Just pulled the trigger on an AR Hope I made the right decision

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y2k600f4

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Been wanted to add an AR type rifle to the collection in .223 for some time; put it off for years than there was a run on all things "black rifle" related at the end of 2012 and figured I really did not need one based on the other rifles and hundguns in my collection. Really just wanted an entry level AR for target shooting/plinking etc that I could keep in the safe with some ammo and mags just in case if any of it became scarce again and I can use it on occasion.

Considered getting a Ruger Mini-14 LE black/SS but not what I really wanted. Considered RRA, DPMS and S&W M&P sport ....short version I went with the S&W M&P Sport with (1) 30rnd PMAG Magpuls...OTD price with fees ended up being $655; just ordered (5) additional 30rnd MAGPU PMAG Gen 2s for $58 with shipping. Now for some ammo and a sling and to see what I am going to sell to pay for this addition :) Anyway and comments are appreciated and any suggestions on any other accessories that are recomened including a sling. Thanks.
 
First, you did just fine with the M&P Sport, and $655 OTD is a great price. PMags are great magazines, and getting 5 of them for $58 is pretty much pre-panic pricing. Just get some ammo now. You may also want to pick up a few MagPul or Lancer 20rd mags down the road just for the utility of having a shorter mag.

For slings, I prefer some form of quick detach mechanism, and I use the push button QD swivels in rotation limiting mounts. Some folks prefer the HK / Magpul loop & clip system. Decide which one you like, and get sling mounts for it. You can start with a cheap GI style sling and put swivels of your preferred style on it before you spend more money on a nicer, more specialized sling.

For the rear you can get one that clamps around the buffer tube if you don't want to replace the end plate. This style of mount keeps the sling out of the way of the stock. Up front there are mounts that clamp the front sight base, mount to the bayonet lug, or even use webbing or wire to wrap around the forearm.

The other accessory that's essential to any defensive firearm is a white light for target ID.

MagPul MOE hand guards aren't necessary, but they're a great idea. They're inexpensive, and there's a wide variety of accessory mounts for them. Those add on mounts make it far easier to put slings and lights where you want them, and mount them the way you want to. So, not necessary, but MOE handguards will make your life much easier for about $35.
 
i'll echo what ugaarguy said. nice choice, nice price. good deal on the mags too, now just get yourself some ammo. sling and a white light and you are good to go for HD if you'd choose to use it for such. i use the standard g.i. sling and tlr-1.
 
Thanks ugaarguy and back40....some great feedback and suggestions.

I do have 1K rounds on order (Wolf) from SG...backordered to 10/1 ran about $.30 a round to get me started.

I'll be looking at some slings and mounts as per your suggestions to start with.

Thanks again.
 
Online at Gunbroker $599 + $30 shipping and $25 xfer fees. FFL dealer from FL. For me it was a better price than local...$700 + tx or about $750
 
You did quite well. I owned a M&P15 Sport before and loved it, although it has been sold. Right now they still sell for $750 at my LGS so your purchase price of $655 is a steal.

I also recommend upgrading the handguard. It is a basic plastic handguard with no heatshield inside. Buy a Magpul MOE handguard or another standard handguard with double heatshields.

Congrats and Happy shooting!
 
A S&W Sport is a fine entry-level AR. Go shoot a whole bunch of rounds through it and spend some money on decent ammo for it before you go buying stuff to hang off it.


Feed it before you accessorize it.


Or as Dave would say, Buy Ammo, Use up, Repeat.
 
If the rifle is just for targets and plinking, an M&P15 is a good place to start, AR-wise. If you've got very little experience with ARs, a simple GI sling will suffice. The aftermarket for ARs is broad and deep, so research before buying any accessories. There's a lot of snake oil out there.
 
Hint: If you ever expect to be asked to join the Rambolistas Club, you'd better learn to use the words "LaRue" and "Noveske" in some of your posts. :evil: Your S&W will perform just fine.
 
That's a good rifle at a really good price. I'd echo the others on shooting it a bunch before you start accessorizing. A regular sling (like the GI sling) would be an exception. You're not going to waste any money there.

You should see my box of spare accessories I went through before I finally decided what I wanted.

Enjoy!
 
It's a good price for an entry level AR. If you'd caught a PSA sale as Jackal mentioned you might have had more selection (barrel material, profile, twist, etc). It's really hard to beat PSA during a sale. Last year using their parts I pieced together a great LW midlength for $650.
 
Congratulations! I just bought me a S&W M&P Sport too, just a month ago, for about the
same price you paid and I am happy with it so far. It is accurate for a entry level AR15
and I have really enjoyed shooting it. It is a nice change of pace from my other AR15,
the Stag Model 4 A2. The only thing that disappointed me is that S&W now puts barrels
with a 1/9 twist on the Sport rather than the 1/8 they once used. Other than that, I am
pleased with it.
 
Buying an AR is seldom the wrong decision. Hard to go wrong with getting one of the worlds most-produced rifles from a major manufacturer like S&W. Enjoy!
 
Buying an AR is seldom the wrong decision. Hard to go wrong with getting one of the worlds most-produced rifles from a major manufacturer like S&W. Enjoy!
Click to expand...

I don't know. I hear so many bad things about DPMS, Bushmaster, Olympic and such that if I ever get an AR, I'd be very leary about getting one of them. I don't know how much of what I read is just rumor and how much is fact, but the shear volume of complaints is very compelling.
 
12Pump said:
I don't know. I hear so many bad things about DPMS, Bushmaster, Olympic and such that if I ever get an AR, I'd be very leary about getting one of them. I don't know how much of what I read is just rumor and how much is fact, but the shear volume of complaints is very compelling.
Click to expand...

I would like to recommend not spending any kind of money on any of those brands.
 
I would like to recommend not spending any kind of money on any of those brands.
Click to expand...
Considering the extra quality you can get from S&W and PSA for roughly the same price, I'd have to agree. Especially after rebuilding my DPMS...

For the price, that M&P is hard to beat.
 
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