Looking for an entry level AR in .223. My 2 options at the local shop are a DPMS with no sights ( not sure of the model) or the m&p15 sport. I can get either for 650$ out the door. I am new to AR so know very little about DPMS but own smith and know their excellent reputation. What do you recommend?
Smith-Wesson mp15 sport or DPMS
- Thread starter newguy07
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USAF_Vet
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Not familiar with the DPMS, but I know the M&P sport lacks a few features, such as the forward assist and the ejection port cover. If they aren't a big deal, I'd tip my hat the the S&W.
JustinJ
Member
Define "entry level". If you intend to get a higher end AR later do so to start or it will cost you more in the long run.
I'd go with the SW though if those were my only options. A different upper can be had for $100 so you could always install one at a later date with FA and dust cover.
I'd go with the SW though if those were my only options. A different upper can be had for $100 so you could always install one at a later date with FA and dust cover.
ugaarguy
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This thread may help you out - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=621039 .
kwelz
Member
No comparison. While I am not a huge fan of the S&W sport, it is leaps and bounds above the DPMS.
JustinJ
Member
"First" implies there will be more. If you intend to get another down the line there is no reason not to get what you really want now. If you try and sell this gun to fund another you will lose money. So why not just get what you really want to start? I say this bc i've made the same mistake before.
hardluk1
member
I have the m&p 15 sport and find no faults with it and it will do what 99% of use need. Accurate beyound what I have hoped for with 1" and under groups, works as one should. The forward assist and port cover really are not needed as it does have the scaloped area to push bolt closed if really needed and it is one of the very few that builds all its metal work in house. A compairible model AR out there seems to be Palmeto state arms. they also have a base model that has all that yo7 need. I payed 595 here and the PSA is about the same. S&W use's melonite coating and psa use's chrome in there bore and bolt. Plus you have s&w behind there product and psa seems to also have good CS with there products.
henschman
Member
Definitely the S&W. At least they properly stake their gas keys and give you a GI-profile barrel instead of a big fat heavy barrel that unbalances your rifle like most DPMS' come with. Plus S&W at least gives you some sort of coating in the barrel that will make it last longer. I prefer chrome lining, but S&W's melonite coating is better than nothing which is what a DPMS has. Plus they have 5R rifling, which improves accuracy.
IMO Palmetto State Armory is a cut above the S&W. They give you everything the top-tier manufacturers do -- MPI inspected and high pressure tested bolt, staked gas key, chrome lined barrel with 1/7 twist so you can shoot the heavier rounds -- the works. It is all done to the military specifications. They are the best bargain right now for an AR if you ask me. That's who I'm going with for my 20" upper. They have some pretty sweet deals that include optics and everything. I would consider ordering a PSA through your dealer instead of buying one of those 2 off the shelf.
IMO Palmetto State Armory is a cut above the S&W. They give you everything the top-tier manufacturers do -- MPI inspected and high pressure tested bolt, staked gas key, chrome lined barrel with 1/7 twist so you can shoot the heavier rounds -- the works. It is all done to the military specifications. They are the best bargain right now for an AR if you ask me. That's who I'm going with for my 20" upper. They have some pretty sweet deals that include optics and everything. I would consider ordering a PSA through your dealer instead of buying one of those 2 off the shelf.
HellBlazer
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I'd check out a Spike's Tactical or a Del-Ton. If those options aren't possible for you, I'd go with the S&W.
We have 4 DPMS's in the family and they all work just fine. I'm always amused by claims that you need a chrome lined barrel in AR's. It's a wonder that we are still around with all our wars we fought without them...
by the way, I have never seen a gas key come out and DPMS states that they properly stake them, mine are.
by the way, I have never seen a gas key come out and DPMS states that they properly stake them, mine are.HellBlazer
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Most people just want a chrome lined barrel to extend the barrel's life. They work just fine without one though.
henschman
Member
The last time anybody tried to fight a war with a non-chrome lined barrel in the AR platform, it didn't work out very well and they've been chrome lining them ever since.
Along with extending barrel life, it aids in extraction reliability, especially with lacquer coated steel cased ammo, it resists corrosion, and it makes cleaning easier.
Along with extending barrel life, it aids in extraction reliability, especially with lacquer coated steel cased ammo, it resists corrosion, and it makes cleaning easier.
And we in the U.S. as civilians are not fighting a war and we are not using fully auto AR's which I can see needing a chrome lined barrel for the sheer amount of ammo shot through them in an engagement.
hardluk1
member
AND your not winning long range shooting contest with chrome bores.
I would definitely go for the dpms. The dust cover is very important if you ever have your gun anywhere where it will get extremely dirty. Where I am at only range guns can go without a dust cover. If you intend to rely on the weapon, EVER, you need the dust cover. The guns are made with very tight tolerances and will jam up when they get dusty, trust me i know from experience. 2 weeks in the gun rack of a mule and these babies freeze up if the dust cover was left open.
Matthew Courtney
Member
The S&W barrels are melonite treated which makes them a lot more durable and easy to clean than regular steel. Is melonite as good as chrome? I don't know. But it will not give you the bimetallic strip variations that chrome lined barrels will.
What are the highest round counts the gun will get in a minute? an hour? a day? a year? How frequently will it see those counts?
What are the highest round counts the gun will get in a minute? an hour? a day? a year? How frequently will it see those counts?
Cecil Sharps
Member
which rollmark do you prefer?
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