dpms vs. s&w mp 14

[zk85]

dpms vs. s&w mp 15

I am looking to purchase an entry level ar15. I would like some input on the dpms sporticle vs the Smith and Wesson mp15 sport.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am not very familiar with ar type rifles.

 

[ugaarguy]

Neither Rifle has: Dust cover, forward assist, or heat shielded handguards.

The DPMS Sportical has: a 1:9 twist, conventionally rifled, unlined, untreated bbl. Chamber may be correctly cut to 5.56 NATO spec, or may be tight. The carrier key may or may not be properly staked, but probably won't be. The bolt is not High Pressure Tested (HPT) & Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI). The receiver extension, AKA buffer tube, is the weaker commercial spec. The receiver extension castle nut may be staked, but probably won't be. The included stock is DPMS economy Pardus model. No rear sight is included, and the gas block is railed. If I remember correctly the DPMS rifles ship with a USGI type aluminum mag.

M&P15 Sport has: a 1:8 twist, 5R rifled, unlined but Melonite treated bbl - this gives you near hard chrome lined bbl life without the potential for accuracy loss from the hard chroming process. Chamber will be properly cut to 5.56 NATO spec dimensions. Bolt carrier key will be properly staked. All M&P15 rifles, including the Sport use bolts that have been HPT & MPI. The receiver extension is the stronger mil spec unit, with a properly staked castle nut. The stock is a standard M4 spec unit. The gas block is a flat top upper correct F height front sight unit. A MagPul MBUS rear sight is also included. The Sport, like all M&P15 rifles, ships with a single MagPul PMag.

In short, the M&P15 Sport sells for about the same price as the DPMS Sportical; but the M&P15 Sport has vastly superior hardware and assembly.

 

[zk85]

I know to put a scope on the sporticle a riser mount is needed. Is it necessary on the mp 15 sport as well?

 

[CraigC]

S&W all the way, you'll need a riser or a tall mount with either rifle. I had to use high rings on a 1/2" riser to get a proper cheek weld.

 

[zk85]

I have been leaning towards the S&W really have no concerns with it especially given the warranty that comes with all of their firearms (also have a S&W model 645 that has never given a hint of trouble and my dad is a HUGE Smith fan) but I did find a local mom and pop shop that is offering an outstanding deal on the sporticle scoped with quick detachment and flip up irons for about the price I can get one anywhere else for. It would be coming from a wholesaler whom provides a lifetime warranty on all their firearms, otherwise I would never question this decision, just not terribly familiar with these rifles.

 

[Tadracket]

I own a DPMS and love it. But I also bought it used from years ago. If I were to buy a new rifle today, it would be S&W. Ugaarguy nailed the details.

 

[hardluk1]

I just ordered a m&15 sport yesterday. Current price is 595 at my local general store and will have to wait a till supply's at wholesaler are restocked. They do seem to be a good buy for money spent.

 

[gotigers]

S&W would be my choice for the reasons ugaarguy listed.

 

[DammitBoy]

The sportical is the only dpms I would never own, why use it for comparision?

 

[tahunua001]

my DPMS sportical is a 250 yard deer slayer. the only reason you would need shielded handguards is if you are shooting 30 rounds in a minute and repeating this method of fire in rapid succession. the only reason to need a dust cover is if you are going to be using it at the beach. the only reason to use a forward assist is if you fail to go to battery, a problem which I haven't heard of happening since vietnam era ARs. my sportical has never malfunctioned, never rusted, never cracked, the only thing it's done chronically is go boom and hit what I aimed at. I take this thing out in stubble fields and drop it down in dirt and chaff when I shoot prone. I take it out in the mountains and get it covered in dirt, and mud, it gets rained on, it has even been the poor victim of a flyby goose poo. I has been also met with gravel on a few occasions. it is the finest rifle in my collection and I would sooner take it to battle than any colt or S&W. it is perfectly capable of stabilizing a hornady 62 grain bullet so twist rate is moot unless you are trying to shoot +p 80 grain .243 wanna be rounds. everyone is entitled to their opinion but I've shot my fair share of bushmasters, colts, and double stars...not one of them holds a candle to my DPMS.

 

[zk85]

The reason I was using a sportical as a comparison is because it is one of the very few ar's that has a lower price range, which dpms and s&w has achieved by taking off some features that I do not believe to be necessary for the application that I will be using (varmint hunting).
If there is another manufacturer out there that would be comparable in price and durability please feel free to inform me.

 

[tahunua001]

apparently colt has a budget gun that's running about $800-900 but between the 3 I would probably still go with the DPMS and use the leftover cash to fix the asthetic issues that I have with all "cookie cutter" AR15s, namely the stock, pistol grips and handguards. I prefer free float handguards(round, not railed), the M4 stocks are more stable and convenient than many give them credit for and those A2 style grips are just awful for a guy with fat fingers like me.

 

[kwelz]

You could not give me an DPMS.

The S&W sport cuts some corners but it is leaps and bounds above the DPMS.

 

[DammitBoy]

The reason I was using a sportical as a comparison is because it is one of the very few ar's that has a lower price range, which dpms and s&w has achieved by taking off some features that I do not believe to be necessary for the application that I will be using (varmint hunting).
If there is another manufacturer out there that would be comparable in price and durability please feel free to inform me.

What's the price range you're looking at? $700-$800?

 

[Hanzo581]

S&W hands down.

 

[Aiko492]

I own 2 AR's, a DPMS was my first- Daniel Defense my second. Go with the M&P, better yet-save $200-300 more and buy Bravo Company, Daniel Defense or Colt and have a legit rifle that will last a lifetime. The difference in cost you will shoot in a day.

 

[ugaarguy]

If you get a rifle without dust cover you can always add gunsmith Ned Christainsen's Safe-Port which seals the action, as well as shows the action being clear. It also allows use of a loaded mag, and self ejects when the bolt is charged. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=21481/Product/AR-15-M16-SAFE-PORT

 

[hardluk1]

alko How much can you save when the m&p15 sport can be bought for under 600 dollars

 

[JustinJ]

Don't waste your time with an "entry" level AR. They're not race cars that you need to practice in before moving up to the next class. Get what you want or you will be wasting money. Colt's can be had for under a grand or better yet build one yourself for the experience.

 

[jem375]

We have 4 DPMS's in the family and they all work great... forget all the internet BS and just get the best deal, both of them are just fine for the average shooter anyway...

 

[lmccrock]

Assuming ugaarguy is correct, then the decision point is over the twist. Varmints? Light bullets? Slower twist of the DPMS wins. Heavier bullets over 62gr or so? S&W.

"To DPMS or not" is always contentious. The DPMS stuff I have works fine. If I were taking a class where the tuition costs more than the rifle, I would not pick anybody's entry level rifle, unless I had a chance to ring it out. Of course, if I were spending that much on a class, I would wring out EVERYTHING first. Going on a varmint hunt might be the same - test it all thoroughly first.

 

[hardluk1]

Imccrock S&W use's the 5R gain twist 1-8 barrel in there sport model atleast. Do your own reaseach to find the one major benefit of the 5R barrel design. It is that that this barrel design will shot both very light weight and heavy weight bullets accurately. It may not be match grade but should work better with what ever ammo you bring to shot than a set twist barrel Instead of haveing a preference for light ,mid or heavy bullets. Any firearm should have to prove its worth, does not matter if its a mix and match of parts or a knight. Does not matter if is a entry or full mil spec. kel tec or kimber. They all turn out some firearms that may give some issues and some just need to be shot a bit to break in.

 

[zk85]

The price range I have been looking is $600-$700 for the base rifle w/ no extras. The dealer that I have previously mentioned said he could do the sporticle 3x9 scope with quick attachments flip up sights and 2 extra mags for $725.

 

[DammitBoy]

Save up another $400-500 and get a better rifle.

 

[hardluk1]

dammitboy Is that what you did?