I'm not at all sure I would call a 5R barrel with Melonite coating an average barrel. As to no dust cover......none of my bolt guns have dust covers either. They have not suffered the least from it. As to the forward assist, the few times I've seen it used by someone at the range....well....they later ended up pounding the live cartridge out of the chamber with a cleaning rod from the muzzle end. I'm thinking they would have been much better off if they never had the forward assist.I saw the S&W Sporter at a local shop for around $550. I was stunned, asked to see it...felt ok. Did some research on it. They took a few short cuts to save money, thats for sure. No dust cover, no forward assist, average barrel, but all in all, still a good starter for low money.
I'll say 'yes.'Would the S&W AR-15 Sporter be a good entry level AR-15?
The answer to this question depends on your budget and what you see yourself doing with the rifle.Is there a "better" choice?
What he said X 1,000LMT lower, Spikes or BCM upper...your done.
It is #1 on my list too. A good gun for little money for a guy who doesn't want to futz with this and that. Just nice gun on the range and a fine choice in a pinch. I am worried that the pinch will come before I can buy one :shock:I am looking at getting an M&P 15 as well.