opinions wanted

[FL-NC]

Flip a coin.

This. Both are fine rifles, as good as what our people carry to war. Both made by reputable established companies, either of which will make it right if something isn't.

 

[Charlie98]

...but really it today's market of $499 dollar factory built AR's with factory warranties it's hard to go wrong with either one, IMHO

Good for you, I think it's a good idea to buy your first AR rather than build it.

I'm trying to convince my buddy of just that. He's recently divorced and has money to burn, and wants to build a super-dooper AR. I asked him what he wanted in it, and he said 'I don't know' because he's never fired one! I told him to get a box stock entry-level AR, shoot it... and THEN he can start thinking about what he wants, or more importantly doesn't want, in an AR build.

OP, like the others mentioned... flip a coin. The entry-level market is what it is... you might get a jewel, you might get a turd (it's happened,) but most likely you'll get a serviceable rifle that you can shoot. Personally, I would stay away from proprietary parts, and although my first AR was a Colt (well, it was 25 years ago...) most recreational shooters don't need to drop the extra coin on a Colt; given the choice, I would be willing to pay $100 upcharge for a Colt vs the others, because at the end of the day, that prancing pony will sell that gun for you if you decide to sell it.

 

[BSA1]

Smith & Wesson.

All of the basic factory guns look the same so when you get the urge to change parts to make it suit your tastes it will be simpler.

 

[Walkalong]

But the Ruger's 1:8 twist barrel, 9310 alloy bolt and chromed carrier are nice features on a budget AR15

Good point.

 

[theotherwaldo]

I guess if I had to buy one rather than build one then I'd go with Ruger. I like their design philosophy: when in doubt, overbuild.

 

[Skylerbone]

In case anyone is wondering, the M&P’s bolt carrier is phosphate coated with chrome lined interior, bolt is 158 carpenter steel and is magnetic particle inspected. Receiver is 7075 T6, buffer tube is milspec (not commercial), barrel is nitride treated inside and out, similar or perhaps the same process the M&P pistols are treated with (Melonite).

As for twist rate and concerns about heavier bullets, this author shot the Sport II and a 75 gr. bullet into .57” which mimics some of my own findings with a 1:9 twist (that is: what we all know ain’t always so).

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gunsamerica.com/blog/sw-mp15-sport-ii/amp/

I still, as the owner of many firearms from both these companies, stand by my original post to flip a coin. At today’s prices, with either one, you win either way.