At that price and with that intended use the Sport I or Sport II make a lot of sense!
Why do people keep buying Sport IIs and then modifying them?
- Thread starter WVSig
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At that price and with that intended use the Sport I or Sport II make a lot of sense!
I can certainly understand the idea that it's best to buy what you want from the get go but people want that S&W support. Not only that but if they're like me they have seen a lot of other entry level AR's that weren't very good quality rifles. Unless you liked working on your rifle more than shooting it buying a Sport was a good idea. That kept me from buying an entry level AR for years. I didn't really want anything else and the stuff I saw at the gun range just wasn't very good. So I waited until there was a good one. I can certainly see buying one because of the brand and the quality then making it your gun by modifying it. Yeah buying one like you want it right off the bat is good if you can find a good rifle that is what you really want and is as rock solid as a S&W product. I looked for one of those and never found one. S&W made it possible for me to get into the AR game. I'm sure I could have come up with the money for another brand but it looked to me like it took a lot more money to get a decent AR before S&W started selling the Sport.
Again yet another person who seems to miss the point of the post. It is not that you cannot do what you want with your $$$ or your gun. Its about questioning and helping learn about the cost benefit ratios of buying Sport II vs other AR15s if you intent is to modify the gun.
blackhawks_762
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My intent when I bought the first gen sport was that I didnt want to spend any $$ on it. I'm not really an AR guy but I wanted the platform to dink around with.
Immediately, I changed out the crappy grip with a magpul because that nub in the original grip is just awful. I then swapped out the handguard with a magpul m-lok guard (just in case I wanted to add something fun down the road.)
Thats about it. I dont want to spend any more money but who knows? I may end up getting a STR stock for it, just because I like them.
For me, I just wanted an AR platform. I honestly dont ever plan on getting a nicer one, so this is just a fun gun for me. Plus, the start-up cost was an easy pill to swallow.
Immediately, I changed out the crappy grip with a magpul because that nub in the original grip is just awful. I then swapped out the handguard with a magpul m-lok guard (just in case I wanted to add something fun down the road.)
Thats about it. I dont want to spend any more money but who knows? I may end up getting a STR stock for it, just because I like them.
For me, I just wanted an AR platform. I honestly dont ever plan on getting a nicer one, so this is just a fun gun for me. Plus, the start-up cost was an easy pill to swallow.
I guess if I start weighing cost benefit ratios on my hobbies, I will quit having hobbies.
kbm6893
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Other than a vortex red dot and maybe a forward grip, I have zero
Intention of adding anything to my Sport II. It does all I need an AR to do.
Intention of adding anything to my Sport II. It does all I need an AR to do.
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Good question.
The Sport II, in my mind, is an affordable rifle that is ready to go out of the box. For my own purposes, if I were going to invest hundreds more by changing out parts, I would just spend more up front and buy what I wanted.
That said, in response to your question, the Sport II gets modified for the same reason that someone buys a new car or truck and then replaces the wheels or the exhaust. The owner wants it modified to his specs, even if the mods often don't make sense.
Whatever the reason, the folks who make the aftermarket parts sure do appreciate the business!
The Sport II, in my mind, is an affordable rifle that is ready to go out of the box. For my own purposes, if I were going to invest hundreds more by changing out parts, I would just spend more up front and buy what I wanted.
That said, in response to your question, the Sport II gets modified for the same reason that someone buys a new car or truck and then replaces the wheels or the exhaust. The owner wants it modified to his specs, even if the mods often don't make sense.
Whatever the reason, the folks who make the aftermarket parts sure do appreciate the business!
It doesn't make a difference to me if it is a hobby or business venture I personally want to get value for my $$$. When looking at one AR15 over another a cost benefit analysis based on stock features, possible modifications necessary or desired and intended use makes a lot of sense to me but what do I know... LOL
I do agree it's your $$$ you are spending to mod your Sport II pretty much right out of the box, so have at it. I am just suggesting a different approach that others might find useful.
Many of the more experienced AR15 shooter's who have responded to this thread have talked about when they bought their first AR15 not knowing any better, not knowing what they wanted or not knowing what was out there. This points to a learning curve which IMHO this thread is attempting to address.
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batmann
Member
I too have a Sport II which I bought because they were reasonably priced.
I had a an early model MOE with the chrome lined barrel and it was a very good rifle. I traded it for a POF Puritan piston with premium parts already in place and it has been an excellent rifle, reliable and accurate.
I bought the SportII because it is reasonably priced, DI, a little lighter than my POF and I had some stuff left over from my previous Smith. It was a simple project to swap out the bolt for the WMD bolt from my MOE and buy the FDE Magpul furniture, hand guard, stock and grip as a package and put a red dot (SightMark) also in my parts box. The cost was less than buying an upgraded model which, because I have an upgraded POF, I really didn't need. I am very pleased with both of my AR style rifles. Both are reliable, accurate.
Now, maybe my reasons are different than some because I just wanted a 'back up' rifle and the Sport II filled my want, but adding the Magpul furniture was an option, the bolt I had and the same for the red dot. It is very easy to get carried away buying things for one, so it does help to do some research and shoot it first so you have a good idea of what you really need vs what a gun store commando tells you. The Sport is an excellent value as is, but it is easy to get carried away a some have posted.
I had a an early model MOE with the chrome lined barrel and it was a very good rifle. I traded it for a POF Puritan piston with premium parts already in place and it has been an excellent rifle, reliable and accurate.
I bought the SportII because it is reasonably priced, DI, a little lighter than my POF and I had some stuff left over from my previous Smith. It was a simple project to swap out the bolt for the WMD bolt from my MOE and buy the FDE Magpul furniture, hand guard, stock and grip as a package and put a red dot (SightMark) also in my parts box. The cost was less than buying an upgraded model which, because I have an upgraded POF, I really didn't need. I am very pleased with both of my AR style rifles. Both are reliable, accurate.
Now, maybe my reasons are different than some because I just wanted a 'back up' rifle and the Sport II filled my want, but adding the Magpul furniture was an option, the bolt I had and the same for the red dot. It is very easy to get carried away buying things for one, so it does help to do some research and shoot it first so you have a good idea of what you really need vs what a gun store commando tells you. The Sport is an excellent value as is, but it is easy to get carried away a some have posted.
TangoDelta1959
Member
Just picked up one yesterday and have no plans on any change outs ... Not saying I want change the grip but probably nothing else ...
That's what they all say, it's just a grip, what harm could possibly come from it...next thing you know you've got KNS pins on your rifle.
TangoDelta1959
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That's what they all say, it's just a grip, what harm could possibly come from it...next thing you know you've got KNS pins on your rifle.
Ha!! Well said
What I did was start with a stripped lower. Added a parts kit to it. Then built my own upper. You can't get an AR the way you want it any cheaper than that and you don't end up with a box of new unused gun parts after you do make it yours.
That's not a box of unused gun parts that's your next AR waiting to be assembled.
Unfortunately most of the time you never end up using those take off parts. You took them off for a reason. If you wanted them on a rifle you would have just left it stock. The GI grip, GI trigger groups and A2 stocks are IMHO just about worthless.
I know people use them but I don't so if I can avoid paying for them I do. If not I sell them off or give them away.
rangers484
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Why modify a sport or a sport 2.....same reason some play golf, mod their daily driver, build a home theater system....it's a hobby, you have to start somewhere and frankly if you buy the equivalent of a male barbie doll and don't play with it I would have to question that behavior as well.
If you buy a high end or lower end gun and keep it stock or build your own from the ground up more power to you.
For those that don't see the value in it, it is not always about the destination but about the journey.
If you buy a high end or lower end gun and keep it stock or build your own from the ground up more power to you.
For those that don't see the value in it, it is not always about the destination but about the journey.
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hdrolling
US Veteran
I just wanted mine to look cool, if were being honest.......
Mine is setup with a red dot sight, UTG handrail, XTM rail covers, Miad grip, BAD lever, vertical grip, flashlight with laser and a Viking sling. I'm just under $1000 for everything. There's no way I could buy one setup with all that stuff for that price. Higher end AR's are $1000+ for just the rifle itself.
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When I bought my Sport, the intention was for a cheap plinker that I could shoot then throw in the safe and clean maybe once a year. That plan fell apart when I realized that I really don't like shooting an AR with a carbine length front end. I shoot better with a more forward grip. At that point, I could dump the rifle at a loss, or spend a few bucks and make it work for me. It was easier to mod the rifle than sell it and go through the stupid CA legal hoops to buy another one.
2ChihuahuasDad
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Because I had $136.00 store credit Classic Jewelry and Loan in Barboursville, W.Va. THey also 6 months layaway and it was the only AR available, too. I pimped my M&P 15 Sport II royally:
Fiberglass hand guard with metal internal heat shield, pink magpul adjustable stock, Hogue pistol grip, COBRATAC BLACK ADDER V2 Charging handle, AIM Sports Warfare edition reflex sight, and HEXMAG SERIES 2 30 rounder. Works flawlessly.
Fiberglass hand guard with metal internal heat shield, pink magpul adjustable stock, Hogue pistol grip, COBRATAC BLACK ADDER V2 Charging handle, AIM Sports Warfare edition reflex sight, and HEXMAG SERIES 2 30 rounder. Works flawlessly.
I bought an M&P15 Sport II because it gives me wood when I see it, it's very cheap (ordered online for 589$ with 15$ local FFL fee), it has excellent feedback and reputation, and it's an AR-15!
I only shoot between point blank and 400 yards with the rifle anyways with Wolf steel and Freedom Munitions brass, so it's not like there's a whole lot I wanted to mess with to start. Half of it was based on self-arousal and the other on making it more cozy.
The list of "modifications" to the rifle that I've made so far:
Replaced the CAR handguards and A2 grip with Magpul MOE furniture and the buttstock with an MFT minimalist, then RIT dyed them a custom dark pine green.
Added a Halosun Micro red dot with absolute co-witness T1 compatible mount that offers quite a nice contrast against my A2 FSP.
I use standard GI mags, PMAGs, and Lancers.
I only shoot between point blank and 400 yards with the rifle anyways with Wolf steel and Freedom Munitions brass, so it's not like there's a whole lot I wanted to mess with to start. Half of it was based on self-arousal and the other on making it more cozy.
The list of "modifications" to the rifle that I've made so far:
Replaced the CAR handguards and A2 grip with Magpul MOE furniture and the buttstock with an MFT minimalist, then RIT dyed them a custom dark pine green.
Added a Halosun Micro red dot with absolute co-witness T1 compatible mount that offers quite a nice contrast against my A2 FSP.
I use standard GI mags, PMAGs, and Lancers.
Pro2nd
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hdwhit
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I shared WVSig's curiosity.
The reason people might replace the unlined handguards with lined ones or remove the pop-up sight and replace it with a Red Dot or an A2 Carrying Handle/Rear Sight seemed obvious.
But when it came to more extensive modifications, it seemed to me that what someone was left with at the end of the day was a prettied-up entry-level rifle and a bucket full of parts. Instead, someone could get familiar with the AR platform with the Sport II and then either 1) sell it and use the proceeds to fund the acquisition of a "higher level" rifle or 2) they could acquire/build a "higher level" rifle and keep the Sport II as a plinker or a gift.
It seemed obvious to me that having two guns rather than one gun and some parts was always more desirable and wanted to know why others saw it differently.
The reason people might replace the unlined handguards with lined ones or remove the pop-up sight and replace it with a Red Dot or an A2 Carrying Handle/Rear Sight seemed obvious.
But when it came to more extensive modifications, it seemed to me that what someone was left with at the end of the day was a prettied-up entry-level rifle and a bucket full of parts. Instead, someone could get familiar with the AR platform with the Sport II and then either 1) sell it and use the proceeds to fund the acquisition of a "higher level" rifle or 2) they could acquire/build a "higher level" rifle and keep the Sport II as a plinker or a gift.
It seemed obvious to me that having two guns rather than one gun and some parts was always more desirable and wanted to know why others saw it differently.
This isn't your precise scenario - but it might be an indicator of how others might be thinking.
I have one AR - the Sport I. I got into the world of ARs a little reluctantly. I wanted a semi-auto center fire rifle. (Purpose: general range plinking and paper punching.....no hunting.) I was considering an M-1 Carbine (if I could find a cheap one), a Mini-14 and an AR. I grew up with wood/blue steel guns so that's my orientation. Frankly, I don't really care for the looks of ARs. And I REALLY don't like tricked out ARs. But I'd heard such positive things about their accuracy and fun I decided to give 'em a try.
I'm sensitive to assuming or projecting what I'm going to need before I decide I need it. I've been burned in other hobbies where I basically over-bought. So I like to take things one step at a time and invest incrementally based on what I know I want. I knew I'd put a scope on. But I bought the Sport and put a few hundred rounds through it before I finalized the scope decision.
After I'd used it for a while I decided to put in a better trigger. I went nice - Geissele SSA-E. Now the setup is doing what I want, so I don't feel compelled to invest more. The front post bugs me a little. I might swap it out - but it's on the edge between would I rather save the dough and look at it or pay for some cleaner lines.
Buying an entry-level got me in the door cheap - and I could make slow deliberate decisions about upgrading as I got trigger time with a platform I wasn't familiar with.
Now.....these folks that buy an entry level such as the Sport and upgrade pieces that could be had on stock, higher end models, I don't quite understand.....unless there is something specific about an upgrade that can't be had as stock on any model - entry or mid-range or high-end.
OR
P.S.: Given all the above and my experiences, now that I have AR time and understanding under my belt, I wouldn't be at all surprised if sometime down the road I sell my current Sport and get a higher-end configuration.....because now I *know* what I want and don't want.
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I bought a S&W M&P 15 Sport 2 as entry into AR rifle platform. I have owned a Ruger Mini-14 since 1985, always enjoyed shooting it and can shoot it well. However, as crime and civil unrest grew, I couldn't bring myself to pay the $35 or more per Mini-14 magazine in order to have an adequate quantity of loaded magazines on hand.
With hundreds of different brands and models of AR rifles, navigating through them in search of a reliable "first" AR led me to S&W and Colt as major manufacturers I felt that I could trust to build quality product that they stood behind. Chose S&W Sport 2 for the entry level price when LGS had it on sale. Only made one modification to the stock rifle, changed the handguard to one with a heatshield and ability to attach rails/accessories to it.
All additional money I've spent on it is Magpul 30rd magazines and lots of ammo.
With hundreds of different brands and models of AR rifles, navigating through them in search of a reliable "first" AR led me to S&W and Colt as major manufacturers I felt that I could trust to build quality product that they stood behind. Chose S&W Sport 2 for the entry level price when LGS had it on sale. Only made one modification to the stock rifle, changed the handguard to one with a heatshield and ability to attach rails/accessories to it.
All additional money I've spent on it is Magpul 30rd magazines and lots of ammo.
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