Which AR?

Switchblade

Switchblade

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I am considering buying an AR, I have narrowed it down to the M&P 15T and the Ruger SR556E or possibly the Ruger SR 556FB. I know that in the past the Ruger had bolt tilt problems and from what I understand that is no longer an issue. If anyone has had issues with current versions, I would appreciate your feedback. I have heard that S&W no longer uses chrome lined barrels and have gone to cheaper sights. I have owned and still own Smith handguns but this is the first long gun from them I'm considering. The few times I have need service over the years S&W have been great. I am open to suggestions on these two or other brands/models I should consider. Thanks in advance.
 
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Apples and Oranges.

The Rugers are expensive - and piston systems - whereas the M&P is standard (direct gas impingement).

The Rugers work great and I have heard nothing bad about them, ever. They are however, heavier. The M&P is a pretty standard "AR" at around 6-1/2 pounds. All the Rugers are over 7 pounds (the varmint is 8-1/2 pounds) and the added weight is all in the upper.

Like most "AR" type rifles, everything but the barrel and whatever front sight and handguard you have, weighs in at around 4 pounds. The rest of the weight is forward of the upper receiver.

Do you want more of less weight forward? Do you want a piston system? Piston systems "run cleaner", but in my opinion are not any more "reliable". Just my opinion, mind you!

The Ruger is a "better" rifle because of the piston system (many would agree), but you pay through the nose for it.

Buy the Smith & Wesson and use the money you save on ammunition.
 
I don't own anything Ruger, so I would be happy with the M&P, if I were to get a piston driven AR, I would go for the LWRC SPR, I have a couple of friends with those and they are impressive.
 
gm272gs said:
The Ruger is a "better" rifle because of the piston system (many would agree), but you pay through the nose for it.
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Not sure about this statement. Many would also agree that piston systems are all proprietary and not needed, since the DI system has been working for over 50 years. I do agree with you that the OP is trying to compare apples to oranges though. Each does have pros and cons.

Switchblade, As far as not having chrome lined barrels, the 15T has a melonite treated barrel, which in some tests, has shown to be superior to chrome. The 15T also has 1:8 twist, 5R rifling and this is a sweet little barrel. Take a look at Oneyeopn's recent thread about his "cyber-sport"...same barrel, very accurate.
 
cyphertext said:
Not sure about this statement. Many would also agree that piston systems are all proprietary and not needed, since the DI system has been working for over 50 years...
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What I meant was that "many" doesn't include me. Piston systems are all the rage right now, but I don't have one. In my opinion they aren't any more reliable, either. It is rather perplexing though, that Eugene Stoner used the piston system in his Stoner 63 - back in the 60's - even though he thought that the D.I. gas system of the AR15 "seemed the proper way".
 
Thank you all for your input it is appreciated and keep them coming. I do agree about the "apple and oranges" comparison, I am familiar with the pros and cons of both D.I. and piston. The piston runs cooler and leaves less deposits, this seems to be more of a consideration if you shoot hundreds of rounds at one session. This won't be the case for me with the cost and availability of ammo being what it is. I do lean towards the S&W due to what I have and prior dealing with them.
 
Switchblade said:
Thank you all for your input it is appreciated and keep them coming. I do agree about the "apple and oranges" comparison, I am familiar with the pros and cons of both D.I. and piston. The piston runs cooler and leaves less deposits, this seems to be more of a consideration if you shoot hundreds of rounds at one session. This won't be the case for me with the cost and availability of ammo being what it is. I do lean towards the S&W due to what I have and prior dealing with them.
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Just for a heads up about the Piston Driven. S&W also makes a Piston Driven Modern Sporting Rifle. I have one on order through my LGS and it "should" be here some time in the Spring. ???

The 15T is a very nice weapon as well the Sport. I have the Sport and T,both melonite with the 1in8 5R twist. They are fantastic shooters and like you,I also like S&W and how they stand behind their products.
 
Just to say, it is not a "cheaper" barrel, it is just newer metallurgical science. The 5R rifling is now being found on many manufacturers top line firearms. It is not found on their lower or mid-level guns. On my Sports (the one I traded and the one I have) If you use a cleaning rod to check the twist rate you will find that not only is the rifling different it is also a progressive twist, meaning it starts out at like 1:11 and it gets faster as you get closer to the muzzle ending up with like a 1:5 twist. They average the two rates and come up with the 1:8. I just know that everyone that I shoot with and in my own comparisons with other brands and my S&W, the other brands aspire to be as accurate.
 
In all honesty, get whichever one floats your boat. They're both backed by big name companies with proven customer service.

IMO, get the Ruger and tell us how it runs. I don't have a SR556 or piston driven rifle, and it would be nice to hear some first hand reports.
 
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