Ruger AR556 vs. Colt M4 vs. Smith & Wesson MP-15

[stinger 327]

These are the lower cost lot of brand name AR-15's available for sale.
Which one would be the best bang for buck? What are the main differences in these AR's?

 

[NWcityguy2]

ARs are an interesting beast, as there is a lot written that says they are very different, and a lot written that says there are very similar. When it comes to shooting within 200-300 yards, with iron sights, a red dot, or low powered optic, and not expecting to compete within some specific competitive discipline, there isn't much that a quality budget AR can't do. Ruger, S&W, PSA Freedom, Aero Precision, Colt, BCM, DD, Knights Armament (which represent a wide range of prices) are all going to deliver the same performance for several thousand rounds of ammo. My preference would be for a PSA Mid-length upper, along with a basic lower that has better than stock furniture.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mid-length-cl-mp-premium-upper.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...agpul-moe-edition-black-no-magazine-7065.html (out of stock, but it'll be back)

 

[VoodooMountain]

There varying model levels of the colt and smith. You will pay more for the colt on a per feature basis. The s&w ii is a great option for the money as is any of the non ptac psa stuff. The Ruger is a solid albeit another bare bones option.

Even if you decide later you don't like a certain configuration or even if you have a component failure you can easily replace the offending part.

As stated above there are many good choices on the market today. Many preferences come from stubbornness or myopic views as well.

In fact, at this point I'm pretty sure there are like 10 companies making almost all the various ar parts anymore.

 

[C-grunt]

Exactly which Colt models and which S&W models are you looking at?

Colt 6920 is a fantastic AR
S&W makes a decent rifle but Ive seen some really bad QC/out of spec parts on S&W rifles before.

I personally wouldn't buy the Ruger as it has some proprietary parts.

If I were buying a "budget" AR right now I would seriously take a hard look at the Aero Precision AC15

 

[ZGunner]

My PERSONAL take on the three you mention:

The Colts Expanse represents a budget 6920 with a different barrel and stripped upper. But they give you finish the upper later. Lacks a sight, most expensive of the three by ~$50.

The Ruger AR-556 is a good option but I dislike it on two parts. The delta ring is a proprietary plastic, threaded collar as opposed to being the normal spring operated one. I've seen where this hinders mounting a quad rail style handguard (cheap). Also the Ruger sight leaves something to be desired, kind of cheap feeling the peep isn't adjustable like the Magpul.

The Smith & Wesson Sport II is the way I lean on these three. It's the most complete out of the box for the same price as the Ruger. It's ready to customize just like you need and is compatible with any parts out there. They've improved on the original Sport with a dust cover and forward assist. I hadn't heard of any QC issues, but that is definitely worth looking into.

Any of them will fill the role of range toy, utility rifle, home defense carbine, or anything else short of ground stomping military use.

 

[Ibmikey]

the Smith and Colt are great entry level rifles, as mentioned above the Aero Precision is one heck of a bargain, built well, has screw to take up any movement between upper and lower threaded the hole for take down spring, barrels are made by Ballistic Advantage (owned by Aero) QPQ finished. I have a bunch of Aero builds and love them. I also have Colts and S&W and all are great rifles.

 

[Everready73]

Agree with Aero AC15 midlength for budget. Or a PSA premium or freedom upper on one of their compete lowers. The Colt 6920 is the best option under 1k imo. The Colt Expense is probably the one you were referencing. I would go with the Aero over that. They can be had under $600 at primary arms and Brownells right now i believe

 

[lpsharp88]

I've owned an M&P 15 Sport, and currently own a Colt (6920 SOCOM). The Smith was a fantastic little rifle. It lacked a dust cover and forward assist, but I really didn't miss those two features. It was 100% reliable through maybe 1k down the tube and more accurate than I. I only got rid of it because I wanted a rifle like the one I had in Iraq (less the tax stamp items). The Colt is also a great rifle. I've got a little over 1k through it as well and no hiccups yet. It is very accurate as I've gotten a hair over MOA out of it using PMC bronze and irons. I have no doubt that a regular 6920 would be just as good

 

[Dr.Rob]

I've had a Colt 6920 since 2009 and I've got thousands of rounds through it in competition. The two jams I had were my fault. Best semi-auto of any kind I have ever owned. I paid too much for it. Can be had now for under a grand.

Looked at the Smith, best part of buying a Smith besides the price is the warranty. Very good gun for the money.

Ruger has a zillion logos but not a lot new in the AR market. Great warranty service though.

 

[792mauser]

I have several AR rifles
My Dpms A1 carbine is reliable as long as it's feed brass, but it is accurate . $600 otd

My Anderson 20" a4 clone is reliable and accurate enough to hit the 300 yard steel targets consistently. It eats anything and makes me look good. Dang does she get heavy at the end of the day. $650 otd

My Colt "M4" marked 6920 is a beast. It makes me look good and eats steel cases like nothing. A great little carbine that runs accurately even when filthy. $1000 otd.
The Colt to me was the best value for my dollar.

 

[hdwhit]

stinger 327 wrote:
Which one would be the best bang for buck?

Buying a particular rifle is an intensely personal choice that involves a lot of subjective consideratons, so our input can be of only limited value. When I went to buy an "entry level" AR for myself and another a few months later for my son, I looked at the Colt, Ruger and S&W. I intended to instal an A2-style carrying handle/rear sight, so having a front sight was important to me, but I was indiferent to the rear sight. Other than that, all three had everything I felt I would need for many years of use and the S&W was the least expensive (by $40 one time, by $100 the next), so I went with them. I have been very pleased, overall, with S&W.

 

[hdwhit]

ZGunner wrote:
I hadn't heard of any QC issues, [with with S&W M&P-15 Sport II]

Before I bought either the Colt, Ruger or S&W AR, I spent a considerable amount of time researching on-line for anyone posting about quality problems with the rifles. I didn't find anything with any of them that showed up enough for me to consider it "systemic".

There were several reports of S&Ws with the hammer spring installed backwards, but that is something easily checked before the gun is purchased. Besides, now that it is a reported problem, I figure any gun store that isn't checking for that before they sell you the gun is probably some place you don't want to buy a gun in the first place.

 

[hdwhit]

Also, I don't think anyone mentioned Springfield Armory's new Saint AR or Mossberg's MMR AR.

Mossberg made some interesting choices with the MMR, foregoing a dust cover or forward assist and including a fully adjustable rear sight and an M-LOK forend.

 

[ZGunner]

Also, I don't think anyone mentioned Springfield Armory's new Saint AR or Mossberg's MMR AR.

I've seen the Saint for $850 in my area, which is $150 over the S&W or Ruger. For that price I don't think the midlength is worth it, and unless I missed something that's all it offers over the others, besides the upgraded BCM furniture. Don't get me wrong, it looks and feels awesome but you're encroaching on 6920 price at that point.

As far as I know the MMR is the only "entry level" AR that includes a free float rail? That's pretty cool to me.

Really any of these mentioned are good rifles, pick one that feels good and fits your budget. I wouldn't mind adding any to my safe.

 

[stinger 327]

the Smith and Colt are great entry level rifles, as mentioned above the Aero Precision is one heck of a bargain, built well, has screw to take up any movement between upper and lower threaded the hole for take down spring, barrels are made by Ballistic Advantage (owned by Aero) QPQ finished. I have a bunch of Aero builds and love them. I also have Colts and S&W and all are great rifles.

I have never heard of Aero Precision brand.

 

[Ignition Override]

stinger327: my only 'AR' has been the S&W Sport II, bought about five months ago brand-new. All of the dozens of S&W reports before the purchase impressed me.
It has used about 400 rds. total. With no formal gun training, the extended stock seems about 1" too short for me (I'm 5'11") , but responses state that this is the way they are meant to feel.

All of the ammo has been steel-case Wolf, and the operation has been as perfect (100%) as with both of my Russian, all-original Saiga rifles in .223 and 7.62x39.
The magazines have been the newer 20-rd. Pmags.

 

[stinger 327]

stinger327: my only 'AR' has been the S&W Sport II, bought about five months ago brand-new. All of the dozens of S&W reports before the purchase impressed me.
It has used about 400 rds. total. With no formal gun training, the extended stock seems about 1" too short for me (I'm 5'11") , but responses state that this is the way they are meant to feel.

All of the ammo has been steel-case Wolf, and the operation has been as perfect (100%) as with both of my Russian, all-original Saiga rifles in .223 and 7.62x39.
The magazines have been the newer 20-rd. Pmags.

That's great. I was under the impression for some reason that it wasn't a good idea to shoot steel case ammo through these AR's. Guess I was wrong. At least it's economical to shoot these rounds.

 

[Pilot]

The Colt M4 (6920) is worth the few extra bucks. I bought one two years ago, with the Magul furniture already installed, and couldn't be happier. Even with the upgraded FDE stock, grip, handguard, and BUIS it was around $1K.

 

[Ibmikey]

Stinger, Aero Precision is an aerospace company that makes parts for clients like Boeing, they are situated near the Boeing main facility in Washington State. Aero is one of the larger producers of stripped lower receivers and they are quite nicely done. I purchase directly from Aero or Brownells...you can now purchase a variety of completed rifles that will stand next to all but the most expensive offerings.
I have a number of rifles based upon their upper and lower receivers ( their uppers have an American flag printed on the rear of the picitiny rail for identification) barrels and BCG's. Most of the steel parts are nitride processed. Several of mine have Faxon barrels installed and i prefer their light weight "gunner" series, both Faxon and Aero make super good barrels for under $200.

 

[Acera]

Just a note, Ruger is now selling their lowers stripped with a MSRP of $129. Going to assume that the actual retail price will be lower than that. So if you like that name on the side of your gun, you can assemble one yourself. (I guess if you are quick enough, you might be the first with a pistol model of it.)

.

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

I have an original M&P Sport and its been a good rifle. The only issue I've had, is the bolt let go after 2000 rounds, but I was running it hard with hot loads. I sent it back to Smith and they replaced the BCG, free of charge....good service.

I also have a PSA kit rifle, carbine freedom upper and classic lower. This has been an excellent rifle with no failures. My only complaint, the trigger on the classic lower is lousy, but that is to be expected for $150.

 

[stinger 327]

Stinger, Aero Precision is an aerospace company that makes parts for clients like Boeing, they are situated near the Boeing main facility in Washington State. Aero is one of the larger producers of stripped lower receivers and they are quite nicely done. I purchase directly from Aero or Brownells...you can now purchase a variety of completed rifles that will stand next to all but the most expensive offerings.
I have a number of rifles based upon their upper and lower receivers ( their uppers have an American flag printed on the rear of the picitiny rail for identification) barrels and BCG's. Most of the steel parts are nitride processed. Several of mine have Faxon barrels installed and i prefer their light weight "gunner" series, both Faxon and Aero make super good barrels for under $200.

Now is this Aero Precision a completed gun and not a kit?

 

[C-grunt]

Aero has a budget complete rifle called the AC15 for around 600 dollars. In my opinion it's the best of the budget AR15s out there. They haven't removed parts like the dust cover or the forward assist.

 

[stinger 327]

Aero has a budget complete rifle called the AC15 for around 600 dollars. In my opinion it's the best of the budget AR15s out there. They haven't removed parts like the dust cover or the forward assist.

That's great. I remember some time ago when I was looking at AR's they cost in the area of $1,500 up. Good thing now prices have come down with more choices.

 

[Hacker15E]

We are likely on the cusp of another decrease in the prices of ARs due to the election (and distributors who likely stocked up in anticipation of a Hillary victory); I'd hold for a month or two, watch prices, and snag a Colt 6920 when they hit $799 on sale.