S&W M&P15 as first AR-15? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Wild Rice · 05-09-2008, 09:31 PM

I am close to buying my first AR-15. I have called around and have found good local deals on the S&W M&P15X and M&P15T. It sounds like S&W has dropped Stag as a supplier and have either gone to another source or are manufacturing in-house. One clue is that the previous right/left switchable side swivel has been dropped. This is an ambidextrous feature of Stag AR's. It probably does not matter as Stag is very good from what I have heard and S&W has high standards from my experience.

The 15X model has a short quad rail for more accessory options over the 15 and 15A models. I like the traditional front sight post, excellent flip up Troy Rear sight and flat top for future optics. So I am leaning heavily on the M&P15X which is a new for 2009 item, that I can get at a decent price.

My other option would be the more expensive 15T model with a free float barrel, long quad rail, ultra-modern less-traditional profile, with excellent flip up Troy sights front and rear. It is theorectically more accurate, but one reviewer found and standard model more accurate. I can get a new 15T model at a very low price (probably a hold over from last year), the same price as the lower list 15X model.

Any recommendations? I am new to AR's, so I will not be building a Franken-AR as my first. The S&W rebate is rumored to restart the middle of May at $50? I am not pinching my pennies, I just want a good one.

XDConvert9mm · 05-09-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Rice

I am close to buying my first AR-15. I have called around and have found good local deals on the S&W M&P15X and M&P15T. It sounds like S&W has dropped Stag as a supplier and have either gone to another source or are manufacturing in-house. One clue is that the previous right/left switchable side swivel has been dropped. This is an ambidextrous feature of Stag AR's. It probably does not matter as Stag is very good from what I have heard and S&W has high standards from my experience.

The 15X model has a short quad rail for more accessory options over the 15 and 15A models. I like the traditional front sight post, excellent flip up Troy Rear sight and flat top for future optics. So I am leaning heavily on the M&P15X which is a new for 2009 item, that I can get at a decent price.

My other option would be the more expensive 15T model with a free float barrel, long quad rail, ultra-modern less-traditional profile, with excellent flip up Troy sights front and rear. It is theorectically more accurate, but one reviewer found and standard model more accurate. I can get a new 15T model at a very low price (probably a hold over from last year), the same price as the lower list 15X model.

Any recommendations? I am new to AR's, so I will not be building a Franken-AR as my first. The S&W rebate is rumored to restart the middle of May at $50? I am not pinching my pennies, I just want a good one.

I have a 15A I bought used and it is more accurate than I will probably ever be. One can get too hung up on reviews and specs and lose sight of the objective, which is (IMO) to have a really cool black rifle that is a lot of fun to shoot. 1"-2" accuracy at 300 yards was not a deal breaker for me. Other opinions may vary. My goal was a fun shooter that could be used in a more serious situation if need be.

Tally XD · 05-09-2008, 10:05 PM

Nothing wrong with a Franken-rifle as long as you build it with good parts. You would likely have as good a firearm as is made by any top-notch maker if not better. If Stag made weapon parts for S&W, and also for themselves, then their products are as good as anything S&W makes.

RojasTKD · 05-09-2008, 10:33 PM

S&W is one of the better deals on a good AR.

THe FF rail gives you the ability to mount an BUIS, Magnifier and Optic on the rail. Then again is there is a big price differance you can get the standard then add a MI FF Rail for about $163 (I like mine).

KEVWYO · 05-09-2008, 10:49 PM

I have a co-worker that has one of these and loves it ... if that helps you in your decision.

Wild Rice · 05-10-2008, 04:42 AM

I may buy one this weekend. I have fired my cousin's Colt AR-15, but otherwise have not handled an AR extensively. What are some points of inspection I can do at the gun shop to ensure that I buy a well fitted carbine? I am pretty good at checking the fit and safety function of a 1911, but what should I check on an AR? I am definitely going to check out the cheek weld with the iron sights. How do you check the fit between the upper and lower receiver, for example?

Thanks

John A. · 05-10-2008, 06:11 AM

checking fit on AR's is simple. While they're together try twisting from the forend and the pistol grip on the lower to see how much wiggle it has or seperate the recievers altogether and put them back to see how tight they feel when going back together.

Check the staking on the gas key too. (it's the 2 screws on top of the bolt carrier)

Look at the barrel extension from the bottom of the upper (while it's seperated) to check the feedramps.

T.J. · 05-10-2008, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John A.

checking fit on AR's is simple. While they're together try twisting from the forend and the pistol grip on the lower to see how much wiggle it has or seperate the recievers altogether and put them back to see how tight they feel when going back together.

Check the staking on the gas key too. (it's the 2 screws on top of the bolt carrier)

Look at the barrel extension from the bottom of the upper (while it's seperated) to check the feedramps.

but don't let either of these things stop you from getting a good deal both of them can be fixed for cheap, getting the gas key properly staked maybe $15 amd a accu wedge to take out the wiggle is like $5

NayKid · 05-10-2008, 09:14 AM

I have the standard model. It is a fine piece. All I've shot through mine is some UMC .223 and Wolf. I figure if an AR can cycle Wolf with no problem it is a good-to-go weapon. The Wolf ammo is good for plinking and stockpile. It's accurate enough up to 50 yards for two legged varmints.

The gas keys on my AR are properly staked. So that's good.

NO M4 feed ramps though. Theoretically, this would make it hard for heavier grain loads to cycle, but as of yet I've only sent 55 grain down my BBL.

From what I've read and what I've experienced the M&P is a good rifle. Can you get a equal gun for less? Probably. Did I want to wait 14 weeks for a different brand when Cabelas had the M&P out the door for $1000? Heck no.

John A. · 05-10-2008, 09:30 AM

TJ, I wasn't implying he shouldn't buy the gun if he got a good deal on it. Since he asked for some of the things to look for, those are a couple that I feel is necessary to check. There's not really a reason the gas key shouldn't be staked from a factory as it helps ensure the bolts won't back out during use and who's to say when you need it the most? I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker, but I would want the keys staked if I bought it and they may be able to do that before he walks out the door with it if it's not already.

And he asked how to check the fit, so I answered that question as well. Accuwedges are OK but borderline on gimmik in my opinion. If there are 2 guns on the shelf side by side and one is tight and the other isn't, why bother with the loose one knowing you'll end up adding a piece of rubber in it to begin with?

05-09-2008, 09:31 PM	#1
Wild Rice XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 187	S&W M&P15 as first AR-15? I am close to buying my first AR-15. I have called around and have found good local deals on the S&W M&P15X and M&P15T. It sounds like S&W has dropped Stag as a supplier and have either gone to another source or are manufacturing in-house. One clue is that the previous right/left switchable side swivel has been dropped. This is an ambidextrous feature of Stag AR's. It probably does not matter as Stag is very good from what I have heard and S&W has high standards from my experience. The 15X model has a short quad rail for more accessory options over the 15 and 15A models. I like the traditional front sight post, excellent flip up Troy Rear sight and flat top for future optics. So I am leaning heavily on the M&P15X which is a new for 2009 item, that I can get at a decent price. My other option would be the more expensive 15T model with a free float barrel, long quad rail, ultra-modern less-traditional profile, with excellent flip up Troy sights front and rear. It is theorectically more accurate, but one reviewer found and standard model more accurate. I can get a new 15T model at a very low price (probably a hold over from last year), the same price as the lower list 15X model. Any recommendations? I am new to AR's, so I will not be building a Franken-AR as my first. The S&W rebate is rumored to restart the middle of May at $50? I am not pinching my pennies, I just want a good one. Last edited by Wild Rice : 05-09-2008 at 09:35 PM.

05-09-2008, 10:05 PM	#3
Tally XD XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Florida Posts: 915	Nothing wrong with a Franken-rifle as long as you build it with good parts. You would likely have as good a firearm as is made by any top-notch maker if not better. If Stag made weapon parts for S&W, and also for themselves, then their products are as good as anything S&W makes. __________________ You have a right to self defense! Vote *AGAINST* Obama!! ----------------------------------------- 2007 XD.45ACP Service (black) Mega "Gator" AR-15 5.56mm Remington 870 Tactical

05-09-2008, 10:49 PM	#5
KEVWYO XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,605	I have a co-worker that has one of these and loves it ... if that helps you in your decision. __________________ trik396: So I guess judging by my IQ score back in high school, I'm close to 8 idiots combined.... Always underestimating your potential.

05-10-2008, 06:11 AM	#7
John A. XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: KY Posts: 441	checking fit on AR's is simple. While they're together try twisting from the forend and the pistol grip on the lower to see how much wiggle it has or seperate the recievers altogether and put them back to see how tight they feel when going back together. Check the staking on the gas key too. (it's the 2 screws on top of the bolt carrier) Look at the barrel extension from the bottom of the upper (while it's seperated) to check the feedramps. __________________ "The 2nd Amendment wasn't adopted into the Constitution because the authors liked guns or the destruction they could cause, but to give ordinary citizens the ability to protect themselves and their family and to take up arms against anyone in a governmental position who tried to deny those fundamental and God given rights." Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 Last edited by John A. : 05-10-2008 at 06:17 AM. Reason: cause i can't type this morning. not enough octane yet

05-10-2008, 09:30 AM	#10
John A. XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: KY Posts: 441	TJ, I wasn't implying he shouldn't buy the gun if he got a good deal on it. Since he asked for some of the things to look for, those are a couple that I feel is necessary to check. There's not really a reason the gas key shouldn't be staked from a factory as it helps ensure the bolts won't back out during use and who's to say when you need it the most? I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker, but I would want the keys staked if I bought it and they may be able to do that before he walks out the door with it if it's not already. And he asked how to check the fit, so I answered that question as well. Accuwedges are OK but borderline on gimmik in my opinion. If there are 2 guns on the shelf side by side and one is tight and the other isn't, why bother with the loose one knowing you'll end up adding a piece of rubber in it to begin with? __________________ "The 2nd Amendment wasn't adopted into the Constitution because the authors liked guns or the destruction they could cause, but to give ordinary citizens the ability to protect themselves and their family and to take up arms against anyone in a governmental position who tried to deny those fundamental and God given rights." Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 Last edited by John A. : 05-10-2008 at 09:43 AM.

05-09-2008, 10:33 PM	#4
RojasTKD XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 182	S&W is one of the better deals on a good AR. THe FF rail gives you the ability to mount an BUIS, Magnifier and Optic on the rail. Then again is there is a big price differance you can get the standard then add a MI FF Rail for about $163 (I like mine).

05-10-2008, 04:42 AM	#6
Wild Rice XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 187	I may buy one this weekend. I have fired my cousin's Colt AR-15, but otherwise have not handled an AR extensively. What are some points of inspection I can do at the gun shop to ensure that I buy a well fitted carbine? I am pretty good at checking the fit and safety function of a 1911, but what should I check on an AR? I am definitely going to check out the cheek weld with the iron sights. How do you check the fit between the upper and lower receiver, for example? Thanks

05-10-2008, 09:14 AM	#9
NayKid XDTalk Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 41	I have the standard model. It is a fine piece. All I've shot through mine is some UMC .223 and Wolf. I figure if an AR can cycle Wolf with no problem it is a good-to-go weapon. The Wolf ammo is good for plinking and stockpile. It's accurate enough up to 50 yards for two legged varmints. The gas keys on my AR are properly staked. So that's good. NO M4 feed ramps though. Theoretically, this would make it hard for heavier grain loads to cycle, but as of yet I've only sent 55 grain down my BBL. From what I've read and what I've experienced the M&P is a good rifle. Can you get a equal gun for less? Probably. Did I want to wait 14 weeks for a different brand when Cabelas had the M&P out the door for $1000? Heck no.

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