Good Price on a S&W M&P AR 15 OR?

[Xfire68]

Holland and Holland, Purdey, Merkel, Greener?

I am guessing yes as there were a number of double rifles and side by side shotguns. He is a African safari hunter. He had a "Match set" of beautiful Turkish Walnut for making a rifle or shotgun for a measly $6,500!

christcorp

Thanks I have been searching for some good front sights at a reasonable price.

 

[CraigC]

Yes he can!

No, you cannot! As I said, some prices are off the wall, some are competitive and some are a steal. So one should never completely and arbitrarily write off the whole store chain. Maybe 'you' just haven't found a deal???

 

[christcorp]

No, you cannot! As I said, some prices are off the wall, some are competitive and some are a steal. So one should never completely and arbitrarily write off the whole store chain. Maybe 'you' just haven't found a deal???

I automatically write off ANY retailer or vendor who I believe rip people off. Just because they happen to have one item on sale once in a while for a great price, doesn't mean I should SUPPORT THEM!!! In the retail business, retailers know their overhead and their markup. They know what their competitors are charging and spending. If most retailers charge $100 for an item, and a rogue vendor charges $200; they are doing so to play on an individual's ignorance or because they are the only game in town. There's nothing wrong with making a profit, but I won't support a retailer who preys on ignorance. I will NEVER SUPPORT GANDER MOUNTAIN!!! They are a ripoff. And even buying that 1 item out of 100, just because it's a good price, is still supporting unethical business.

If you found out a local gas station was 100% racist, sexist, discriminating, rude, or whatever button trips your trigger; would you still buy gas there because they were the cheapest??? Would you still support them???? Well, in my opinion, gander mountain preys on people's ignorance. They don't charge more because it cost THEM more. They are buying from the same type of distributors and direct manufacturers that cabelas, bass pro shop, and many similar chains use. We aren't talking about a retailer that only exists in high cost areas or low population areas. Most times, they have similar retailers in the same town or areas. They are charging more, because outdoor sporting goods; including guns; are a more specialized hobby/past time. They don't comparative shop as much. Many customers think they are "Normal". They are ignorant.

FWIW: I won't buy anything; especially gun related stuff at Sports Authority. It wasn't so bad when they were Garts Sports; but now, they are a total ripoff. A couple of weeks ago, they had a $200 off Sale on the Same M&P15 that i just bought at christmas from Sportsman's Warehouse. With their $200 off SALE - They were selling it for $1049. That's $20 less than S&W full recommended retail price. I bought the same gun 8 weeks ago for $749 with a S&W $100 rebate. No; because they rape customers, i will never support Gander Mt or Sports Authority again. Even if 1 out of 100 items becomes a lower price. Why would I want to support them? I have principles.

 

[Xfire68]

christcorp I am with you on this one! Craigc must have a daughter or son that works there and wants the store support? Who knows but, GM is a ripoff and does not deserve any of the true shooters support.

We have the luck of having Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, Gander Mountain and many other smaller outdoor shops in my area and GM is always higher then all of these places.

 

[CraigC]

Oh please, don't be so dramatic. GM is not run by the Gestapo. A seller has the right to ask any price they want for a product. You either pay it or you don't. To ask a price that is higher than your competitors does not constitute a ripoff. I would suggest you get your education on economics somewhere other than the liberal evening news. No reason to go off on a lengthy rant because of whatever moral implication you infer about their pricing. Grow up. I wasn't born yesterday, nor did I just fall off the turnip truck. I never buy anything without researching it first, so I rarely pay too much for something and rare still do I get ripped off. You are certainly free to spend you money however, or wherever you want. As do I. I said it before and I'll say it again, some of their prices are nuts, some are competitive and every once in a while you will find a deal. Period. Would I rather go to Bass Pro or Cabela's? Sure. But Bass Pro is over two hours away and the nearest Cabela's is several hours away in another state. Do I do all my shopping for sporting goods at Gander Mt? Of course not. Do I go into GM every time I'm in the area, you bet. Am I a moron with the wool pulled over my eyes? Uh, no. I've bought quite a bit of ammo and three guns from GM. All were priced competitively. I only wish I had had a need for that $300 .444, which would cost $450 anywhere else. Or the like-new Browning 1886 they had a couple months ago.

No, I don't have a dog in this fight and don't care where you spend your money. However, I'm sure there are some that should be aware that you can find good deals on some stuff at GM.

"True shooter"??? I reckon I'm not a true shooter. I only shoot 2000-3000rds a month and could shoot a different gun every day and not shoot the same one twice for nearly three months.

 

[HOOfan_1]

My Gander Mountain is smack dab between the most popular local gun store in Richmond and Bass Pro shops. It is no more than half a mile from either of those two stores.

I was pricing FNH FNP pistols the other day. The LGS had the model I wanted for $600, Bass Pro had the model I wanted for $600 also and Gander Mountain had the model for $700. However that M&P 15 OR, was $999 after a $200 sale at Gander Mountain, meaning they sell it for $1200 normally, which is well over the $1069 MSRP, but I also saw it at Bass Pro for $1099 regularly, which is $30 over MSRP. Bass Pro's prices are kind of up and down also.

I was looking at powder, bullets and unprimed brass at all three as well. The LGS had the powder for $22, the bullets for $20 and the brass for $37. Bass Pro had the powder for $25, the bullets for $18 and the brass for $40. So Bass Pro was cheaper on the bullets, and a little higher on the powder and brass. Gander had the powder for $30, the bullets for $25 and the bras for $50!!!! I do buy stuff from Gander when I can get a good deal ($160 Irish Setter boots for $90), but I can't imagine how they survive when there are two other stores selling day to day items for A LOT less.

 

[CraigC]

I don't know how they survive either and I am certainly not advocating spending all your money there. Far from it. All I'm saying is keep your eyes peeled, you might find something. A couple months ago they had a used USFA Rodeo for $700. I wanted one but it was way too much. Only a fool gets offended by a price tag. I ended up ordering a new Rodeo II (nickel finish, $100 more MSRP) for $540 from my local gun shop. Big deal. Which is why I said, in my first post, buyer beware. Which is basically the attitude you should have with anything, particularly with guns because there are a lot of speculators out there trying to get rich off every sale.

Some folks just have an axe to grind.

 

[christcorp]

I will simply say that of all the times I was at gander, except for a closeout item or something in their used section, I have NEVER found a new item there that wasn't cheaper some place else. EVER; without exception. So the "Competitive" price I simply won't buy. I can always find it cheaper some place else if it's a new/normal item.

 

[CraigC]

Buy it or not, it has been my experience. I forgot to mention the Leupold 2x pistol scopes that were on sale for a hundred bucks less than any online retailer. Had to pass on that one too.

 

[12131]

A M&P15 Optic Ready Carbine (i.e., no sights) should cost no more than $600.

 

[christcorp]

A M&P15 Optic Ready Carbine (i.e., no sights) should cost no more than $600.

Find one for $600 and you'll make a lot of friends. Brand new, the cheapest I've seen with the S&W rebate, was $649. Now if you mean SHOULD, as in not counting supply/demand, then I agree. Then again, a Colt shouldn't cost much more than $750. Unfortunately, because of the demand for AR rifles, the prices aren't that low.

 

[Xfire68]

I agree they should not but, as stated above there is a reason for prices being high and or low.

I have been looking for a AR for the last 6+ months and this is the cheapest I have seen locally by far.

I also contacted S&W about the rebate so I may be getting them a lot cheaper? I will wait and see? If I get the rebate? Not sure if it's per rifle or just one per household? I will have paid $650 including taxes per.

 

[Patriotme]

100% satisfied with my M&P 15 MOE.

 

[christcorp]

Just came back from the range about 20 minutes ago. This is my 3rd AR, and I couldn't make the M&P15 OR screw up if I tried. Shot 240 rounds. 100 Tula steel case; 100 Barnaul 5.56 steel case; followed by 20 rounds of PMC bronze .223, and finally 20 rounds of Military 5.56. Put a new Spikes Tactical ST-T2 buffer on right before going. Not one feed, extract, or eject problem. ALL ammo with non-magnification sight (Red-dot) at 100 yards, with no assistance from a sled, vise, rest, etc... just me leaning across a table; using 5 Thermold 20 round LE/Govt magazines and 4 USGI 30 round mil surplus with Magpul Gen III followers;.... and I was able to put entire magazine full of rounds into a 4"x4" square on the target. For shooting with no mechanical assistance, in the wind, I'll take those rounds everyday. And that's mainly how I shoot. Targets, prairie dogs, and home defense. Honestly, I really like this AR more than my Frankenstein or my Bushmaster (Which I sold about a year back). For the $649 that I paid for it, I don't think you can find a better AR.

 

[Xfire68]

Well mine is home now and I am loading up some 62g FMJ to go out tomorrow and test it out.

My brother borrowed me his Eotech sight system to test my gun out until I get my sights in the mail so I should have some fun!

 

[CraigC]

Mine was part of CDNN's $599 blowout and has been excellent. Haven't tested it yet at 100yds but it does sub-MOA at 50yds with a little Leupold 1-4x and Federal XM193. Still need to test Hornady 55gr V-max and 55gr match. Weather's nice, maybe this week.

 

[Xfire68]

Depending on S&W I might be getting mine that cheap? I paid $699 and S&W's $100 rebate may put me at the $599 mark before taxes? We will see?

I went out today and shot 200rds and it functioned perfect!

 

[c01]

Hopeing to pick one up for 500 at Cabelas today. 599 at store + 100 rebate for Cabelas Club members. I will let ya know.
D

 

[JoeMal]

Hopeing to pick one up for 500 at Cabelas today. 599 at store + 100 rebate for Cabelas Club members. I will let ya know.

WOW! That would be nice!

 

[Xfire68]

Hopeing to pick one up for 500 at Cabelas today. 599 at store + 100 rebate for Cabelas Club members. I will let ya know.

The Cabelas version is a "Sport" and do not have the same specs as the OR version. I bought the OR for $699 for a discount of $370 from the manufacturer price and your getting the Sport for $599 for a $110 discount from the manufacturer price. I also got another $100 rebate back from S&W for being a Vet.

Model: M&P15 Sport™
$709.00 *

Caliber: 5.56 mm NATO
Capacity: 30 Round Detachable Magazine
Action: Semi-Auto
Barrel Length: 16" / 40.6 cm
Barrel Twist: 1 in 8" 5R Rifling
Front Sight: Adjustable A2 Post
Rear Sight: Adjustable Dual Aperture
Overall Length: 35" Extended / 32" Collapsed
Stock: 6 Position Telescopic
Weight: 6.5 lbs. / 2,948.4 g
Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
Barrel Finish: Melonite®
Receiver Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
Receiver Finish: Hard Coat Black Anodized
Chromed Components: Gas Key
Bolt Carrier



Model M&P15OR Rifle
$1,069.00 *

Model: M&P15
Caliber: 5.56 mm NATO / .223
Capacity: 30 Rounds - Detachable Mag
Barrel Length: 16"
Action: Semi-Auto
Barrel Twist: 1 in 9"
Front Sight: None
Rear Sight: None
Overall Length: 35" Extended/32" Collapsed
Stock: 6 Position CAR Stock
Weight: 6.5 lbs.
Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
Receiver Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
Finish: Hard Coat Black Anodized
Chromed Components: Barrel Bore, Gas Key Bolt Carrier, Chamber

 

[christcorp]

Also; the sport doesn't have a forward bolt assist and it doesn't have an ejection port dust cover. That, along with not having a chromed barrel and chamber, is enough of a difference for me. That tells me that there are probably a couple other areas they cut back on.

Not that it wouldn't make a great entry level AR that will mostly be a very reliable AR and fun to shoot. But because I was patient, I was able to get the M&P15-OR for $649. The very small price difference between my OR on sale, and the Sport, makes the OR a better deal. But; if you're not willing to be patient; not willing to shop around; and just have to have that AR today; then the sport at around $700 is a decent purchase. But again, ONLY if it's significantly less expensive. I got my OR for less than the Sport at the time.

The OR was designed for more "Professional" use. Meaning, it was designed for you to put on the sights you need/want. Not where you had an A2 front sight that you had to LIVE with, no matter what. The OR was designed that a police officer, hunter, swat, military, etc... can set it up with whatever type sights you might need for your purpose. The sport has the fixed front A2 sight. You have to work around that. For some people it's not a problem. For some, it's a major issue because of their needs. The Sport is a great entry AR if the others aren't on sale, and you just can't wait. If you have patience, you can get others close to the same price.

 

[Quentin]

I think the biggest difference between the OR and Sport is the barrel, chrome lined 1:9" vs. Melonite 1:8". I'm assuming the Melonite replaces the chrome lining and here we need more data on how good it is.

Also you do get front and rear sights with the Sport which is a plus unless you really need the railed gas block instead. Anyway, this makes the Sport ready to shoot out of the box but unless you already have extra sights/optics (like many of us do) - the OR will need sights quick. Either seems to be a fine choice.