Pros and cons for M&P ar 15

[carlyoungs]

Just wanted to get some thoughts on this gun. I can get one with collapsible stock for $650 brand new. I've never owned an ar and thought this would be a good start. It's chambered in5.56 and it's the sport model. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks

[Heredoggydoggy]

As long as it's got a flattop upper receiver, that sounds like a heck of a deal.  Of course a scope and mounts will bring that up to $800 real quick! 

[Jburke]

If it were me I'd do it without hesitation. 

[cwuwildcat]

The biggest difference between the sport model and the next step up in the m&p line is that the sport model is missing the forward assist and a dust cover.  Are those necessary?  Well, are you planning on running 3 gun or going to battle in the near future?  If so, then maybe they are necessary.  If not, then they are as useful as tits on a boar.  I'm guessing you're planning on plinking, gun range, and maybe yote hunting.  Good basic gun.  AR's are AR's.  The difference between them all is in the flash and sparkle.  A Honda Civic and a top line Mercedes will both get you across town.  The main difference is mostly image, status and ego. Are you the kind of guy that has to have the best and the need to impress everyone?  If so, the M&P isn't for you.  If you want a good basic AR, then buy it.

I've got six AR's sitting in my safe right now, and have never used the forward assist, other then when I said to myself, "lets see what this does".  You might get some guys chipping in, saying, 'Save up a couple hundred more bucks, and buy yourself a...".  It's real easy for others to tell you how to spend your money.  At $650, which is a real good price on an AR these days, you can start off with a solid AR, and if it meets your needs, you're good to go.  If it doesn't, then you haven't invested a lot of money, and can resell it for about the same amount and move on.

[carlyoungs]

Thanks for the replies. I'm probably gonna buy it and I can always buy after market upgrades. One more question is the 1/9 twist not as good as the lower twist?

[cwuwildcat]

If you're going to be shooting the most available ammo, 55-62 grain bullets, you'll be good to go with 1/9.  I've got three 1/9 and three 1/7's.  Both twists are good.  Once again, you'll get a couple of guys trying to micro-analyse it, but 1/9 is the Ford 150 of twists.  It gets the job done.

[CAMPMEAT]

Shop around. Find an FFL dealer that will accept your AR. If you know your prices, you can get one online cheaper than any local store. I've done that before and the FFL dealer had zero problem doing that.

[kckrawler]

Cheaper than $650?

If it's your first AR, buy it. You'll learn what you like and dislike, want and don't want, and then you'll buy more...

My first was a run of the mill Bushmaster, had a great time with it, and still do on occasion...

[SCRUBS]

If you decide to order online, tack on s&h charges and a transfer fee on top of the price of the weapon.

[CAMPMEAT]

If it doesn't have a  forward assist and a dust cover, don't buy it. You'll spend more money on an AR to add those than to buy it with it already on it.

[syoungs]

If it doesn't have a  forward assist and a dust cover, don't buy it. You'll spend more money on an AR to add those than to buy it with it already on it.

I'm a complete ar newb, but will be in the market for one this summer. Can you explain the benifit of the dust cover and assist? Not really sure the entire purpose of these and want to have my bases covered pre purchase

[Heredoggydoggy]

The dust cover is good if you plan on being in dusty or sandy conditions.  otherwise not needed for general hunting or plinking.  The forward assist is good for making sure the first round is fully chambered.  I've never used it on my 5.56, and only used it occasionally on my wildcat cartridges.  The very first M-16 didn't have a Forward Assist, and once it was issued to the troops in the jungles, it was added in later models.  Also not a critical item.  Including the two will add $200 to the cost of a gun.   

[dscubame]

It's just a roll stamp.

[McCRIZZLEY]

One thing I have never seen anybody mention, but I have found important, is the use of the forward assist when hunting. I love the ability to lightly let the bolt pull foward, and then silently push it into place.

But to answer the original question, go for it, it's a great gun. If you don't see yourself wanting more at some point, then jump on it. If you are the type of person that will want to upgrade later, you might as well save yourself some heartache, save up, do some research and buy exactly what you want the first time. but that's me. Anyways, it's a good gun, and worth the money.

[Heredoggydoggy]

As long as everything is Mil-spec on the gun, if you find later that you must have the dust cover and forward assist, you can buy a stripped upper with both already installed, and transfer all the other parts.  (including the barrel.)