S&W AR15T and the "Sport"

[meanmrmustard]

burk: I live in conditions similar to the Mojave. I live close to it, in fact. I live in an area where very high winds are common. And when it blows it's not uncommon to have sand storms. I have no doubt that if I'm "outside" for several days that I will likely come across windy, dusty, sandy, sometimes extremely hot (112 degrees yesterday) conditions. That's why I've been hesitant to buy a Sport or a lower-mid tier AR. It's also the reason I originally wanted an AK platform.

If dust or sand wanted to get in, it will dust cover or not. But it's a deterant, and that can matter. That being said, a PSA build sounds like your winner. I've no doubt that the Sport will serve you well, but if you can build a PSA as cheap as henschman posted, then I'd go that route, me being you. I know what a Sport is capable of, but you aren't me. Desert living is going to be rough on a gun (minus rust due to humidity) so best to have what you think is needed. I can't speak for you, but MO hardwoods lack the natural inhibitors that can stop an AR, well, snow.

Personally, I'd get an AK. I'd prefer it over a Sport, well any AR really. But, that platform has been trudged through the harshest landscapes imaginable. Hell, I hear they'll be the first sporting rifles on the moon!

 

[jgh4445]

I "needed" an Ar platform. I decided on a build. Got an S&W lower, RR LPK, RR Coyote Carbine upper with a chromed bolt group, a CMMG trigger a Magpul grip and an ACE stock. Have about 1100 +/- in it. Wanted something for "when the world got "silly"" and for coyotes. Shoulda bought a Sport. Two of them. One for Zombies and one for Coyotes. The Sport will do everything the one I built will do. Found out a "build" is just an assembly. If you can put a round pin in a round hole, use one finger to hold down a spring and use one finger on the other hand to scratch your chin, you too can "build" an AR. Go with the SSport. Actually wish I had.

 

[justice06rr]

Your AR needs and requirement are a bit more complicated. If it was a basic HD or plinking rifle, the M&P Sport model would serve you well. But you said you live in desert-like conditions. I believe you, because I live in sandy areas here in FL too.

An AR will really function without the FA and DC. But are those options you want? I dunno its up to you. Its definitely not worth the extra $350; you could use that to buy ammo instead.

The PSA AR15 is another good option for a few bucks more. Now I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to AR's so I always opt for the FA and DC on all my AR's -- but thats just me.

 

[henschman]

Well, now it looks like that rifle kit from PSA I posted earlier is out of stock, and they are no longer doing free shipping. That bumps the price for that build up to about $720. Maybe you ought to jump on that Smith before their prices start going up, too!

 

[meanmrmustard]

Well, now it looks like that rifle kit from PSA I posted earlier is out of stock, and they are no longer doing free shipping. That bumps the price for that build up to about $720. Maybe you ought to jump on that Smith before their prices start going up, too!

That blows. Had me interested too.

Sport, once again, is looking better everyday.

 

[Infidel4life11]

Okay, I'm looking to build my first AR, but went down to the local gun shop today to check out some of the AR platforms. I compared the S&W AR15 "Sport" model to a S&W AR15T. The latter is Smith's "tactical" model. It has a metal forearm, which if I'm not mistaken, can accommodate various optics and lights and ninja stuff. Other than that it has a FA and a dust cover. Oh, and it also has a price tag that's $350 MORE than the Sport model (the Sport was listed for $650, the 15T for $1,000). Between the two, the Sport model "felt" better.

So, guys, I have to ask....is it really worth and additional $350 for metal forearm that feels quirky, an FA and a dust cover? Am I missing something else that the 15T has that the Sport does not? You know, for the price of a decent build, I'm thinking a S&W Sport may be the way to go. From some reviews I read it can take some pretty hard use. Your thoughts? Thanks....

I say the sport model, later on put on whatever forend grips and stock you want. I own a well used sport and like it.

 

[chris in va]

I've had my Sport for 3000 rounds.

Only two things have been added so far, a heat shielded forearm and a curved buttpad. I'd like to add a forward grip at some point, but not pressing. I see the new ones have the nifty folding rear sight.