I'm considering the two below ARs. The S&W Volunteer XV or the FN15 Basic Carbine. The S&W has a nicer buttstock and handguard, and has the 1:8 twist barrel with 5R rifling. The S&W barrel is supposedly accurate or very accurate but I read a review that showed only mediocre accuracy. Maybe that specific one was off.

The FN15 Basic Carbine is the same as the newer FN Patrol Carbine except the Patrol Carbine has nicer furniture. This is according to FN.

I've seen the S&W for as low as $650 to $675 and the FN for as low as $800 to $825. The S&W may use the same lower parts as their M&P Sport, which may partly be MIM. One seemingly knowledgeable person said the Sport model's lower parts looks like it is from a .22 rimfire. That was years ago. OTOH, the latest S&W ARs, including the Sport model have good reputations for reliability and their barrel did well in some torture test.

Let's say I don't mind the extra $150 for the FN. Which should I get? I'm mostly interested in durability and accuracy.


https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperst....cfm/ID/302756

https://www.familyfirearms.com/produ...ne-556-30rd-16