semi auto combat rifle. But as I walk through gun shows I see more and more of them and the sophistication now is out of this world. SO they now have my interest!
OK I am long winded...
Bottom line.. I want to pursue the acquisition of an AR 15 style rifle.
Can you point me to some post that are for beginners as to what to buy, what to watch out for? Or just somewhere that has many for sale WITH explanations what all the goodies they come with are for. Remember my M16 was about as vanilla as it gets. Thanks for any help.
Mike

 

[PainterlyShotgroup]

With 949 posts and having been in the Army and used the M16, there is NO WAY I'd consider you a noob. That being said, I'd say it all comes down to what you want in an AR. If you are used to "vanilla" then you may be happy as a clam with the Sport. It has everything you need in a civilian firearm and the platform allows you all the flexibility you'd need to modify it if you end up wanting to add more features.

 

[Kodiakco]

Brands: S&W, Colt, BCM, Daniel Defense, Noveske are all known quality brands. As far as accessories, it all depends on what you want to do with the rifle. Hunting, home defense, plinking, zombie apocalypse, etc.

I do have to believe you would be happy with any of the S&W M&P models.

 

[mbliss57]

Thanks. I may just stay with S&W if they are a good brand for this. That is where much of my gun acquisitions are anyway. Not all but many. And Kodiakco.... one of my favorite movies... Heart Break Ridge. I use that quote at work all the time. Sounds like you by a platform and than add on to fit your needs. I like that. The gun kind of becomes your personal creation.

 

[copper06]

Like you my service weapon in the military was an M-16 as a Security Specialist. I'm older now and a little wiser so don't really have need of the higher powered rifle. I do enjoy shooting a tactical styled rifle though so did a bunch of research on my own using this forum and many others.

My bottom line which may not be yours was to have the AR platform without the expense of the 223 round. My answer is the S&W 15-22.

If money wasn't an issue I "might" have both the 15-22 and the larger caliber but I kind of doubt it. Your interest will determine what you really want and enjoy.

I'd hook up with some buddies or a shooting range that may have a rental and make a trip before the plunge. You'll know in short order which you like better.

Best of luck and keep us updated on what you end up getting.

 

[oneyeopn]

Some people like to buy the gun with the accessories already installed, some prefer to install them themselves. In my case I prefer the idea that you buy the rifle and shoot it, shoot the fool out of it and then start figuring what you want on it. There is so many different parts and different styles and I really think the fun lies in making your rifle yours. Until you shoot it you may have an idea what you want to do with it but until you get to know her she isnt going to tell you what she wants to be.
Good Luck in your adventure and remember we like pics!!!!

 

[Dragon88]

Can you point me to some post that are for beginners as to what to buy, what to watch out for? Or just somewhere that has many for sale WITH explanations what all the goodies they come with are for. Remember my M16 was about as vanilla as it gets. Thanks for any help.
Mike

Mike, there are many different paths you can take on purchasing your first AR. I recommend you decide on the style of rifle you want first, and go from there. Some options:

Century Arms AR-15 Sporter: This is a milsurp M16A1 upper on a new production semi-auto lower. It is very, very similar to an A1 you may have fired in the Army. Triangular handguards, A1 stock, A1 pistol grip, pencil barrel, etc. I own one and I love it.

M16A2 clone: Again, just like an A2 you may have been issued in the Army. Olympic Arms makes an A2 upper which is a dead ringer for issue M16A2s. Many other manufacturers also sell A2 clones, or you can assemble your own.

Plain-Jane AR-15 M4 clone: A carbine similar to current issue M4s, with plastic handguards and no frills. There are a few different options in the M&P 15 line if you want this. Colt, Daniel Defense, Noveske, and BCM are some other brands which I would highly recommend.

Tactical M4 clone: An M4 type rifle with railed front end. This is the best option if you want to mod your gun with lots of accessories. Again, many options in the M&P 15 line and from other manufacturers.

Once you decide on the general style of AR you want, the sky is the limit. The only thing holding you back will be budget and possibly and angry wife.

Dan

 

[Lineman73]

Go for it!!

Oh Mike, what you are about to get into......!

The easiest way is to start with a basic rifle and as ONEYEOPN said shoot the day lights out of it, then start adding what your heart desires!! The sky and your wallet are the limit!!

I started with a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport in 5.56 NATO. Other choices are Stag, Rock River, Remington, Ruger, CMMG, CORE 15 or Advanced Arms Corp (AAC). I have put a reflex red dot on my S&W 5.56 barrel, added a .300 Blackout S&W upper with a Bushnell 1.75-5 x 20 Trophy scope. Now I'm thinking of a green laser just for fun. And I just started!!

Catch the fever!! Enjoy it! Be Safe and thanks for your service to the country!!

As for the direction you were looking for.....SOUTH!!

 

[mbliss57]

Thanks all. Very helpful. I think I get the idea. I will research a bit and let you know what I land on.
Mike

 

[Maddmax]

So with the M&P AR 15's. Why does the Sport seem to be way more popular than the M&P Tacticial model ? Is it just price or something else ?

 

[Lineman73]

The Sport is just the starting point...at a real good price, if you can find one!!

 

[matmat417]

i started with the 15-22PC but that was for ammo budget. It is an exact as an M&P15 but wouldnt break the bank as copper stated But the i have handled a buddies Sport and decided that when i get out of the money slump im in ill be picking up a Sport.

Wont break the bank= more ammo
Fun to shoot stock
Even more fun to catch the sickness and customize.




Just my .02cents

 

[bdmac]

Here's a great deal on the 15 Sport.
Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport - $614.99 - Free shipping | Slickguns

I am also just jumping on the AR boat. I researched the hell out of this purchase, the shear volume of options and configurations are just plain intimidating.
Long story short, I decided on the Sport due to the positive reviews from people that 'actually' owned them and the S&W reputation.
To top it off, when I was placing the order the wife says to me, "Why don't you just order two so we can go to the range together?"

I'm picking them up @ the LGS later today, the transaction with Sportsmans Outdoor was excellent and their communication was top notch.

Good luck in your search!

 

[cyphertext]

So with the M&P AR 15's. Why does the Sport seem to be way more popular than the M&P Tacticial model ? Is it just price or something else ?

When the Sport came out, the M&P 15T was a higher end rifle for S&W. It had a Troy rail and Troy battlesights, chrome lined barrel, and a higher cost. Now, the 15T has been changed. It is essentially a Sport with forward assist, dust cover, a free float rail, and Magpul BUS, with the same barrel and lower as the Sport. Without the Troy gear, the cost was lowered.

I think now you will see buyers looking at the M&P 15T more due to the lower price. Had I known about the new configuration of the 15T when I purchased my Sport, that would have been the one I would have purchased.

 

[MPDC]

Mike, there are many different paths you can take on purchasing your first AR. I recommend you decide on the style of rifle you want first, and go from there. Some options:

Century Arms AR-15 Sporter: This is a milsurp M16A1 upper on a new production semi-auto lower. It is very, very similar to an A1 you may have fired in the Army. Triangular handguards, A1 stock, A1 pistol grip, pencil barrel, etc. I own one and I love it.

M16A2 clone: Again, just like an A2 you may have been issued in the Army. Olympic Arms makes an A2 upper which is a dead ringer for issue M16A2s. Many other manufacturers also sell A2 clones, or you can assemble your own.

Plain-Jane AR-15 M4 clone: A carbine similar to current issue M4s, with plastic handguards and no frills. There are a few different options in the M&P 15 line if you want this. Colt, Daniel Defense, Noveske, and BCM are some other brands which I would highly recommend.

Tactical M4 clone: An M4 type rifle with railed front end. This is the best option if you want to mod your gun with lots of accessories. Again, many options in the M&P 15 line and from other manufacturers.

Once you decide on the general style of AR you want, the sky is the limit. The only thing holding you back will be budget and possibly and angry wife.

Dan

THIS is what you asked for, OP. Best answer.

 

[Wraith413]

There is no cure for BRD, just saying! Good luck with your future purchase.

 

[mmcdonald]

M&P 15T

As a fellow servvicemen and one who uses his rifle five days a week i will say the M&P 15T is the way to go. If you want a good hardy rifle the way you are used to then do not cheap out and get the sport. it does not come with a dust cover or shell deflector which in a combat or any other needed situation is as we both know, vital. If you get the M&P 15T and add a new mil spec stock right off the bat then you will feel right at home with your old army memories.

 

[mbliss57]

Thanks all. I appreciate the help.

 

[gunfighter48]

As a fellow servvicemen and one who uses his rifle five days a week i will say the M&P 15T is the way to go. If you want a good hardy rifle the way you are used to then do not cheap out and get the sport. it does not come with a dust cover or shell deflector which in a combat or any other needed situation is as we both know, vital. If you get the M&P 15T and add a new mil spec stock right off the bat then you will feel right at home with your old army memories.

The Sport does have a shell deflector but it doesn't have a forward assist or dust cover.

 

[oneyeopn]

As a fellow servvicemen and one who uses his rifle five days a week i will say the M&P 15T is the way to go. If you want a good hardy rifle the way you are used to then do not cheap out and get the sport. it does not come with a dust cover or shell deflector which in a combat or any other needed situation is as we both know, vital. If you get the M&P 15T and add a new mil spec stock right off the bat then you will feel right at home with your old army memories.

And a dust cover is vital if your in the middle east, plus a dust cover is not hermetically sealed. So vital is really subjective in this case! We are back to an old discussion that we have had many times. How many full fledged combat rifles or non-combat rifles have dust covers. My M60 that I humped in the sand and the jungle and everything in between didnt have a dust cover, I happened to replace the upper on my Sport, not because it had a dust cover and a FA but because I got a great deal on it and it had Marines and the insignia laser etched into it. When I am out hunting with it, I dont remember to close the dustcover until I am laying it down in its case. At this point in time, none of us are buying these for a primary weapon in a life or death situation and if it should come to that in our lifetimes I still dont think we will be complaining because we dont have a FA or a dust cover.