I went down to make my monthly layaway payments today and saw they had a few sales going on. There were a couple of Carbon ARs on sale so I checked them out but they weren't really what I wanted. I talked to the guy for a few minutes about different models and ended up swapping out the WASR-10 I had on layaway for a S&W M&P15.
It's effectively an M4A3 with, I believe, all the usual goodies. I looked at a similar Bushmaster flat top as well but I really like the A3 carry handle/dual apperture sight setup. If I add a scope I'd rather use the mount that rides on top of the handle and keep the use of the iron sights anyway. Rifle comes in a hard case with one 30 round mag for $1179.
I know very little about combat rifles but decided I'd rather my first one be a range-ready AR from a reputable maker than a parts gun AK from Century covered in cosmoline (it seems their QC is spotty at best). I also figured the 5.56/.223 recoil would be easier to tolerate after all the spinal surgeries I've had.
So, does anyone have any experience with the M&P15 good or bad? I haven't heard much about them from owners, hopefully only because they're relatively new on the market. I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions later about best mags, ammo and accessories.
Thanks guys,
Jack
Can't say that I have shot one before. Everytime I have looked at one though my impression has always been that they are overpriced, but everyone that I have seen has been in the $1400-$1500 range.
Sounds like I did okay then. There's some good reports on Lee's sight over at Shooter's Legacy, seems our friend "Coastie" has been selling a few of them at his shop with good user feedback.
Jack
mine also came with one 30 round mag a hard case, so it sounds like we got about the same deal. it was by far the cheapest A4 style AR15 i could find and i'm very pleased with it's quality.
Cheapest!? Wow it is amazing how prices vary from region to region. Here I think Stag and Bushmaster are probably the least expensive. Well, except Olympic Arms are generally dirt cheap but no one will buy them out here.
After some research on THR, it seems most of the components are outsourced - lowers from Stag, possibly their uppers as well - don't exactly recall who makes what for them. My main concern is getting a good quality rifle with as few QC issues as possible. S&W seems to have that at a price comparable to similar Bushmasters, at least in my local area stores.
Once I learn the finer points of the AR system I may expand and start looking at a target model AR10.
Jack
I picked up an MP15 about 4 months ago...one word..OUTSTANDING!!!!
I put various ammo thru it :s&b,wolf, wolf mc,brown bear, barnaul,
55 gr/62 gr, fmj,hp,,all in different mags and some mixed up all in one mag..I used bravo company $10 mags, hk $50 mags, $16 c-products mags,bushmaster mags, basically about 1000 rounds "testing " the rifle..NOT ONE SINGLE MISFIRE OR FEED PROBLEM; brutally accurate at 100 yds(the max at my range). It is a great weapon.
Got it from guntechinc.com in ft lauderdale, florida.
M&P has good reviews. You may change you mind on the carry handle scope mount though. It places the scope fairly high. The AR system should be really light on recoil, due to the buffer and spring in the stock absorbing recoil.
Enjoy the new M&P and give us a review once you have used it a while.
Thanks for the review Nicolas, that's quite a confidence builder. Rocky, I'm still debating traditional scope vs. Aimpont/ACOG/Eotech along with the best mounts. At least with the A3 handle I have steel sights and it's range ready the day I bring it home. The Bushmaster I looked at was about $100 less but it was a flat top with rails & no sights at all. I hate the idea of buying a gun that isn't ready to fire when it comes out of the box.
After further research, it seems S&W is now producing some of the major components in house. Upper and lower receivers that were previously being outsourced to Stag are now being built on their own machinery. Barrels that were previously coming from Wilson Combat are being produced by S&W via recently acquired Thompson Center.
Not sure why any of it matters to me but I like knowing that the gun I bought actually came from the folks I bought it from. I've got nothing against Stag rifles, I hear they're good guns, but the idea of paying a premium price for one because someone else put their rollmark on it just seems wrong - especially when I could order one directly from Stag for less.
Jack
they are nice...and pricey.
I been thinkin' about a bushmaster ultra-lite carbine with the collapsable stock in 7.39 for $750.00
How are those ? anyone know ???
I have had mine for 6 months now, and love it, works great, no problems what so ever. Plus it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you get some piece of mine.
I went with the standard M&P15, basically an M4A3 carbine setup. I'm thinking I might go with a target model for my next rifle, probably in .308. I'd really like to get a NM or Super M1A but they're a good bit out of my price range for the time being, seems an AR-10 would be easier to swing short of hitting the lottery.
Jack
I don't have one but after doing a bit of research, I really want one.
I may have an M&P15T under my Christmas tree this year.
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