Newbie looking for first AR-15.. M&P15 vs. Colt 6920

Status
Not open for further replies.
L

lithnights

Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2010
Messages
54
Location
Philadelphia
I am looking to purchase an AR-15. I've only been into guns for a year now, and own 2 pistols but I know very little about rifles. I have done a bunch of research and read hundreds of "what AR should I buy" posts. But since my situation is unique, I wanted to post yet another one of those threads.

I am basically buying this rifle as a self defense weapon and for a SHTF (economic collapse) situation. It will likely sit locked up for most of my life, except for multiple trips to the range each year. It will likely never see massive dust or other harsh elements. It will not be used for hunting or outdoor use. I don't plan to do any major upgrades on the rifle. I will not be selling this any time soon.

My ideal budget was around $800 but that was before I realized how much an AR could cost. I could spend more ($1000 or so) but only if it's truly worth it, for MY NEEDS.

I have seen that online AR comparison spreadsheet but it honestly doesn't mean much since I don't fully understand all those specifics of an AR. e.g. If I see replies referencing pivot pins, sear blocks, heavier buffer, stronger extractor spring etc. I'm not going to know exactly what that means to me. Furthermore, building my own is not really an option. I just don't have the time/patience/knowledge. Yes, I've heard its like building with legos, but I honestly am too busy playing with real legos with my 3 young boys with any extra free time I have. Bottomline.. I'd rather pay a bit more than lose playing time with my kids.

My initial thoughts are between an M&P15 Sport ($700 or so) and a Colt 6920 ($1000 or so). I know about the M&P's lack of dust cover and forward assist, 1/7 vs. 1/9 twist etc. but quite honestly I'm not sure those things are truly going to impact the rifle for MY USES.

I'm open to other ideas but only if there are huge issues with the 2 above rifles.

Any thoughts on what I should buy based on my needs?

Thanks in advance,
 
Last edited:
You said it will be used for self defense. Therefor you should only look at top tier rifles. The Colt 6920 is THE GOLD STANDARD when it comes to hard use defensive AR15s. Look no further. GandRTactical has them for 950 bucks. Also look at the Colt 6720 which is the same rifle. It with a lighter weight barrel. Probably an all around better rifle for defense as it will be lighter and easier to maneuver.
 
I've owned both the Colt and SW. I'd go for the Colt for 3 reason; 1. It's pretty much the gold standard for ARs. 2. The 1:7 twist is my preference and would allow for heavier bullets. 3. The Colt is going to hold its resale value better than the SW.
 
The M&P should work perfectly fine for your needs. The Colt's higher price is in things like durability, reliability, and even just the name. Don't get worried about the "durability" and "reliability" parts of that- it's only under the harshest conditions that you'll see much of a difference between them, if any.
 
Unless you plan on going into battle with it and shooting 5,000 rounds in firefights, the M&P 15 will more than do, and with the savings you can even purchase ammo.

Jim
 
I used to have the S&W M&P15 back in 2008 and that was when my gun shop was asking 1,600 dollars for the Colt LE6920. I wanted to get the Colt but didn't want to spend 1,600 dollars just for the rifle so I spent 1,000 for the M&P15. Either one is a solid choice IMO but since the Colt has gone down in price I'm finally able to own one. You aren't paying too much more for the Colt anyway. :)
 
I'd much rather have the Colt than the M&P. If I didn't want to spend $1k I'd rather have a Palmetto State Armory AR than an M&P, and you likely could get it for less than the M&P.

I'll just note that if you divide $300 out over the life of a firearm it because a very negligible price difference. My rule of thumb is to but the best I can afford if it is something I only need to buy once.
 
G and R Tactical has 0 in stock of the 6920. It is the sporter anyway. Would rather have the LE myself. Will keep looking.

kenken
 
Yes I thought about the $300 divided by the 30 years I'll hopefully have this. But I could use that attitude and end up with a $2,000 rifle. : )

And without trying to sound brash, luckily I can afford it. I don't mind spending the money, I just don't want to waste money. And the best thing is, my wife is on board!
 
Get the m&p. From what you've said you'll never put enough rounds through it to matter and you can spend the difference on more important things.

Not to tell you what to do but what's the point of having a rifle for emergencies if you don't take it out enough to actually be able to properly use it in a stressful situation.
 
G.barnes said:
Get the m&p. From what you've said you'll never put enough rounds through it to matter and you can spend the difference on more important things.

Not to tell you what to do but what's the point of having a rifle for emergencies if you don't take it out enough to actually be able to properly use it in a stressful situation.
Click to expand...
Understand your point about the frequency of taking it out. I edited my post a bit to make it clear that I plan to take it to the range as often as I can, instead of just a couple times a year. But with my work, kids, and efforts to master my 2 CCW pistols at the range (which to me are a priority to master), time can be tough. There's never enough time!!

Thanks!
 
All i can tell you is, i have the MP15, it shoots good, and is totally reliable. I have no problem with it being used for SD of me, my family or my property!

I paid less than $700.00 for it, and it has a life time warr...

DM
 
In that case spend the money on the best you can get at the best price. Daniel defense and bcm both make top tier rifles for a great price and you can get them with different configured uppers so you can get whatever sights and rails you want right off the bat. They can both be had for about the same as the colt. If your serious about protecting your family buy the best and train as much as you can. Remember in the heat of battle you don't rise to the occasion you fall back on your lowest form of training. A great rifle means nothing if you can't use it whatever the situation. Good luck on your decision.
 
lithnights said:
Understand your point about the frequency of taking it out. I edited my post a bit to make it clear that I plan to take it to the range as often as I can, instead of just a couple times a year. But with my work, kids, and efforts to master my 2 CCW pistols at the range (which to me are a priority to master), time can be tough. There's never enough time!!

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Master your rifle, the only thing a pistol is good for it the help you get back to your rifle.....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I don't personally own an ar... yet. But after seeing the Daniel Defense torture test of their m4, I'm probably getting my ar from them. But from everything I've read, the mid-length gas system is better than the carbine, so I will most likely get the m4v3 or the m4v5. I'd suggest these to you as well.

Or you could just spend about $500 and get a Saiga in 7.62x39mm and a ton of ammo.
 
Last edited:
Daniel Defense isn't a wondergun compared to other ARs. If theirs would withstand that, then its reasonable to assume that any AR of comparable price and quality and of the same operating system would work just as well.
 
I own the v5 and it is great. I've owned a stag and a dpms and the dd is definitly a step up. Not that I had any malfunctions with either. If you take away the rail, stock, trigger guard, and foregrip the rifle would cost as much as a stag or s&w. I'd post some pics but it won't let me from my phone. The mid length gas system is so much nicer than the carbine length. I've only put about 500 rounds through it so far. That will go up pretty fast as I've only owned it for a couple of weeks. Good optics are important to.

Most ar's will withstand the dd torture test. The main difference in a top tier and a bottom or mid tier is the specs of the steels, the manufacturing process of the barrels, and the mp and hp testing of bolts and barrels plus proper staking. A dpms bolt will more than likely handle a couple thousand rounds but if my life is on my rifle I'm not losing it because of a faulty bolt or improperly staked gas key that made it malfunction.
 
Last edited:
I already have 1K under my mattress. : ) I'm buying the rifle to try to protect that money as well as my other SHTF supplies.
Click to expand...

Then add it to the 800 and buy a real rifle... :) Noveske, LaRue

Ive never understood budgets, AR's and hitting the fan scenario...

If your truly on a budget a 336 in 30-30 or a Bolt 30-06 will achieve far more than the AR ever will. It may not look as kewl... butttttt kewl and useful are two different things.
 
Daniel Defense isn't a wondergun compared to other ARs. If theirs would withstand that, then its reasonable to assume that any AR of comparable price and quality and of the same operating system would work just as well.
Click to expand...

I also think it is telling that the video didn't actually compare it to other guns. I think any of the top tier guns would have fared as well. What impressed me out of that video was the abuse the T1 withstood.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

J
  • Locked
Opinions on the M&P15 Sport wanted
2
Replies
49
Views
2K
hardluk1
H
W
  • Locked
PSA vs. S&W M&P15, resale, and Desert Tan
2
Replies
34
Views
5K
Rodman579
R
L
  • Locked
Which M&P15 ?
Replies
5
Views
321
AlexanderA
A
B
  • Locked
S&W M&P 15 AR review
Replies
14
Views
3K
seairland312
S
G
  • Locked
S&W M&P15 - Reliabillity? Mod-ability?
Replies
22
Views
3K
CharlieDeltaJuliet
C
Back
Top