Not to be the "Party Pooper" here, but...

[Mark IV]

.....I am looking at a slip on rubber stock of some sort to add......

These aren't the best deals on it, but this is the one I got, and it's outstanding, I can't imagine anything being discernably better.
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Tapco-Intrafuse-Rubber-Butt-Pad/dp/B0030V95P2[/ame]

 

[hdwhit]

rum_runner wrote:
I wonder WHY did you buy one?

I was looking for a basic AR platform rifle from a reputable manufacturer with good customer service at an affordable price. After looking at what was available, I decided that either the S&W or the Ruger would fit the bill and both times I went looking for one, the S&W was a little bit less expensive.

 

[cyphertext]

Buy a bargain, entry level rifle and put premium parts on it? I understand changing grips and furniture that better fits your hand, but $200 triggers, free float rails, etc... on a Sport/Sport II makes no sense to me. This is not to be confused with their standard "non Sport" line. The OR, T, X, models are as good as anything out there in their price range.

Back in the day, when the 1st generation Sport had the 5R barrel, they changed the 15T... The T started to feature the same lower as the Sport, the same barrel as the Sport, the same BCG as the Sport... In fact, the only difference was the 15T upper had a free float barrel, an ejection port cover, and forward assist.

Today, there is a Sport OR and there is the standard OR with about $300 difference in MSRP. Other than the barrel profile, I wonder what the differences are... The OR was chrome lined, but the S&W page now says "Armornite finish"...

 

[amazingflapjack]

Naaah-I'll take the ratty 7.62X39 thanks.

 

[hdrolling]

Buy a bargain, entry level rifle and put premium parts on it? I understand changing grips and furniture that better fits your hand, but $200 triggers, free float rails, etc... on a Sport/Sport II makes no sense to me. This is not to be confused with their standard "non Sport" line. The OR, T, X, models are as good as anything out there in their price range.

Why, the only parts that are different than the tier I rifles are the triggers and barrel. Excluding furniture of course, but many change that out no matter what they paid for the rifle.

 

[rum_runner]

Naaah-I'll take the ratty 7.62X39 thanks.

Hahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Ahmen! Brother.....

 

[Pharis]

I'm still happy with my old school Colt ar 15. Had it for years and only thing I changed was mags. One after the other. It works just fine as built.

 

[JaPes]

Why did I? Wanted an AR-15 that was affordable. Back in the day, purchased a M&P 15-Sport (1st Gen). Thompson Center, 1:8 5R, progressive gain twist, Melonite (when they could use that name) treated barrel. It had a chopped A2 rear sight that provided both windage and elevation adjustment. Then I got caught up in the modification spiral.

Then I woke up and got out.

 

[Fishmonk]

I purchased a Sport II recently because the price was too good to pass up! I just wanted a 556/223 for targets and varmints. It's such a great round-fast, flat shooting-just a great platform altogether. Deadly accurate right out of the box with the open sights. The only thing I will add is an optic, maybe a sling. Good times!

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Why buy a Sport and then 'upgrade' some parts?

I'll pluck just one from your list as well as use your mention of a $2,000 rifle.

Trigger.

I'd rather shoot a $500 Sport with my Wilson Combat trigger than a $2,000 Wilson Combat rifle with a standard GI trigger. Not only does the tigger allow me to shoot the rifle more accurately (one of your criteria) but also faster and more controlled. Personally, I consider using a GI trigger a waste of ammo. But a lot of guys find that a GI trigger suit their needs fine.

These type of things aren't as easy to digest over the Net as they are with personal experience.

Cheers

 

[danco]

I bought my M&P-15 (not Sport I or II) a few year back because it was $300 less than a Colt 6920. Then, a year later, the Colt dropped in price by $300, so I bought one of those, too!

 

[rum_runner]

Oh, that's a good one!

Nothing? Not one thing? Surely there's something you'll change. I've never met anyone that hasn't changed something. AR's are like Harley's. They all come from the factory the same, but you'll never find two the same on the street.

You'll change something. It might just be an optic or a grip, but something's changing. It's the nature of the beast.

NOT ONE THING!.....Yet

 

[Rastoff]

.....Yet

I hear ya bother! Keep the faith!

 

[C J]

I believe every Sport needs a heat shield but some may not even want that. But for the most part mine is bone stock and plenty accurate. I can stand up and shoot a 12" group at 200 yards with no rest of any kind with an entry level AR. It shoots more accurate than my considerably more expensive AR. Not that my other one is bad but the Sport is amazing for what I paid for it.

 

[Sylvaticus]

After reading many of the threads here on the M&P 15....I wonder WHY did you buy one?
Barrel changes. Sights. Mags. Lowers. Trigger pull? 100,000 rounds? Why upgrade?
I understand many people want to "evolve" a weapon to fit their desires. I've scoped more than a few Mausers.
I just want reliable function...accuracy...and lethal.
PLUS available ammo. The M&P fits that requirement. I'm not changing anything.
Had I intended to spend $2000 plus, on an AR....changing/adding parts...I would not have gone with the M&P.
However, for the job intended, I figure it is more than enough.
If not, I have these ratty AK 47's....bountiful 7.62x39 ammo...and know them well....
Still, I like my MP very well....

Actually, what you ask (and are ostensibly being a "pooper" about) applies to some people and virtually every firearm ever made. There is nothing unique here to S&W rifles or S&W rufle owners.

It is much like asking the mountain climber why he (or she) climbed a particular mountain. People change things because they can, because they change their minds, get bored, or are merely fickle.

For many, the question is not why, but why not?

 

[rum_runner]

I hear ya bother! Keep the faith!

I've shot it....It shoots...every time.
Accurate? Better than my 60 year old eyes.
Add on's? NOPE! It's ah "Grab-n-Go".
Ammo? Got plenty.
An AK on one shoulder....M&P on the other....carrying the CETME 7.62....with Makarovs, Rugers,and an obscure P-38....on the "fly"....I'm good....
Family Farm is "rural" in Alabama....I have squirrels....an' Deer...an Hogs...an' herbs....

 

[Dad_Roman]

I wonder WHY did you buy one?

Because it says Smith&Wesson on it.....

....and we had purchased three of the M&P line right before considering an AR so momma said "Well, we have been happy with M&P's so far!"

No changes other than a cheapo redot. Havent even polished it or anything.

Lovin it.

EDIT: I touched a Ruger the other day. It had a 7.5 lb trigger. Slick and nice though. Set of JP springs took it to 4lbs.