Opinions please (First AR15)

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model4006

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i couldnt get too much help over on ar15.com, so ill try this here.

I am about to purchace my first AR, and i have been looking alot at the M&P 15's. I just have a few questions. Oh, i will be purchasing the M&P 15T. the tactical version with the 4-Sided, 10" Free-Float Modular Rail Forend (MRF).

1. Are these really a top of the line AR? Are there any out there that are better, not for the money or anything, but just flat out a better rifle?

2. I can get one for 1165 +tax. Is that a reasonable price?

3. Is there a scope i can mount on the top rail, and then take off when i want to use the sights, and replace while maintaining zero?

4. Is a seven pound trigger pull good?

5. here is a description from smiths website

Model: M&P15
Caliber: 5.56 mm NATO / .223
Action: Gas Operated Semi Automatic
Capacity: 30 Rounds, 5.56 mm or .223
Overall Length: 35" Extended / 32" Compacted
Stock: 6-Position Telescopic
Forend: 4-Sided, 10" Free-Float Modular Rail Forend (MRF)
Sight Length: 15"
Barrel Length: 16"
Barrel Twist: 1 in 9"
Weight (No Mag): 6.85 lbs.
Trigger Pull: 7 lbs. (approx.)
Upper/Lower Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
Chromed Components: Barrel Bore, Gas Key, Bolt Carrier
Receiver and Barrel Finish: Hard Coat Black Anodized
Front Sight: Adjustable, Folding Battle Sight
Rear Sight: Adjustable, Folding Battle Sight

What does this AR have that some others dont? What does this AR NOT have that some others do?
 
i also was at gander mtn today and looked at the m&p15a, it has the rail on the top, folding sight rear, and adjustable post sight front. i wont put any more accessories on it than a scope, so i think the one rail suits me fine.

the only concern i have is the front sight, being that it doesnt fold down, will it be in the way when i mount a scope?

whats the main advantage of the folding sight?

why have the rear one fold and not the front?

if this one is 300 cheaper from my gun store, its pretty much a no brainer, right? if im not going to use those rails in the front, what else am i paying for besides the folding front sight?
 
ive found that hands down, no matter what it is about, general gets the most replies.

plus i asked if a seven pound trigger pull was good, that goes for ALL guns, which i think makes this general. :)
 
The front sight will not impact a scope. At worst, it will be a shadow. The rear sight has to flip down because it would block the front of a scope and you would not be able to see through it. Think of it like this. If you take a picture through a chain link fence, and you focus 100 yards beyond the fence, your picture will not even show the fence, or it if it does, it will be hardly noticeable. But, if you put a hunk of metal in front of the view finder, you won't be able to see through the lens.

I don't think there is any thing that makes the Smith and Wesson rifles any better or worse than any other top brands. You get the S&W name, they have excellent customer service, but they are not manufacturing that weapon. I believe it is CMMT. Colt, RRA, Stag are all also very good choice, with the last two being lower priced alternatives.
 
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Check out bushmaster. I have been told that the s&w is made by stag, neither good or bad is meant by my observation.

I like my bushmaster target rifle, though I haven't had it long enough to really wring it out. I haven't formally measured the trigger pull, but it is nowhere near 7 lbs. I am assuming that the s&w has a 2 stage trigger, and the pull should be able to be measured in both stages. I have observed exactly one s&w ar, and it seemed like a fine rifle. If you are really interested in one, I would suggest checking out the stag, as well. If I was told correctly, you may be able to get the same rifle for less money.
 
I do believe the MP is made by Stag. Stag makes excellent firearms.

RRA/Bushmaster/Stag/Armalite/DMPS are all good manufactures. They are all pretty much equal in quality so it really dosnt matter who you buy from. Its kind of like the "whats the best HP bullet" question. Everyone is going to name their pet brand and tell you that its better. Sabre Defence/LMT/Colt are top of the line. If you have the extra money and your life depends on your firearm(on a daily basis), get one of these. Even then its not a big deal. Your not going to lose a fight with a DMPS that you would have won with a Colt.

The rear sight folds down because if it diddnt it would block the optic. The front sight will usually not be seen in a 4+ power scope.

$300 sounds about right for a railed handguard. I'd save the money and use it for an optic.

You aren't going to be able to remove the scope and then put it back on without affecting zero but La Rue can make it very close. Get a La Rue scope mount; they are expensive but money spent on La Rue is not wasted. I have no personal expierence with them just second hand from my friends and though their excellent reputation. Look into it.
 
Sounds pretty steep to me. I am however a big fan of most everything else S&W makes. I think you can find the best deal by purchasing a lower and upper separately.
I bought a Rock River Arms National Match lower with collapsible stock and a Sabre Defence 16" mid-length upper. Both items are of top-notch quality, especially the upper IMHO. I think Sabre Defence is one of the better kept secrets out there. These guys make several large machine guns strictly for the military as well. I agree, it's hard to get good info on ARFcom. Lots of immature types there, and is very "faddish" when it comes to what's the latest and greatest. Hope that helps some.
 
You're paying quite a bit xtra for the "tactical" version. It sounds like your intent is to put a scope on the rifle for target/varmit shooting. If that's the case I'd look to a non tactical configuration with flattop with a 20 inch or longer barrel and no front sight.
 
ive found that hands down, no matter what it is about, general gets the most replies.
Click to expand...

We have seperate, specialized forums for specific topics because not everyone is into rifles.

For future reference, please start threads in the appropriate area.

Thanks.:)
 
The front sight will not impact a scope. At worst, it will be a shadow
Click to expand...

I definitely need a folding front sight for my 1-4x Accupoint.

7 lbs is a heavy trigger pull for a rifle, especially one set up for use with optics.

John
 
"1. Are these really a top of the line AR? Are there any out there that are better, not for the money or anything, but just flat out a better rifle?"

S&W is a rebranded Stag Arms. They make good stuff. But since you asked I will point out a couple of differences.
Stag barrel is 4140 steel. Colt, CMMG, LMT, and Sabre use 4150 steel.
Stag doesn't have M4 feed ramps. Colt, LMT, most CMMG, and some Sabre use M4 feed ramps.
I'm not saying you need these features, just trying to give you an honest answer to your question.
 
AR-15

One of my favorite rifles, you can't go wrong with one of reputable manufacture. I have 9 in different calibers short, long, thick and thin. My favorite set-up: Bushmaster XM-15-E2S 16 inch carbine with a heavy barrel. The rifle is topped with a Trijicon ACOG sight 4X32, which mounts perfectly to the flat top once the carry handle is removed. I also installed a tactical latch on the charging handle for easy operation, tactical grip, harris bi-pod, I.P.D Products tactical sling and a Olympic Arms pneumatic recoil buffer in the stock, this totally does away with the "twang" and vibration associated with most AR type rifles. I also installed a accu-wedge under the rear pin to tighten the rifle between the upper and lower and a after market target trigger. With the adjustable stock extended and the bi-pod down and a 5 or 10 round magazine inserted, I can consistantly shoot sub 1/4" groups allllll day long. Not to mention punching ground squirrels at 500 yards. With the stock collapsed, bi-pod folded and a 30 round magazine inserted you have the ultimate tactical, CQB-close quarter battle, set up. Because I carry this rifle on duty and use if for work, as well as play, I went the extra mile and purchased the Gemtech TM-Halo suppressor. This is not the most expensive rifle I own, it is by far the best. If I would have known what I know now, this being the 9th AR purchased, I would only have one. I think everyone will agree that purchasing a configuration of the AR is tough because there are so many. Don't end up like one of these idiots that have 9. Take your time, go to your local gunshop and and play with different set ups, concentrate on the configuration that will best suit your needs and never be afraid to ask questions, talk to other AR owners and ask to shoot thiers first before you buy one. Buy what YOU like and are comfortable with, not what someone else tells you to buy. There is nothing better than having one rifle to meet ALL your needs rather than one rifle for every need.....besides...that way you can afford a hell of a lot more AMMO! I hope this helps, Take Care and Good Shooting, Ten Bears
 
AR

One more thing....Totally agree with Monkeybear, skip the high dollar front end and use your money on good optics or in other areas that will improve the rifle. Ten Bears
 
One point about that expensive front end...It free floats the barrel for more consistent shot placement regardless of hand position or sling tension. Folding rear sight is good. Fixed front is OK if you are mounting a scope 4x or above in power. If you truely want to remove the scope to use the iron sights, and then put the scope back on and have it return to zero, budget for an expensive mount with a return to zero promise. LaRue comes to mind.

AR's are fun and an easy place to dump money.

--usp_fan
 
Are these really a top of the line AR? Are there any out there that are better, not for the money or anything, but just flat out a better rifle?
Click to expand...

I think they're quite nice, but I think you'll find the two AR's most commonly referred to as the top of the line are the Colt LE-6920 (if your state allows) or a rifle built up around LMT. Things like barrels, MP'd bolts, millspec gear, staked gas key, other factors do make these pretty top notch.

However, I have heard the Smith's approach perfection here, so maybe not.

LMT or Colt will cost you a little more though, and quite a bit more if you're going to start doing freefloating rails, grips, stocks, sights, whatever.
 
p.s. If you want super nice fit and finish, do the LMT thing. The colts are always good reliable rifles, but their finish can be pretty poor. I have a 6920 that had some pretty good size finish blemishes out of the box.
 
thats guys for all the replies, already been more helpful than ar15.com. i guess that about does it, i think im going for the M&P 15A. ill put the other 300 into bulk ammo!
 
Bazooka,

The distance is 100 yards, off the bench, using a Steady Point rest and sand bags. The load: 55 grain Nosler BT with 24.7 grains of H335 seated to an over all length of 2.213, Federal primers and Federal brass. My rifle loves these. I also have a 16" DPMS in .308 that will do the same thing using Nosler Combined Technology BT Silver Tips. I think a lot of people under estimate the "shortys". The 16" .308 out shoots my BB Target DPMS in .308. The fun part to making these guns shoot is the work up of the load coupled with going to the range and seeing all the holes over lap each other. Yea, the target guys are probably reading this thinking, "Nosler bullets, right!?" My opinion only, over the years I have bought and borrowed and loaded every .22 caliber bullet under the sun. Nosler bullets have seemed to work the best for me and been the most consistant, in my AR's, once a load was found. Break in is also important. Avoid shooting steel cased "cheap ammo" and KEEP IT CLEAN! I have had great luck with the Tubbs kit for break in. Ten Bears
 
I"ve only had a chance to fondle one, not shoot one. All & all, it did seem well made. There are enough playah's in that arena w/ alot of nice samples that if the Smith is the one that does it for you, go for it ;)
 
MP price

That is a GREAT price....he is bouncing right around wholesale if it is new in the box. Good for you! Ten Bears
 
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To go back to your question about the 7lb trigger. That is about par for the course for regular factory guns but most folks find this to be something more than desirable .
I have found the Rock River National Match trigger to be just the ticket. Less than $100,drops right in in a couple of minutes with no fitting or adjustment, and will give you a nice crisp 3 1/2 lb pull trigger.
There are all sort of aftermarket triggers for the AR but the RRNM is a good clean reasonably priced solution
 
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