VTAC2 or MOE

[SoCoRuss]

I'm needing a new AR, according to wife its a "Apocalypse Barbie" for guys and I just WANT a new AR. I assume there is some difference in opinion there
I'm torn between the VTAC2 and a MOE. I want the mid length gas system and the 1:8R barrel. I wish S&W had the Middy in more versions or maybe a 1:7 barrel in mid length
I like the VTAC but its way more than the MOE, I fondled a VTAC in my LGS and like the feel and was wondering with that small hand guard , does it get hot since there is no heat shield on it? Any problems with the hand guard getting loose or front sight alignment issues. Are there pros and cons to either? The MOE is nice but I would prefer no plastic sights and no A2 front sight so I could get folding sights METAL sights to alleviate messing with front sight co witness.
Is the extra cost worth it or should I just go with the MOE and use the cash difference to add toys to it? Or just get the VTAC, then take the wife to Virgin Islands and then get toys added to it when she is weak

 

[cyphertext]

I like the VTAC II... I know it costs more, but it is free floated and has the Geissele trigger... If you plan to to those things to it, you are probably ahead of the game by just buying it already done.

Deciding between those two is not a bad problem to have!

 

[JaPes]

This is what I keyed in on from your post.

I'm torn between the VTAC2 and a MOE. I want the mid length gas system and the 1:8R barrel.

I fondled a VTAC in my LGS and like the feel

The MOE is nice but I would prefer no plastic sights and no A2 front sight so I could get folding sights METAL sights to alleviate messing with front sight co witness.

Sounds like you want the VTAC.

Here's my take. Buy the rifle equipped with as many features you desire, right out of the box. It saves time, money, and frustration.

The handguard will not just come loose. If it does, you have a 1 year warranty / lifetime service policy on the rifle just as you bought it.

The handguard is vented. It will get warm, but not hot.

The VTAC comes with upgraded everything. It's the one to go for.

 

[JaPes]

SoCoRuss,

Go to the picture thread. You'll see my rifle and all the things I did to it. If I were to make a choice today, knowing what I now know, I'd go for the VTAC2.

 

[TheMaineEvent]

Nothing wrong with the MOE, but the vtac II is not only a thing of beauty, but it's also got just about all the upgrades one could want. If money isn't an issue go with the vtac.

 

[SoCoRuss]

Thanks for all the input, I'm new to the forum. A couple questions, does anyone know if normal rails sections fit on this or is it propriatery parts?

Also how do I get to the picture thred?

 

[TheMaineEvent]

Thanks for all the input, I'm new to the forum. A couple questions, does anyone know if normal rails sections fit on this or is it propriatery parts?

Also how do I get to the picture thred?

Will normal rail sections fit on a S&W rifle? Yes.

Link to the picture thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifles/86659-m-p15-picture-thread.html

 

[JaPes]

Thanks for all the input, I'm new to the forum. A couple questions, does anyone know if normal rails sections fit on this or is it propriatery parts?

Also how do I get to the picture thred?

1. The Troy VTAC rails accept the Troy Viking rail segments. See link below:

https://troyind.com/rail-systems-accessories/rail-accessories/quick-attach-rail-sections

2. The Magpul MOE handguards accept the Magpul Rail Segments or Magpul Accessories designed specifically to interface directly to the handguard without the need for a rail segment.

3. The picture thread can be found as a sticky at the top of the sub-forum listing. You can also click the link below.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifles/86659-m-p15-picture-thread.html

Also if I haven't said it already, welcome to the forum! If you have any questions, just ask. Someone here will have a credible answer for you.

 

[RAD57]

I have a 6X Kahles ZF69 in a Bobro mount on my VTAC II and I shot 2" groups at 300 yards with 60 & 69 gr. Nosler handloads with used Lake City brass. I haven't had any issues with heat toasting hands through the handguards. In my experience I'm glad I waited for one to become available and spend a little bit more with it.

 

[moe smith]

Well, so much for the Virgin Islands.

 

[SoCoRuss]

Thanks for all the input

Found out My LGS can get me a VTAC 2 for $1520, with the S&W $100 military rebate that brings it down to $1420

The MOE final cost after discount and S&W rebate would be $915 but then the add on's begin...

 

[78Staff]

That's a good LGS price, as good as most online shops really - you could get it a little cheaper at Buds Police Supply @ 1350 and still get the $100 rebate, so $1250 + local LGS FFL fee. MOE would be $780 with the rebate. The rifles are very similar in base form - both are mid length gas systems, 4150 1/8 5R melonite barrels, etc really the difference will be trigger/furniture/sights and the branded lower's.

IF you want specifically want the Troy Rail and Geissele Trigger, along with the VTLOR buttstock and related VTAC bits n pieces, ie light mount, sling, etc then the VTAC II is an excellent deal. But, if you are not set on those specific items, or if you prefer the Magpul furniture the the MOE is the way to go and will obviously save you a few hundred in the process. You might want a S3G or Timmey or even a MilSpec trigger for instance, or may want a true quad rail setup over the battlerail, etc - if so no point in getting the VTAC. Sights and gas blocks will also be different, with the MOE having folding MBUS rear and A2 post with standard gas block/detal ring setup, the VTAC no sights & lowpro gas block & FF setup.

If the VTAC has the items you want, and you see yourself buying it and not making any modifications, it's a heck of a good deal imo. But, if you think you might want some different components, or like to tinker and swap around parts, etc you would be better off with the MOE (or a standard or OR model, but then you lose the midlength and better barrel), imo.

 

[SoCoRuss]

Yes, I saw the prices on Buds. But Buds wont ship to Colorado due to the moronic 15 round law passed last year. I told them the LGS here just pull out the 30rd mag and send them out of state. But they say no dice!!! Same thing with Gallery of Guns.

I so enjoyed being part of the group that got the 3 idiots Southern Colorado Dems here recalled. We had the 3rd one also, but the Dems got her to resign so thy kept the seat in the house.

 

[SoCoRuss]

You would think I would have decided on which one by now, but have been banging my head on desk for a week.
I'm not a tacticool guy that wants 5 pounds of stuff on my AR. I will put a light and maybe a laser sometime later. Not counting the optic as extra since that would be on either one.
After running numbers on what it would take to either add to or upgrade the MOE, I come out at least $200-300 under the VTAC total cost(added in $200 for full metal sight set). The big thing for me was to get a mid length system with the 1:8 barrel and these were M&P's only choices. I figured a trigger upgrade, STR butt stock(I love them), sling, light mount.
I do like the flat top in the VTAC, the A2 front sight can be a bit of a pain with optics.
I look at both of them and see the basic difference being high priced Viking Tactics brand name stuff on them and the trigger that surprise surprise you have to get from VTAC also. I think S&W should have lowered the price on this gun about $200 and they would sell a whole lot more. For the difference versus the MOE I can get more optics.
I think I will just go with the MOE and upgrade it to suit me. I really appreciate all the input you guys have provided.

 

[78Staff]

I think you've made the right decision. The VTAC II is a very nice rifle if it's option suit your needs, but if not then it becomes unjustified extra cost. Enjoy the MOE! Check out IWC for MOE specific items like a sling stud, light mount, QD mount, etc.

I stated in another thread if I were to buy another S&W it would most likely be the VTAC II, but the reality is my next AR will probably be a builders special, probably on a 20" barrel, maybe even in another caliber .

 

[thecatch8]

I think you've made the right decision. The VTAC II is a very nice rifle if it's option suit your needs, but if not then it becomes unjustified extra cost. Enjoy the MOE! Check out IWC for MOE specific items like a sling stud, light mount, QD mount, etc.

I stated in another thread if I were to buy another S&W it would most likely be the VTAC II, but the reality is my next AR will probably be a builders special, probably on a 20" barrel, maybe even in another caliber .

x100 Building is so much more enjoyable than buying a complete weapon system....but I would definitely recommend buying your first rifle completely built just so you can learn the basics.

 

[johnjeff]

IMHO the M&P 15 MOE is the best value of any of the M&P 15 rifles.