Non-chrome lined ar-15 pics.

#3 - M&P Sport II

Smith and Wesson has been making these rifles and they have a good reputation. Even without the dust cover and forward assist on the first M&P15 Sport, it still functions very well and has proved to be reliable in many tests. I've previously owned the older Sport model, and if I was in the market for another basic AR, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Sport II.

I've also seen and handled the Sport II at the gunshop. Good overall quality and feel. The Melonite finish on the barrel is a good alternative to chrome lining. For the price you are paying, the Smith and Wesson M&P15 Sport II is an excellent buy.

Del-Ton

I know this isn't in your three to choose from but another quality rifle in your budget would be the Colt Expanse Rifle.

You should take a look at the Mini14, it comes with sights...

I have both a Sport and RRA LAR-15. The RRA is THE most accurate rifle in my safe, bar none. That includes dedicated varmint rifles. I highly recommend the RRA.

The RRA is THE most accurate rifle in my safe, bar none.

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I have a few Colts and RRA's - if I had to keep only one, one of the RRA's would get the nod over my Colts (sacrilege, I know).

Years ago I picked the brains of the local bench rest shooters (that tend to go off the deep end) - they told me it seemed RRA had pretty much taken over AFA folks looking for accuracy out of an AR.

Add to that the fact that they seem to run flawlessly never hurts!

Among my bunch of AR's is a couple of S&W Sports and even a ATI Omni with a poly (metal reinforced) lower. All of these weapons will fire quite accuurately even if not bench rest groups they will get a soup can or dirt clod at most receptable distances. Most of the entry level rifles will perform to most expectiations but the higher priced rifles will normally do a better job with longer lasting components included in the build.
Point being: Ya get what you pay for in respect to accuracy and quality.

I can't comment on Rock River or Aero Precision but I just entered the world of AR shooting with a M&P 15 Sporter (no dust cover or forward assist) that I bought last month. It has the A2 rear sight instead of the flip-up. I got it new/slightly used for $550. I've been really pleased with it and believe I made the right choice by getting it.

The fit and finish of the plastic and metal parts is acceptable. A couple of weeks ago I ran 200 rounds through it (dry) and got it good, hot, and filthy - no failures at all.

I found a good youtube video on how to set the mechanical zero, and was able to get the M&P sighted in quickly. As far as accuracy goes, it's more than a match for my shooting ability.

Quality and performance relative to price made the M&P 15 Sporter a great value for my money.

PTAC baby!

http://palmettostatearmory.com/ptac-16-m4-5-56-nato-slick-side-1-7-nitride-rifle-kit.html

Plug and play

M

PTAC baby!

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I really wanted to hate the Ptac's, but after buying one on a whim and shooting the crap out of it, it has cured my AR snobbery. The damn thing just works. Works better than it should for a $450 rifle.

two cheap ones ive had good luck with are the dpms sportical that I foolishly sold and the optics ready bushmaster I have now. Both of them will shoot moa with good handloads if I mount a scope on them. Both have been very reliable. Out of your given choices I think id look at the smith. Buddy has a couple of them and there real shooters. I think his are chromed lined barrels though. Another options and cheaper yet is to watch palmetto arms website (get on there email list) they have new specials every day on uppers, lowers, complete kits. Its cmmg stuff which is decent and you could put a entry level gun together for not much more then 500 bucks.

You should take a look at the Mini14, it comes with sights...

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now if theyd just make one that hit where the sights are aimed!!

Stock they generally do as well as a bottom of the barrel AR, but coming with sights and scope mounts helps offset the price difference a bit.

If that RRA has their 2-stage trigger, I would definitely go with that. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking that one brand of AR is vastly superior to another. A lot of it boils down to individual preference and how much you want to spend. Stick with the known big AR names and you really can't go wrong. I would be leery of ARs made by companies that have not established themselves yet. I see lots of $500 ARs from manufacturers that I've never heard of. Maybe they're good, maybe not. I'd rather others test them out and report back.

I have RRA, colts, dpms, PSA, etc. RRA hands down better. They are in general tighter and better fitted than average and more accurate also. That having been said, they all shoot about the same.

My vote would be for the RRA out of that bunch. I shoot an 18" ATH model in 3 gun and it runs great.

I've had an M&P Sport since last September, 1800 rounds later and not a single mis-feed. I'm very impressed with this rifle.

I'd go with the M&P.

I'm not sure there is really any difference in any of them. You could add the Ruger AR-556 to the list. The best one is the one you buy and can shoot well.

More important than brand, look at barrel profile. I have 2 RRA midlength uppers, an A2 and an A4, they are really front heavy. I have a Stag 6.8 with government profile and the balance is better. My BCM upper with lightweight barrel balances the best. All 4 have been completely reliable.