Why do people keep buying Sport IIs and then modifying them?

[hdrolling]

I just wanted mine to look cool, if were being honest.......

 

[M&P-LOVER]

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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[wurger]

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]

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.

 

[Imperator Phil]

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.

 

[Pro2nd]

I will go ahead and put on the flame suit now because I know what is coming .

then why the need for this thread?

 

[hdwhit]

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.

 

[otisrush]

Why are people buying the Sport II? Why not buy a optic ready carbine with a low profile gas block no handguards and simply install what they want. Once they have hacked it up the warranty is not going to be 100% in play. It doesn't save any money to pay for parts you are not going to use. Buying an OEM optic ready gun and installing the parts you want from day one makes economic and just plain common sense.

So educate me why are people still buying Sport IIs?

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.

 

[WVSig]

Great post Otisrush! Thanks for your thoughts on the subject. Your approach makes a lot sense to me.

 

[bblhd672]

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.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

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.

If you aren't going to run a red dot or some other optic on your Sport II, you might consider getting a detachable carry handle or one of the short Picatinny rail sights that have an A2 sight assembly on them. This is because the folding Magpul rear sight has no elevation adjustment for yardage.

Some examples here in various price ranges: Fixed Sights | Sights | AR-15 | Gun Parts by Gun Make & Model

 

[Imperator Phil]

What's to keep a Sport/Sport II from holding up in a "go to war" or "SHTF" scenario? It seems to be made from good specs. Do you need a Nickel Boron bolt carrier assembly and a 1:7" twist to reliably cycle 55 and 62 grain military loads? How about half MOA accuracy? Military's been using carbine gas systems for ages, if it gives out just get another gas tube, they're pretty cheap. 5R rifling? Couldn't you just break the rifle in first and clean it when you're not "on patrol"?

I've seen overwhelmingly positive feedback on both the Sport and Sport II from people who really run the hell out of AR-15s. I'm sure a Daniel Defense, BCM or LWRC will outlast a Sport, but is it necessary?

 

[caleb4387]

I plan to get one but it will stay stock as I like that look except maybe an optic and s iPod for coyotes

 

[caleb4387]

I'm probably different than most AR buyers...I'm not not the type that wants several in various calipers, 223, 6.8, 6.5 , 6.5 , 450, 468 etc and use the AR for hunting everything from squirrels to hogs to bear like a buddy did. even at the age of 29 I find myself thinking wood and blues steel is far cooler looking. I do happen to think the AR is thecsingke best platform for home defense and civil unrest. that's what mine us for. I'd rather pop coyote with a 357 levergun or sad walnut stocked bolt action.I prefer the stock look and don't care for the long handguards. a simple reed dot or a scope may be added but I'll probably keep open sights.I'll probably get an ar10 for SHTF rifle and the commonality of 308 anmo. and an m@p 22 for economical training , and MAYBE a ruger precision rifle in 6.5 creedmoor then my black rifle buys are done. everything else will be filled out with a pre 64 Winchester, a colt Sauer bolt action, several lever actions and plenty of old blues revolvers.for my needs, simple home defense and range fun I believe the sport will do fine.

 

[Pro2nd]

Okay, I'll try and answer on why i have done what I have to my Sport 2, and why I picked the sport 2 to begin with...

Let me first off say, I am not new to guns, not new to semi auto riffles, or Military style riffles etc.. I own some other varieties..

Anyway, My journey to owning the Sport two, came quite a while back..

due to various happenings around the country, and an election coming up, Which I thought for sure Hillary was going to win, I decided to make a purchase before she got in..

Well, I did not own an AR, and was sure it would be the first on the chopping block (If Hillary got in etc)..

So I started digging around, reading up on various brands etc (I also have a friend who is SIGNIFICANTLY more knowledgeable on AR's then I was)..

At any rate, I started out planing to go big, or go home..
I was going to spend whatever it took to get the best of the best.. I am not rich or even "well to do" by any stretch, but I did have enough cash put back to get ANY AR made..

but then one day, I stumbled across the smith and Wesson M&P Sport 2.. Seen it was a MUCH lower price then others I had on my list, but decided to take a glance anyway, in part (actually LARGE part), was because my Dad was a bit of a Smith and Wesson kinda guy.. So the simple fact that I discovered Smith and Wesson happen to now be making AR's really struck my interest..

I looked up the various specs on it 1:9 twist etc. Which really didn't bother me, considering my plan of use for it, IE not competition shooting, or trying to beat my buddy at the range yada yada.., Then I Seen that it was at least a milspec, and became a bit more interested in it.. again in large part, simply due to the name and family history, if you will..

well to get to the point here..
I did not much care for the stock Handguard, especially after discovering it did not even contain a metal shield inside..
but I knew that was easily changed.. I also did not much care for the grip.. another easy to change cheap part..

But.. going big was still heavily on my mind.. so I held off..
decided to wait to see if Hillary was going to win.., cause even if she did, I knew I would still have plenty of time to purchase after election day before she could do anything..

Well, when she ended up losing, I pretty much knew right that moment I was going with the Sport Two..
The only real reason I was considering going big, was for down the road.. something to pass down to my son etc and I wanted it to be the best of the best, as I figured they may actually get banned and stay that way?..

And THAT, is the full story of how and why I ended up with a M&P Sport 2, and have since changed a few parts..
and honestly could not be any happier with my ultimate decision..

It freed up money to spend on other things as well..

P.s.. hopefully this will also help explain my PERSONAL theory on why I disagree with the Spot 2 only being an entry Level AR..
to me.. it is THEE best AR I could ever hope to have!
the go big, best of the best, Was more about holding Value down the road, then anything else..
and now that I have kept with somewhat of a Smith and Wesson family tradition, again, I could not possibly be any happier about it! the Smith and Wesson M&P Sport 2, has a GREAT record on dependability, good accuracy etc... I'm just glad that the best of the best, was not in fact a Smith and Wesson that cost $5000.. LOL!... (Note, Yes, my dad and family owned guns made by other makers, they did not ONLY own Smith and Wesson, but, without dragging this on forever, smith and wesson does have special meaning to me and mine)

 

[Brian in Oregon]

I think some people just want to denigrate the Sport II.

 

[Imperator Phil]

I think some people just want to denigrate the Sport II.

Likewise. I think it's a mixture of buyer's remorse and an unhealthy investment of ego into top dollar gear.

My Sport II's done great. I've done realistic reliability and durability testing to the extent of throwing loaded magazines in sand and dirt and smearing some mud over the bolt carrier and into the trigger controls. Ran fine, with some sticks in the trigger being solved by popping the pins and scraping out debris as well as it working itself out. I have a total of 300 rounds of Wolf steel case and 500 rounds of Freedom Munitions M193 brass through it. I see about 2 and a quarter inch groups shooting offhand at 100 yards with backup irons, and just under 2" using my Halosun. I don't like shooting from a bench if I can help it, as I'd rather be realistic and try to be a better shot next time. I take good care of the gun, making sure to clean it in between every firing session, and so far, I've only lightly marred the receiver finish during drop and bang tests. It bothers me not, as I plan on going over it with cerakote soon. Great gun, why I didn't get one of these sooner I'll never stop asking myself.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I just wanted mine to look cool, if were being honest.......

LOL.... an honest man!!!!!!!

IMHO

A factory stock Sport...... should meet the "needs" of 99% of those of us who are not LEO..........

Got my first AR almost 20 years ago ...... a Windham (?) Bushmaster 25th Anniversary edition with Ace fixed stock ..... added a 1-4x20 scope and 10 round magazines and off to the range .........picked up 2 Smiths over the years; in after "Panic" sell offs....... that will get passed on to the boys.

We still can't hunt with Semi's in Pa..... My "Burb of the Burgh" is not prone to SHTF and we haven't had a good TEOTWAWKI here since the last Ice Age!

But winters are long and most of us are too old to play with erector sets.....and thanks to Magpul parts are relatively inexpensive.

If I grab a .223 to take into Penn's Woods it's going to be a CZ bolt gun.......... if I just want to have fun at the range; more likely than not it will be a Ruger 10/22 or my Smith 15/22.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

If someone really wants to build it just the way they want it, they could always start with an aluminum billet...

I was forever changing grips and holsters out on my revolvers before I finally got just what I wanted. People do things like that.

 

[Imperator Phil]

Something pretty obvious to note but I think a bit overlooked, even though I've bought the Sport II, I still have the modularity of an AR system. If I want to expand my horizons, figuratively speaking, I can build a quality 20" DMR upper to pop onto my Sport II lower. I know that's going to make people ask me if I hit my head in a bad spot, but it's such an awesome factor that barely if ever gets mentioned in my circle of friends. I can go from a CQB/assault rifle role to firing Black Hills Mk262 out to 600 yards. The best part? Keep it on standby in a small case or condomed up and strapped to your bag, on the go.

Geissele SSA-E Trigger would be an investment, though.