S&W M&P15 Sport II vs original 5r version?

[MacTech]

I had an older MP15 Sport with the 5R 1:7 melonite barrel but had to sell it due to financial difficulties, I'm now out of the difficulties, and am planning down the road to get another AR to replace that one

I know the new Sport has a few differences, like the dust cover, forward assist and a conventional 1:9 barrel, how does the new model stack up against the original? I know the 5R 1:7 was more desirable, but overall, how's the new model compare?

 

[ColoradoMinuteMan]

I think the 5R barrel was actually a 1:8 twist rate. The Sport II is a basic entry level AR and about on par with the other basic entry level ARs I've seen. A friend of mine went with the Ruger and I found the overall fit and finish to be a slight notch above most of the other entry level ARs out there. I like the delta ring improvement and a 1:8 twist rate is nice so you can more consistently utilize 75gr projectiles if you decide to do so down the round. I have the version of the Sport that bridged the 5R and the Sport II. Basically, the original sport but with the 6 grove, 1:9 twist rate barrel. It functions on par with every other AR in the inventory, but I stick with 65gr projectiles.

 

[2ndtimer]

I have one of the original S&W M&P 15 Sport models with the melonite coated 5R rifled barrels and have been very pleased with it. My son has a later version with the 1 in 9" twist, and it is noticeably less accurate. If I was buying a new entry level AR-15, I would take a long look at the new Savage MSR 15 Patrol. Not only does it offer the 5R rifled barrel, but also features a mid length gas system and upgraded Blackhawk furniture. I handled one at a local shop yesterday and was impressed. It also has a dustcover and a port for a forward assist, if you want to add one. (I have never missed a f/a on my Sport, so probably wouldn't bother, but I do like having a dust cover.). The asking price on the Savage was $699, identical to their prices on the Ruger 556 and S&W M&P 15 Sport II. My experience with Savage rifles makes me want to grab one, but it is hard to justify given that my existing original S&W Sport does everything I could ask for.