smith & wesson m&p 15 sport

[hvychev77]

I talked to my local gun store yesterday about an AR15 platform rifle by smith & wesson. It is an M&P 15 sport in .223. The gun is $599. i am just wondering if anyone can tell me if it's a good gun or not? i know smith & wesson has good customer service reputation, i'm just wanting to hear more about this rifle............Thanks guys, hvychev77

 

[Al Thompson]

Seems to be a very good deal. We talked about it a few days ago.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=608988

 

[saddlerocker]

There are lots of reviews out about it.
Go to Google and search "M&P Sport review"

I think its a great starter gun, as long as you know what is missing from it and what it offers.

 

[mdThanatos]

If it is your first AR and you are looking at getting into the platform it is hard to beat.

 

[Creature]

I think its a great starter gun, as long as you know what is missing from it and what it offers.

I agree with this....especially stressing "what is missing from it" as compared to what comes on a standard AR.

 

[Ro1911]

This is a really popular rifle, this type of post is in rifle country at least once a week it seems, and nobody ever says anything negative about it eccept for the lack of FA and dust cover and the FA isn't really neccesary, but the dust cover would be nice.

I'll say the same thing I always say, if you can afford it I think the S&W M&P15 OR is a better rifle, but if you can't afford it then the sport is awesome too.

If it is your first AR and you are looking at getting into the platform it is hard to beat.

I agree

 

[Breakmyfootoff]

It's probably the best "bargain" available in the AR platform. They would still be a great buy at an even higher price point.

I agree with this....especially stressing "what is missing from it" as compared to what comes on a standard AR.

There are only three things missing from the M&P Sport, the forward assist, dust cover, and heat shields under the handguards. All the other parts (especially the important ones like the BCG and barrel) are better than rifles costing hundreds of dollars more.

 

[saddlerocker]

Its not chrome lined either (Although the melonite coating is supposedly VERY good)
And im not sure of the staking/bolt material/chamber spec/barrel steel/HPT MPI Testing ect....

Theres alot different than a $1,000 "in-spec" rifle like a Colt for example,
But it is better than anything else close to that price I agree

 

[ugaarguy]

Its not chrome lined either (Although the melonite coating is supposedly VERY good)

It is 5R rifled as well. The melonite (nitriding) process is darn close to chrome lining without losing accuracy from building up the chrome.

And im not sure of the staking/bolt material/chamber spec/barrel steel/HPT MPI Testing ect....

Barrels are not HPT/MPI. Bolts are the HPT/MPI, same as the rest of the M&P line. Carrier key staking, on my Sport, was even better than on my DDM4. Chambers are 5.56 NATO. Barrels are 4140 steel - not 4150, but far from low grade too. The receiver extension (buffer tube) castle nuts are very well staked as well. The gas port may be a little large. Buffer is standard carbine, but hasn't given me any reliability issues.

 

[hvychev77]

thanks for all the input guys. i knew this was an entry level gun, which is fine with me because i have just recently gotten into reloading and all that jazz too. so, thanks for all the replies. i'm 99% sure i'm gonna have a new addition to the family friday. The wife will be thrilled!!!.............just kiddin.....thanks, hvychev77

 

[benzy2]

It really though is a big step above other entry level guns. It's basically a mid-top tier rifle with a budget upper receiver and a budget set of hand guards. It fits in with most mid-grade rifles and outclasses them in a few areas. The lower half and bolt are as good as any. The upper has a few question marks compared to the top of the line, but it's not far off in a lot of regards. I think you would be fairly hard pressed to find a better rifle for under $900-$1000. There are some, but not many.

 

[MrBill120]

So then how would the S&W Sport compare to one of the Double Star rifles that Bud's sells?

 

[Breakmyfootoff]

So then how would the S&W Sport compare to one of the Double Star rifles that Bud's sells?

I havent owned a DS, but the parts used in the Sport are generally considered to be of much higher quality than those in the DS. Namely, the LMT BCG, and the Thompson Center 5R barrel.