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I provide a small "Intro" class at a local gun club in Massachusetts for people interested in ARs. Everyone asks about it. My response is:
"I love the M&P Sport": It gives the average guy (or girl) a good quality, low cost production rifle to discover the platform.
"I hate the M&P Sport": Because the price point makes it obvious that virtually every part must have been outsourced, compromised, or otherwise made less than what should expect from a combat rifle, which is what the AR was designed to be. (The Massachusetts versions are worse than normal because of the pinned/fixed collapsible stocks set at A2 LoPs.) When you are done with the upgrades, you probably have an upper and lower receiver from your original buy, and not much else.
This is not a slight to S&W; they did a great job with an entry level carbine. But, it is not a fighting carbine, or a serious defensive tool.
'That whole effort was held together by sweat, shame, and a tiny bit of pride.' -- Son of Commander Paisley
You are aware that there are several LEO agencies who use M&P Sport? Just because a rifle isn't mil-spec and made to handle the rigors of theatre combat, does not mean it isn't a capable weapon system that can handle the rigors of urban LEO capabilities. I have thousands of rounds through my M&P 15T, which is essentially a sport with a dust cover and 1:8 barrel, and would have no problems relying on it to save my life, or the lives of others.
I have an older Sport with the 1:8 5R melonite barrel and it gives my Colts & DD's a dam good run for the money. NEVER had any issues with it or it's T brother.
Give Me the Eyes of an Eagle.The Courage of a Lion and the Balls of a Combat Helicopter Pilot. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
I have been shooting the AR platform for close to 33 years now. I got my first one when I was about 10. A Colt HBAR.
I have put many thousands of rounds through them and I have yet to use one of them in combat. I am not LEO or military. I have take my share of courses and shot in a few competitions. I live in Colorado and have used them in just about every sort of condition and terrain the state has to offer. I have never once needed to use a forward assist nor have I ever thought I was glad I had a dust cover.
That being said all of my AR rifles other than the Sport have these two features. Ok. Better to have it and never use it.
Think of some of the other rifles and carbines that also do not have those features. HK, FAL, AUG, UZI, M1a, FAL, Galil and on and on the list goes. Just the short list I mentioned has served many nations in combat for a very long time. All without a dust cover or forward assist.
Are all AR rifles created equally? Hell no. Does the Sport fill a niche in the crowded AR market? I think so. Is it the equal of Colt, BCM, DD or some of the other tier 1 brands? Not really.
Would I use it to defend myself or my family if I had to do so? Probably (once I run a few hundred or more rounds through it).
Most importantly will my duaghter love shooting it? ****ing right she will!
Last edited by Fuzzy-Reticle; 07-06-14 at 18:17.
"Run fast. Shoot straight. Die proud." -Boba Fett
Trample the weak. Hurdle the dead.
"Despite what your mamma told you, violence does solve problems." -Ryan Job
I am incredibly tempted to type: "And here endth the lesson...."
Folks, it's a range gun for his daughter. She's not going to be jumping off the back ramp of a C-130, and the OP has a very solid carbine to defend his family with. I know, because it used to be my BCM middy.
Mission drives the gear train. And the mission for that carbine is to have some great father-daughter time at the range. Let's all keep that in mind, shall we?
Probably one that has ice cream after the brass gets policed and everyone washes their hands and face. That's what my daughter and I always did after turning ammo into noise.
Enjoy the time with the little ones, they grow up very quickly.
Both my son and daughter love shooting that middy BTW. It now rests atop a Noveske Gen II lower.
She wanted her own rifle for a while. I was actually in the store with the intention of purchasing her a Howa but I sent her a text and asked if she would like an AR when I saw the Sport on sale. I got the immediate reply, "Yes! Daddy please get me an AR instead".
Sold.
Last edited by Fuzzy-Reticle; 07-06-14 at 19:07.
"Run fast. Shoot straight. Die proud." -Boba Fett
Trample the weak. Hurdle the dead.
"Despite what your mamma told you, violence does solve problems." -Ryan Job
My idea of a logical progression for new AR shooters would be:
1) M&P 15/22
2) M&P Sport
3) Colt/BCM
Keep one or all three depends on your financial situation. I think S&W is doing an excellent job of catering to the recreational shooter and hobbyist without soaking them for every penny they've got. I would submit you could even take the majority of classes advertised here with either of the first two. We are building a knowledge and experience base to the point that the advantages of that top tier rifle can be appreciated. Let someone play Barbie with the Sport in the knowledge that most of the top flight parts they put on it can be removed and placed on a base model Colt/BCM when the time comes.
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