Smith & Wesson MP15

**firediver32** · 02-14-2010, 11:37 AM

SO, I have decided to look at AR's instead of Mini 14's. One in particular I am interested is the S&W MP15. There are cheaper AR's out there, but S&W claims to have better quality componets (I know it could be just marketing?) It IS chambered for 5.56 nato, which many of the lower priced AR's are not. One of the bigger factors for me is there is a payment option that suits me better for the S&W than the other brands out there. Are they worth $200-300 more for a similarly equipped DPMS for example? They have gotten some good reviews in some gun magazines, but I'm not sure how reliable those reports are.

So, Lets hear it..... does anyone have any experience pro/con with the MP15?

Thanks for your input.

Dan

**Craig10114** · 02-14-2010, 12:57 PM

you can reliably count on the fact that virtually everything that comes out of the sw factory is going to be of quality parts, and reliable. If your budget allows you to spend the extra cash then more power to you. However there are plenty of options available that will give you the same accuracy and durability for a lesser cost....

The cheapest your going to walk out of SW for is like 1200, for that type of cash you could also build your own and really make the rifle yours.

**crowell33** · 02-14-2010, 01:03 PM

I just bought one and I absolutely love it. Quality rifle. I got the M&P15 OCR - ended up paying $950+ tax. Got it through Lake Erie Arms in Lackawanna.

**locojo25** · 02-14-2010, 03:52 PM

that was one of the routes i was gonna go but I am way happier i spent a few extra bucks and bought a preban!

**scottyb** · 02-14-2010, 04:04 PM

I like the SW MP15. It is a quality AR. I personally have a DPMS and love it. They both have good fit and feel and shoot like quality rifles. I don't think you could go wrong with a MP15.

**ddan24** · 02-14-2010, 04:12 PM

Woah $1200 for a s&w mp15?

These things sell most places for $900+tax all day long.

**Temporaryscars** · 02-14-2010, 05:25 PM

I like my 15-22, if that means anything!

**Dethklok** · 02-14-2010, 06:17 PM

the M&P15 has had one of the highest qualities of any AR I have handled, as well as several writers and well know gun mags claiming "it may very well be the best production AR ever made" so quality is top notch my M&P had a perfect fit (upper and lower) no wiggles yet not so tight it rubbed or was hard to seperate just a perfect fit.

**Craig10114** · 02-14-2010, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by ddan24

Woah $1200 for a s&w mp15?

These things sell most places for $900+tax all day long.

just quoting their website.

If you can pick one up for 900 bucks then i'd say thats a darn good deal for a quality firearm

**Devil In Baggy Pants** · 02-14-2010, 06:39 PM

i wouldn't worry about the brand name and just buy the cheapest one you can find. an AR is sweet because of the design, not the materials used to make it and all the builders use the exact same blueprint. I have a couple different brands and the only noticeable difference is the less they cost me, the more they weigh. even if you don't like something about it, you saved enough cash to upgrade it with some after market parts.

**FrankRochester** · 02-14-2010, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by Devil In Baggy Pants

i wouldn't worry about the brand name and just buy the cheapest one you can find. an AR is sweet because of the design, not the materials used to make it and all the builders use the exact same blueprint. I have a couple different brands and the only noticeable difference is the less they cost me, the more they weigh. even if you don't like something about it, you saved enough cash to upgrade it with some after market parts.

firediver32 - This is the exact opposite of what you should do. You get what you pay for. The better manufacturers use the correctly spec'd out materials. Because its not just the blueprint that makes up the design. Using the correct materials spec'd out in the blueprint matters. And for the 1k you're gonna pay for the S&W, you could get a better rifle. If you don't mind pushing in 2 pins...

**Devil In Baggy Pants** · 02-14-2010, 08:30 PM

haha hey frank, what kind of insurance do you sell? no ones gonna sell him an AR made out of paper mache, it will be firearm quality steel. just keep it oiled, it will treat you right. these rifles can only fire as fast as you pull the trigger. in other words... there is no sense in going out and buying a ferrari when you cant take it out of first gear.

**Dethklok** · 02-14-2010, 09:48 PM

Ok well Devil I agree that buying a powerhouse name isnt always the correct way to go...BUT I would now always assume that "Arnys and Jakes" home made lowers are equal a S&W or a Bushy.

Franks, Im not really sure where you're comming from knocking S&W, a grand for a complete AR15 is pretty much what every other major brand is gonna ask atleast and the M&P is just as nice if not nicer than many other brands. It was easier back in the day, one used to be able to stick to the ABC's (Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt) but its changed now many newer companies are producing fantastic rifles.

What Im seeing here is you two are on opposite ends of the spectrum haha...IMHO when buying anything one should really walk the middle of the road of u two. Dont go out and blow an extra few hundred just to have a big name (unless you are aware u just want the name) but dont go buy the cheapest blank that some guy made in a shack with a dremel lol...See whats out there do research on specific brands and models.

**FrankRochester** · 02-14-2010, 11:21 PM

Armalite and Shrubmaster aren't even in the same ballpark as Colt. As far as S&W, they atleast attempt to stick to parts of what make a rifle Mil-spec. And they are better than Armalite, or Shrubmaster. But again, they are no Colt, Daniel Defense, Lewis Machine and Tool, Noveske, BCM.. And for the money that S&W charges, you can get one of the makers I just mentioned. All except Noveske...

As for you Devil.. what can I say? Continue purchasing sub-standard rifles if that's what you like. If that's what makes you happy. But don't come on here and tell people wrong information. There is a difference, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. I've pointed it out in several posts. And its there in plain English for all to read. Have a nice night...

**VTLO910** · 02-14-2010, 11:33 PM

I don't think Frank was "Downing" the S&W... Frank and I have commented similarly in a previous thread regarding AR's. There are great options though under/around $1K that are equal + better quality.

I always advise anyone who wants a "Quality" AR should spend a few weeks reading up on M4carbine.net

There is a plethora of great info on the site, and there are plenty of respected Industry Professionals, magazine writers, soldiers, and contractors who will give honest no B.S. answers.

You have to really ask yourself what your intent is... If you want something you can plink with every so often, it does not really matter what you buy... But if you want to go to combat after the Zombie Nation attacks and want nothing less then "Superior Quality", then your going to pay a bit more...

Of course there is always the in-between.

If you read up, you'll find the S&W falls just below the Top Tier on most sites. Usually above other name brands such as Rock River, Stag, DPMS, Olympic Arms, BushMaster, Etc...

This DOES NOT mean that they are terrible rifles by any means, simply there are little details that put some above the others...

The Big names for Superior Quality are usually LWRC, Noveske, BCM, Daniel Defense, Colt, and a few others... BUT, your gonna pay for it...!

BCM and Daniel Defense are two AR's that are highly regarded as Great Quality and can be had in the $1k price range.

All that being said, I OWN a S&W MP15FT and I absolutely LOVE IT...! No problems since ownership.

My next will be built on a Pre-Ban Lower with most likely a Upper from one of the better quality Manufacturers.

In my opinion, even if your going to run a S&W hard in a Carbine class, I think you'd be happy.

Hope my posting helps.

Side note: I was typing this while Frank was otherwise commenting... Funny how similar our post are again...lol

**ddan24** · 02-14-2010, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by Craig10114

just quoting their website.

If you can pick one up for 900 bucks then i'd say thats a darn good deal for a quality firearm

I think gander even sells them for around that, don't quote me on that though.

**FrankRochester** · 02-14-2010, 11:50 PM

VTL0910 - Bro, you hit it dead on... S&W charges a pretty penny for their stuff. And its not junk. But for what they want, you could have something better. Like you said. After gaining some knowledge over on M4carbine.net, your next build will be one of the builders I mentioned.

**Devil In Baggy Pants** · 02-15-2010, 12:00 AM

haha, mall ninj... i mean frank. i know all about colt. i carried one into combat. i own a preban one, they work great!, ROG? but i dont think too many people in this forum need that much gun... olympic and dpms are fine.

**VTLO910** · 02-15-2010, 12:02 AM

I also have to note that I bought my S&W BEFORE I was educated from the forum I suggested... I almost bought a Stag or Bushmaster, both decent, but lacking some details.

I spent Under $1100 for my MP15FT, But I have seen the Same model for $1999 in a Albany area gun store.

Again I don't regret my purchase one bit, but next time I'll do it slow, get what I want, and go Best Bang for the buck all the way...

**Jeff** · 02-15-2010, 12:05 AM

I think if you want to save $100 or $200 on a budget rifle then go for it. If you're punching paper and don't have false expectations that your delton upper is as good as a DD upper then get what suits your budget and use.

**JStarX7** · 02-15-2010, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by Devil In Baggy Pants

haha, mall ninj... i mean frank. i know all about colt. i carried one into combat. i own a preban one, they work great!, ROG? but i dont think too many people in this forum need that much gun... olympic and dpms are fine.

Personal attacks don't make you seem any more knowledgeable, you just end up sounding like a douche. Don't be a douche.

**tinker** · 02-15-2010, 06:56 AM

The M&Ps I've seen and shot run great. The fit and finish are excellent. I think for most shooters, this is a great rifle.

**FrankRochester** · 02-15-2010, 10:18 AM

Jeff - I agree with you 100%
Tink - I agree with you 100%
People just need to understand what they are buying.

Devil - First off... I thank you for your service in MY defense. I am not going to repeat what VTL and JStar have already said for me. Other than I'm no mall ninja, and don't appreciate being called one.

**FrankRochester** · 02-15-2010, 08:03 PM

Also, I have no problem with someone buying a Bushmaster, Stag, DPMS, etc... my problem is with these companies trying to pass their rifles off as being as good as Colt, etc and made to Military specs... They are being completely deceitful. Its false marketing. And with that, I'll let this thread run its course...

**Dethklok** · 02-15-2010, 08:51 PM

Well the thing about "mil-spec" is I believe colt is one of the few companies that has actually put their rifles through the tests...from what I understand most companies cant claim mil-spec only because they have not been through the proper testing despite the fact they will probally meet the standards no problem.