On the fence M&P vs. RJF

[MPDC]

RJs seem like a lot of money for an assembly of bin parts. An M&P "T" model is a better rifle for about the same or less money. At least get a free float forend IF you spend 1200 or so dollars!

 

[PainterlyShotgroup]

I agree with you KeithR. I am glad there are shows out there like this. Though I am not a huge fan of the whole "reality" genre. It helps garner interest in shooting and does it's part to keep the culture alive and in the public eye and in a positive light. Doesn't mean I'd want Chris (the guy who's popping the daughter) from RJF to build me an AR15 though. I do also like that both S.O.G's and American Guns try to open the gun world/market more to women as well. It all helps.

 

[Kodiakco]

...A very favorite photographer whose work I have admired for 30 some years was once asked what equipment he used because his work was so beautiful. He exclaimed what brand he used, but then said that not once had the camera ever gone out and taken a picture by it self. It's not the equipment. It's how it's used that's more important.

The quality of the equipment is very important. An AR-15, IMO, is a fighting rifle first and everything else second. It is a tool. You have to pick the correct tool for the job at hand. A hobbyist may pick one brand of tools, while a professional may pick a different more expensive brand. While the "pro" COULD use any tool and get the job done, his tools will have better durability and closer tolerances. You could give a novice a high end camera and that person will still take pictures at the level of their ability. You give a pro a camera phone and they could do wonders BUT give the pro a high end camera and wonders become magical. While the abilities of a person are important, good equipment is also important.

 

[BlackStallion]

Take this with a grain of salt but, from what I hear red jacket has been having customer service problems. From what I can gather they have so many defense or military obligations they're regular customers are getting pushed to the side. I heard their ARs are reliable but when theres a problem they can take QUITE a while to straighten them out. I would definitely investigate this before you make a purchase on a red jacket product.

 

[gunfighter48]

I have a S&W Sport and absolutely love it. I haven't heard of anyone buying a S&W AR and being sorry they bought it. Can't say the same for other well known AR's.

 

[oneyeopn]

I apologize for what seemed like a severely biased group of responses to your post. I honestly believe had you compared the S&W to another manufacturer the responses would have been different because the members of this forum own so many different makes of AR's. So please dont take anything personal about the responses you received, but I sensed along time ago the difference between a manufacturer and an assembler and how AR owners look at the two. You will be happy with whatever rifle you decide to purchase but it is hard to compare apples to oranges.
Grover

 

[Plinker1962]

I have to agree with oneyeopn, buy what ever AR you want. Most of the time, the person asking the question already has their mind made up. I don't watch Sons of Guns so if you were to have shown me a RJF ar I wouldn't know it from a Colt, S&W, DD, etc. I just purchased my first AR, a S&W Sport without the dust cover or forward assist and I love it. Like you, I did my research before I bought. Being a first time AR buyer I didn't want to buy over-my-head. Being higher priced does not mean better buy. Don't get me wrong. There are pluses for buying a rifle that's custom made rather than buying one that comes assembled on an assembly line. If dollars aren't an isssue for you I'd skip the RJF and buy a Daniel Defense. JMHO

 

[J Rich]

Thank You folks for all the replies. I have taken nothing personally. I don't believe just buying what you THINK want will make you happy. Because I wouldn't be happy paying more for a lesser item and bad service. I got what I was looking for from this thread. I was just wondering if maybe someone here has Owned or had real experience with the RJF ar , I guess that's no.

I'm off the fence! S&W M&P it is. I will now start researching the different models of the M&P ar's cause I do want to know why one costs $550 and $1000 for another.


Thanks again. Happy shooting.

 

[JaPes]

I will now start researching the different models of the M&P ar's cause I do want to know why one costs $550 and $1000 for another.

The 15-Sport is less expensive due to:

• The omission of a dust cover.
• The omission of a forward assist.
• The use of standard AR furniture.
• A trigger guard that is integral to the frame.

Those omissions decrease the amount of machining, parts, assembly & fitting. I own a 15-Sport, and none of the omissions has a negative effect.

The gem of the 15-Sport is the 1:8 5R Melonite barrel. I believe this barrel has been ported over to other M&P 15 rifles in the lineup.

If the 15-Sport isn't your cup of tea, check out the new MOE Midlength rifles. They have the 1:8 5R barrel with a mid-length gas system.

 

[oneyeopn]

Oh I wanted to add, One of the biggest reason I believe that I and maybe others have about assemblers is the fact we have assembled our own and find that there is not a lot of difficulty in it. You can buy all the best parts and put it all together and make what you want, and its extra cool cause you built it.

 

[Maddmax]

Oh I wanted to add, One of the biggest reason I believe that I and maybe others have about assemblers is the fact we have assembled our own and find that there is not a lot of difficulty in it. You can buy all the best parts and put it all together and make what you want, and its extra cool cause you built it.

And if it breaks. You also know how to fix it too.

 

[TangoFoxtrot]

As it says. I'm on the fence about buying a M&P AR vs. buying Red Jacket Firearms KMP AR.I can get the RJF KMP for about $200 more (give or take).

I'm looking for honest opinions or real experiences with these AR's. I KNOW I'm on the S&W forum, but I'm not looking for bias opinions. The M&P is not the end all be all, neither is the RJF KMP.

Rich, You have to ask yourself is the extra $200 for the RJF worth it. Do some research and let the facts speak for themselves. Then base your decision on that.

 

[J Rich]

Thanks Tango.

Just looking if some one had both at some point. I have come to the conclusion that most here are right. RJF are just assemblers of this AR. Seems they have little to no manufacturing involved in it.

I have decided on the M&P15. I'm not sure which model thou. I can't just buy something and leave it alone. I don't want to pay $500 more for a model with $200 worth of add on's that I can install myself.

 

[MPDC]

Thanks Tango.

Just looking if some one had both at some point. I have come to the conclusion that most here are right. RJF are just assemblers of this AR. Seems they have little to no manufacturing involved in it.

I have decided on the M&P15. I'm not sure which model thou. I can't just buy something and leave it alone. I don't want to pay $500 more for a model with $200 worth of add on's that I can install myself.

Generally speaking, IF you look at the real world, discounted prices available on M&P rifles, the add ons you may want like quad rails (especially free floats which would require some smithing to add) are probably cheaper to buy already on the rifle.

The one thing you may want to consider is the front sight. IF you buy a model with a fixed post front sight, it may limit your options for rail changes or even some optics unless you want to get into extensive disassembly, minor smithing and purchase of new gas block, tools, etc.

It can be fun to work on though, like One eye open has done but not everyone has his patience or mechanical skill.

 

[nipster]

Easy answer:

Just ask yourself, which one of these is "a game changer"