Sport vs. Standard?

[surr]

I am a happy 15-22 PC owner, and am nearly ready to step up to the real thing. I am trying to decide if the cost of an M&P15 standard it worth the extra cost vs. a Sport.

What are the differences? I am aware of the dust cover and the forward assist. I don't think either are a requirement for me, just nice to have. I am also aware that the standard comes with a carry handle vs.a flip up site on the Sport. Are there other differences? I read somewhere that the trigger guard may be different, true?



Thanks in advance.

 

[JaPes]

15-Sport:

No forward assist.
No dust cover.
Trigger guard integral to the lower.
No profile cut into the barrel, it's just straight.
Melonite treated barrel.
1:8 5R Progressive Gain Rifling.

Those are the big differences between the Sport and some of the higher trim levels.

 

[cyphertext]

15-Sport:

No forward assist.
No dust cover.
Trigger guard integral to the lower.
No profile cut into the barrel, it's just straight.
Melonite treated barrel.
1:8 5R Progressive Gain Rifling.

Those are the big differences between the Sport and some of the higher trim levels.

JaPes pretty much covered it. You will have to decide if the higher cost of the M&P 15 is worth it to you. The biggest difference lies in the barrel. The Sport has the specs listed above, where the M&P 15 has a 1:9 twist, chrome lined barrel. The 1:8 twist of the Sport is between the twist of the M&P 15 and the 1:7 twist that mil-spec calls for. Which barrel is better...that can cause heated debates. Theoretically, the barrel on the Sport should be more accurate with the 5r rifling and melonite treatment, but YMMV.

 

[JaPes]

Exactly.

Folks get passionate about their AR's. Sport owners can be a bit touchy from being put on the constant defensive due to the Sport's feature omissions.

The practical functionality of the forward assist and dust cover leads to heated debates. What it boils down to for most people is whether or not a dust cover & forward assist complete the "look" of an AR.

I own a 15-Sport. It is an AR15 through and through. Even though it omits a forward assist & dust cover, the 1:8 5R Melonite barrel more than makes up for it.

I also own an AR-15 I put together (assembled lower & complete upper) to satisfy my forward assist & dust cover jollies.

 

[SW Gun Guy]

I think you will be very happy with a Sport. When I bought mine I figured the $$ saved could go toward the fun stuff like a scope, different grip, etc. As with any purchase, you have to come to grips with yourself as to what you really want it to do, and how you will use it. You will be most pleased with any model.

 

[ChiefT]

I have a 15T coming this week and it's supposed to have the 5R rifling.

 

[CENTURION24]

Another thing to consider is what gun will hold a higher resell value.

 

[cyphertext]

I have a 15T coming this week and it's supposed to have the 5R rifling.

Yes, the new 15T has the same barrel as the Sport. I'm surprised that S&W didn't use the 4150 CMV steel on that barrel like they did on the MOE and the VTAC II. It looks cool to me though with a rail and Magpuls BUS, just like many would add to their AR. I think you will enjoy it!

 

[oneyeopn]

The Sport Barrel is the hidden gem. Its accuracy is unbelievable, if you can get that same barrel on a different model it just puts that rifle in a class by itself. I am on of those that actually thinks that the barrel on the sport make the sport almost walk on water (if it had legs) but I have always been a shooter that has rifles that reach out and touch something, and I believe if you cant do it with one shot you shouldnt be doing it. Rifles I have owned in the past with reasonable accuracy to most people were junk to me. Every rifle that I own within the rifles expected range are sub moa or they are down the road as an example my Ruger 10-22 international will shoot less than one inch groups at 100 yards, it wont shoot less than 2"groups at 200 yards but that is an unreasonable expectation for that rifle. My Sport will shoot 2" groups at 300 yards which is sub moa but I dont expect it to at 400 yards because of the 16" barrel length. But still the 1-8 5R barrel S&W has is unbelievable and makes the rifle what it is.

 

[RHFactor16]

It seems more people here have a Sport model than any of the other models. I personally had to have the dust cover and forward assist purely b/c I'm crazy. I figured this will probably be the only AR I'm ever able to buy so I wanted "what the Navy SEALs have." (I went with the 15X with an Eotech 512 and all the other toys, but it sure was expensive!)

I'm yet to hear anything negative about the Sport models and with the money you save, you can buy a lot of ammo. It's all up to you and what you're going to love. For me that was a 15X, but I'll probably look Sport if I ever get to buy another one.

Happy Shopping!

 

[JaPes]

I personally had to have the dust cover and forward assist purely b/c I'm crazy. I figured this will probably be the only AR I'm ever able to buy so I wanted "what the Navy SEALs have."

You're not crazy. You purchased what you wanted, and you're happy. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[cyphertext]

I personally had to have the dust cover and forward assist purely b/c I'm crazy. I figured this will probably be the only AR I'm ever able to buy so I wanted "what the Navy SEALs have." (I went with the 15X with an Eotech 512 and all the other toys, but it sure was expensive!)

Well, in that case, you should have went with the Colt...

 

[cyphertext]

Another thing to consider is what gun will hold a higher resell value.

This has never entered my mind when making a gun purchase....especially when buying an AR. It isn't like he is looking at pre '64 Winchester lever actions. Unless we see another ban, I doubt that the AR's produced today will ever appreciate in value much.

 

[Jlduke]

There is no wrong answer. If you like the dust cover and FA then get a gun that has those features. I love my Sport, but I think the AR's with dust covers and FA's are cool too. It's all about what you want for yourself. I only get peeved when people come on here and talk about how necessary those two things are when it's really just personal preference.

 

[Garland]

I have the Sport and am very happy with my purchase. I probably wouldn't have an AR to this day if I had to spend more than $900 on one, but the Sport at $629 seemed like a great deal.

 

[surr]

Thanks for all the advice. It seems like the Sport or the 15T (if I can tolerate the price difference) would be best for me. I like the idea of the 15T adding the quad rail, and since it seems to have the same barrel should be just as accurate.

 

[cyphertext]

Thanks for all the advice. It seems like the Sport or the 15T (if I can tolerate the price difference) would be best for me. I like the idea of the 15T adding the quad rail, and since it seems to have the same barrel should be just as accurate.

Be aware that there are two versions of the 15T. The old version has Troy battlesights, a Troy rail, and the 1:9 twist chrome lined barrel. Nice rifle, but considerably more expensive due to the add ons.

And then the new one, with the Magpul sights and a S&W forged rail. Not sure what the real world price on the new one is. I don't believe I have seen one in my LGS, but then again, I haven't been looking either.

I'm betting that the barrel on the T is also free floated.

 

[Jlduke]

I got a quad rail for my Sport for 40 bucks on Amazon

 

[oneyeopn]

Well, in that case, you should have went with the Colt...

Why should he have gone to the Colt....they dont even have the gubernment contract anymore LOL

 

[ChiefT]

Just picked up my 15T today. Love it.
It has the 1-8" 5R, dust cover and forward assist.
LGS ordered it and I paid 960 plus shipping and tax. 23 more out the door than Bud's, but this way I supported my local one man shop. As a retired vet, I also get a 100 rebate from S&W.