S&W AR-15 Parts, How do they compare?

[Slinky]

I've got an opprotunity to purchase a S&W Lower Reciever and parts kit. How does S&W compare with other manufatcurers, and is there even a differance?

I've got my tax refund and the urge to build an M16a1-styled AR.

 

[Badger Arms]

IIRC, S&W outsources most of their parts from Mil-Spec jobbers. They are outstanding quality compared to pretty much any regular maker on the market - Armalite, DPMS, Bushmaster, and I'd even venture to say Colt, but then again I'm still miffed about their receiver blocks.

 

[FlyinBryan]

i think most of the s&w parts are on par with most others, save for the barrels, which are the lower grade 4140.

the better barrels are made from 4150 grade blanks.

i dont remember where i heard this, someone correct me if im mis-informed on this.

ive never had a S&W, but my nephew who just graduated the academy, and is now a cop has one.

he loves it.

 

[rscalzo]

S&W outsources most of their parts from Mil-Spec jobbers

That is not longer true. While
Stag produced parts in the beginning, production has been moved to Springfield and the Thompson Center plant here in NH.

 

[Slinky]

Is it safe to assume that a recently made lower/parts-kit will be Mil-Spec?

I already told him I'm interested.

 

[lipadj46]

If having "mil spec" AR is important to you get a Colt. If you want a solid rifle for less money get the S&W (or Bushmaster, DPMS, CMMG, Stag etc)

 

[Ed Ames]

From everything I've read the single biggest downside to the S&W lower receiver is that the internal cutout behind the trigger/above the grip/where the rear pin and safety passes isn't as deep as usual. On the irrelevant end that means "accu-wedge" type things won't fit. More importantly it can make installation of some aftermarket cartridge style triggers harder.

 

[Slinky]

@ lipadj46
Yes it is important to me. However I didn't get back from deployment till November and thus I'm buying my first AR in a Post-Obama market. $250 for a complete lower is a damn good deal and I'm willing to comrpomise on the Mil-Spec rating as long as I'm getting a quality product.

I'm Just glad that I got my M1A before I left.

@Ed Ames
That's good to know

I'm planning on buying it, so I told my friend that I'd meet him at the range saturday, I should have it in my safe in 11 days .

 

[lipadj46]

I think you will be happy with most any of the big name complete lowers. Some triggers may need work but there is a guy that does great AR trigger work for around $40.

 

[Slinky]

Thank you for the help

I'll post pictures once its built.