Looking for a basic AR that I can possibly build on later as money becomes available. It will be used for a home defense / range gun. I have heard good things about the Smith & Wesson M&P15 rifles and found what I think is a good price on one at http://www.shootersplus.com/inc/sdetail/smith___wesson_m_p15_or_ar15_rifle/24159/24162 but wanted to get you guys opinion on it before I fork out the coins. It is the S&W M&P 15 Optics Ready model. Yay or nay?
If it was me I would save up and buy something else. I just don’t like the whole buy now and fix up later thing. You end up paying more then saving up for the rifle you want or building your own.
I’m not real big on optics ready carbines. I like a fixed fsb but also since you say you want to build onto it later, that railed gas block my be a speed bump in the future. Standard fsbs can be shaved down to low profile for a longer rail. If you wanted to go that route later you’ll have to buy a new gas block.
Overall though, it’s not a bad choice if you’re absolutely constrained to an $800 budget. Personally I would recommend scrapping together another $200 for a Colt or for a little more even BCM or Daniel Defense. With any of those options you get a better quality barrel with a 1/7 twist.
ETA: This too. It’s one thing to customize and add on with a rail, grips, stock, etc. but buying something low par and “upgrading” it is a poor way to go. Not that the M&P in general is low par but it is the lowest “tier” most here would recommend. You might regret not putting up another $200 in the beginning and getting something better. I can guarantee that you won’t regret spending that extra money for a BCM, Colt, etc.
Same here, every time you go to the range you’ll be wanting more out of the gun. Save for 200-300 more you could get a great budget Colt, or you could purchase a cheaper lower (Cmmg) and a BCM basic upper for around $800 depending. If you want the Smith then buy it but wait can payoff in the end.
Zander,
Happy you’re able to look at purchasing a rifle. Honestly, as has been stated. Get a rifle with a fixed “F” marked front sight base or go with one that has a pinned low-profile without the rails. Especially for future upgrades. If you’re liking S&W, try to find a M&P 15 Magpul Mid-Length edition. Good price for what you get. Just make sure it has the CMV 1/8 twist 5R barrel.
Otherwise, save up a couple hundred more, since you have been saving, and go with another manufacturer such as BCM and Colt. Those two are awesome rifles that allow for future upgrades. BCM offers a lot more options, such as gas length, rails, and etc… Speaking on future upgrade ability, go with barrel 16" or longer otherwise it restricts what rails you can go with, future flash hiders/compensators, and etc… Hope this helps.
Try searching. M&P rifles have been discussed frequently.
If the mp15 becomes the AR you intend to rely on you are asking for advice on the wrong forum. I suggest you read here first.
Reliability should be chief among your reqs for an HD AR.
Good luck.
For a basic AR, nothing trumps the SPORT.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=811036
C4