Thinking of buying an M&P 10

Not trying to sway you from S&W, but if the ambidextrous latches are not important to you, the latest DPMS 308 model was highlighted at Shot Show to retail in the $1400 range. Also, don't rule out the 7.62x39 rifles from Sig Sauer. I've seen these rifles in the $900 range during Christmas .... although the $30 cost for an extra magazine is ridiculous, the ammo is a lot cheaper than 308.
 
Not trying to sway you from S&W, but if the ambidextrous latches are not important to you, the latest DPMS 308 model was highlighted at Shot Show to retail in the $1400 range. Also, don't rule out the 7.62x39 rifles from Sig Sauer. I've seen these rifles in the $900 range during Christmas .... although the $30 cost for an extra magazine is ridiculous, the ammo is a lot cheaper than 308.

Thanks. I'll look into this.
 
My first, and only other AR platform is the RRA Coyote Carbine (honest tack driver), I find the S&W M&P10 more instinctive due to the ambi mag release. I came from the AK world where mag changes were accomplished with the offside hand...yea yea not exactly "manual of arms" but it works for me. I no longer have a AK (story for another day) but if I were forced to sell off my AR15ish vs my AR10ish to pay a bill, I may just jack the bill...just kidding :)
 
Hey everyone. I'm new here and need some help. Within the next two months I'm looking at buying a new M&P 10. I would use it mostly for home defense. Thanks for any input.

Just my opinion here: Way too much gun for home defense.

It's great that you want an M&P-10. I'm looking at one myself and will probably buy it next week. From everything I hear, it's a fine rifle.

For home defense, though, I suggest a 12-gauge shotgun...pump, semi-auto, or even a double. With a 3-inch chamber.

I have several pumps, but due to recent surgery on my left arm (my pumping arm), I'm thinking of switching to semi-auto.
 
I love my m&p 10. This is the perfect rifle for me. I have been waiting for this a long time. Would I use it for home defense? No. I have a 12 gauge Bennelli M2 semi auto tactical shotgun for that. About 20 years ago I had a Colt H-Bar that I had to sell to pay for my divorce. I used to miss that until I got this. I'm not anywhere near as gun saavy as most of the guys on here so take it for what its worth but I do not regret this purchase.
 
The .308 is way too much for home defense. You would risk killing your neighbors. It's a great rifle, but use a shotgun, pistol or maybe an AR-15 for home defense.
 
If you choose to use a 308 for home defense, you should consider a fragmenting type bullet as used on the Hornady 110 grain TAP Urban.
 
I'm new to the whole assault rifle area. This will be my first.

An assault rifle is a rifle capable of both semi-automatic fire and full automatic and/or burst fire that uses an intermediate powered rifle cartridge. The S&W M&P-10 uses a full power rifle cartridge and can only be fired in semi auto.

The big Smith will work fine for home defense. It'll be a bit big, but not much bigger than a shotgun. Choose your ammo carefully to eliminate over penetration.

However, a 5.56 AR carbine is a better choice. Low recoil for fast follow up shots, good capacity, easy to use, light weight and manuverable- all advantages over a shotgun. The AR will also have less problems with over penetration through drywall than slugs or shot large enough to be effective for defense.

The M&P-10 will make a good hunting rifle. I mounted a 2.5x10 Nighforce on mine and I like it very much. DPMS has finally stepped up their game by using forged 7075 instead 6 series billet and have taken steps to lighten their rifles. Still, I like what I'm getting with my Big Smith- ambidextrous controls, R5 1:10 rifling and a good usable barrel profile that's 18 inches instead of 16. M&P-10s can be found for bargain prices and I think they're about the best value for a 308 AR, even with it's clunky flash hider
 
An assault rifle is a rifle capable of both semi-automatic fire and full automatic and/or burst fire that uses an intermediate powered rifle cartridge. The S&W M&P-10 uses a full power rifle cartridge and can only be fired in semi auto.

The big Smith will work fine for home defense. It'll be a bit big, but not much bigger than a shotgun. Choose your ammo carefully to eliminate over penetration.

However, a 5.56 AR carbine is a better choice. Low recoil for fast follow up shots, good capacity, easy to use, light weight and manuverable- all advantages over a shotgun. The AR will also have less problems with over penetration through drywall than slugs or shot large enough to be effective for defense.

The M&P-10 will make a good hunting rifle. I mounted a 2.5x10 Nighforce on mine and I like it very much. DPMS has finally stepped up their game by using forged 7075 instead 6 series billet and have taken steps to lighten their rifles. Still, I like what I'm getting with my Big Smith- ambidextrous controls, R5 1:10 rifling and a good usable barrel profile that's 18 inches instead of 16. M&P-10s can be found for bargain prices and I think they're about the best value for a 308 AR, even with it's clunky flash hider

Thanks. I appreciate the input. What does that scope run price wise?
 
I believe the 2.5-10x32 runs around $1300 new. I came across mine used at a bargain price I couldn't refuse
 
There are other good scopes that will serve you well. A Leupold 3-9 is an excellent optic for the money
 
Just my humble opinion but I would stick with a standard AR-15 platform rifle for your first rifle of this type. The AR-10 is not standard amongst brands like the 5.56 is most of the time. You limit yourself greatly when it comes to aftermarket parts when compared to the AR-15 platform. Honestly the M&P 10 with its 18" barrel would make a horrible home defense rifle. It's physical dimensions (size and weight) along with the .308 ballistic round were not made for this purpose. A comparison would be driving a Indy car in the Baja desert race. It shines at 200 plus yards. I recently sold my M&P 10 and bought another company's .308 semi auto rifle and find it boring to shoot inside 300 yards. Everyone has their own thing so good luck in whatever you decide.

What did you get?
 
Daddy2Twins,

I see that you've already got a shotgun which you can use for inside the house home defense. If you're in the market for a 308 caliber semi-auto for general shooting fun or hunting; I agree that the M&P10 is probably the best bang for the buck out there at the moment. If you have twin babies at home, then saving money is probably an objective. If you get an M&P10 & are looking for a good all-around optic to put on it initially, take a peek at the new Redfield Revolution 2-7x32 scope. Its made in the USA by Leupold and is backed by their Leupold lifetime warranty. It is a pretty good optic for shooting 20 - 350 yrds at a fairly decent price.
 
Daddy2Twins,

I see that you've already got a shotgun which you can use for inside the house home defense. If you're in the market for a 308 caliber semi-auto for general shooting fun or hunting; I agree that the M&P10 is probably the best bang for the buck out there at the moment. If you have twin babies at home, then saving money is probably an objective. If you get an M&P10 & are looking for a good all-around optic to put on it initially, take a peek at the new Redfield Revolution 2-7x32 scope. Its made in the USA by Leupold and is backed by their Leupold lifetime warranty. It is a pretty good optic for shooting 20 - 350 yrds at a fairly decent price.

Thanks. I'll check that one out.
 
What did you get?

PWS MK220. I couldn't believe how accurate this rifle was out of the box. 1 MOA with factory supplied trigger and cheap Walmart ammo. Came stock with 20" barrel, compensator, magpul pieces including sights (M&P comes without sights as everyone knows), BCM gunfighter charging handle (nice when a scope is mounted), and free float handguard.
 
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PWS MK220. I couldn't believe how accurate this rifle was out of the box. 1 MOA with factory supplied trigger and cheap Walmart ammo. Came stock with 20" barrel, compensator, magpul pieces including sights (M&P comes without sights as everyone knows), BCM gunfighter charging handle (nice when a scope is mounted), and free float handguard.

Sounds nice...I have not heard of pws until now but looks good...little higher price point?
 
I've been looking into a leupold 3-9 with the quick release setup. As well as a eotech exps with the quick release setup. Anyone got experience with these?
 

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