Page 4 of 9 FirstFirst ... 23456 ... LastLast
Results 31 to 40 of 90

Thread: M&P15 Sport

  1. #31
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    171
    Feedback Score
    0
    Its really just a rifle to introduce people to the AR world, not for the dedicated end-user, hence the word "Sport" in the name. I don't begrudge S&W for trying to appeal to wider audience, as some have said the cost of a top-end AR may not appeal to many new to the AR world.

    Complaining about Smith marketing this rifle to new users is little like telling the high school kid fresh with his license to not bother buying a car until he can afford a BMW 740i.
    The opinions expressed on this board are mine and mine alone. They do not represent any departments or organizations I may be a member of.


    "Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions." - ILN, 4/19/30

    "He is a very shallow critic who cannot see an eternal rebel in the heart of a conservative." - Varied Types

    G.K. Chesterton

  2. #32
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    259
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by Killjoy View Post
    Its really just a rifle to introduce people to the AR world, not for the dedicated end-user, hence the word "Sport" in the name. I don't begrudge S&W for trying to appeal to wider audience, as some have said the cost of a top-end AR may not appeal to many new to the AR world.

    Complaining about Smith marketing this rifle to new users is little like telling the high school kid fresh with his license to not bother buying a car until he can afford a BMW 740i.
    Not disagreeing. Simply that; the price of the sport is the SAME as the price of the OR during many of the sales they have. Therefor; why buy the sport if you can buy the OR for the same price? Obviously, there are some aspects of the sport that are appealing. Especially for the NOOB. 1) It has sights. You don't need to buy any. However; most people would buy something anyway, but it's nice that it has it. 2) It has a 1:8 twist barrel. While it's not the same quality barrel as the standard M&P15's, it has a better twist.

    But the sport doesn't have a dust cover over the bolt; it doesn't have the brass deflector; it doesn't have a trigger guard that can be opened so you can shoot with gloves on; the barrel isn't chromed (Which is very nice for better shooting, longevity, and even shooting dirty ammo.

    So; there's definitely pros/cons for both. And at normal retail prices; I'd have no problem recommending a Sport version for someone wanting an AR. But if you can get the OR for the exact same price; which can be done quite often; then that seems to be a better choice. Then, you can put on cheap iron sights (similar to what's on the sport) for about $50. But if you can't find the OR for $700-$750, (Which isn't hard to do); then the sport is definitely a decent entry rifle.
    "Born Wild; Raised Proud"

  3. #33
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Southern Indiana
    Posts
    4,244
    Feedback Score
    61 (98%)
    Quote Originally Posted by christcorp View Post
    But the sport doesn't have a dust cover over the bolt; it doesn't have the brass deflector; it doesn't have a trigger guard that can be opened so you can shoot with gloves on; the barrel isn't chromed (Which is very nice for better shooting, longevity, and even shooting dirty ammo.
    I am not saying I disagree with you but if you would allow me to correct a couple points.

    It does not have a FA or Dust cover but does have a Shell deflector. Smart choice on their part really. This is the most important of the 3.

    The trigger guard is larger than a normal one and would allow you to shoot with gloves on just like a weapon using a Magpul Trigger guard would.

    I really feel this is an attempt to appeal to the "good enough" crowd who wants an inexpensive rifle for every use. The 1/8 barrel twist is an indicator of this to me as is the fixed BUIS.
    Last edited by kwelz; 03-11-11 at 11:09.

  4. #34
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    259
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by kwelz View Post
    I am not saying I disagree with you but if you would allow me to correct a couple points.

    It does not have a FA or Dust cover but does have a Shell deflector. Smart choice on their part really. This is the most important of the 3.

    The trigger guard is larger than a normal one and would allow you to shoot with gloves on just like a weapon using a Magpul Trigger guard would.

    I really feel this is an attempt to appeal to the "good enough" crowd who wants an inexpensive rifle for every use. The 1/8 barrel twist is an indicator of this to me as is the fixed BUIS.
    This is definitely an attempt for the "Good enough" crowd. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. And 90% of the people who will buy these, will walk into a store, see the price, and buy it. Especially when competitors like bushmaster are making plastic AR's for $599. My comments are directed towards the more knowledgeable gun buyer/owner. I'm simply saying that the M&P15OR goes on sale on a regular basis. Why? Because the majority of today's AR buyers can barely spell "AR". They want a gun they can simply shoot. An "OR" doesn't have sights. Many individuals don't want this. So; the "OR's" go on sale A LOT!!!! As such; you can get an OR for the same price as the Sport model. So, buying an "OR" is a better deal all around. Unless of course you are one of the buyers who really don't want to buy an optic or set of sights. Then you'll take the "Sport" because it's more convenient. Same price for the OR, better quality, just not as convenient.
    "Born Wild; Raised Proud"

  5. #35
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    848
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by christcorp View Post
    This is definitely an attempt for the "Good enough" crowd. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. And 90% of the people who will buy these, will walk into a store, see the price, and buy it. Especially when competitors like bushmaster are making plastic AR's for $599. My comments are directed towards the more knowledgeable gun buyer/owner. I'm simply saying that the M&P15OR goes on sale on a regular basis. Why? Because the majority of today's AR buyers can barely spell "AR". They want a gun they can simply shoot. An "OR" doesn't have sights. Many individuals don't want this. So; the "OR's" go on sale A LOT!!!! As such; you can get an OR for the same price as the Sport model. So, buying an "OR" is a better deal all around. Unless of course you are one of the buyers who really don't want to buy an optic or set of sights. Then you'll take the "Sport" because it's more convenient. Same price for the OR, better quality, just not as convenient.
    What I'm not so sure of is the assumption that the sport is lower quality. It has less features and different finishing practices than the rest of S&W AR's but is anything actually built to a lower quality standard? It's hard to tell rightnow because of the different manufacturing practices involved in making this model. It's apples/oranges.

  6. #36
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    259
    Feedback Score
    0
    Well; at the same price as the OR; I'd want the OR. The OR has a chrome barrel and chamber; the Sport doesn't. The OR has a dust cover, the sport doesn't. The OR has a Bolt Assist, the Sport doesn't. The OR and other non-sport models seem to obviously be of better quality. And that's only based on what I can physically see. And while I understand that manufacturers have some pretty high mark-ups; I can't help to think that the "New Sport" is $300 less than the closest priced M&P15. $500 less than the average M&P15. There's obviously something different about it.

    But again; forgetting all the speculation; if the sport and the OR is the same price, (Many times it is when the OR is on sale); then the OR would be my choice because of the things it has over the Sport as I mentioned above. Head to head, that makes the OR a better deal. WHEN IT'S $300 LESS; then I would definitely have to think about the possibility of the Sport. Although, I really like having a dust cover and a chromed barrel, chamber, etc....
    "Born Wild; Raised Proud"

  7. #37
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    3,799
    Feedback Score
    19 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by christcorp View Post
    Well; at the same price as the OR; I'd want the OR. The OR has a chrome barrel and chamber; the Sport doesn't. The OR has a dust cover, the sport doesn't. The OR has a Bolt Assist, the Sport doesn't. The OR and other non-sport models seem to obviously be of better quality. And that's only based on what I can physically see. And while I understand that manufacturers have some pretty high mark-ups; I can't help to think that the "New Sport" is $300 less than the closest priced M&P15. $500 less than the average M&P15. There's obviously something different about it.
    I think this depends on your definition of "quality." Yes, there are the differences you note. The ORC isn't going to meet the M4 TDP either, however, with things like its 4140 steel, 1:9 twist barrel. And there's various information suggesting that the nitride treated steel barrels are comparable in wear resistance while being superior in corrosion resistance and accuracy. Obviously the dust cover and FA are gimmes, but if you really need those features you aren't looking at a $650 AR anyway.

    I applaud S&W for making an innovative budget AR, which appears to offer a lot of useful features and design decisions at a low price. No, it's not a TDP-compliant rifle, but neither is much else below $1000.

  8. #38
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    259
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by SomeOtherGuy View Post
    I think this depends on your definition of "quality." Yes, there are the differences you note. The ORC isn't going to meet the M4 TDP either, however, with things like its 4140 steel, 1:9 twist barrel. And there's various information suggesting that the nitride treated steel barrels are comparable in wear resistance while being superior in corrosion resistance and accuracy. Obviously the dust cover and FA are gimmes, but if you really need those features you aren't looking at a $650 AR anyway.

    I applaud S&W for making an innovative budget AR, which appears to offer a lot of useful features and design decisions at a low price. No, it's not a TDP-compliant rifle, but neither is much else below $1000.
    Actually, you are, with an M&P15OR that's on sale. And their sales seem to go on frequently. I bought one at christmas. Retail $1069; normal price at Sportsman's Warehouse $949. Christmas sale $200 off: $749. S&W $100 rebate. $649 total price.

    Now; I've already said a number of times, that if it's the Sport vs OR at NORMAL PRICES; then the Sport is the way to go, if price is important to you. My last few posts; which people really tend to not comprehend; SPECIFICALLY SAYS: That if the Sport and the OR are at the SAME PRICE (Which is not uncommon with S&W and Retailer's sale's); then the OR model is definitely the better weapon and deal.

    Not putting down the Sport at all. Just that if the OR is the same price; then I'd go for the OR.
    Last edited by christcorp; 03-12-11 at 15:28.
    "Born Wild; Raised Proud"

  9. #39
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    3,799
    Feedback Score
    19 (100%)
    Uh - not to get silly about this, but if you are really using the AR in a way that requires the dust cover and FA, I'm not convinced that the S&W M&P15-ORC is a good choice either. YMMV.

    I understand your point about regular sale prices on the ORC vs. normal retail on the "Sport". But based on prices appearing on froogle, I would bet the Sport will be available for $550 or less by late summer. Same territory as a good AKM, and below any other new, factory-assembled AR that I would want to be near when the trigger is pulled.

  10. #40
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    South La.
    Posts
    1,892
    Feedback Score
    9 (100%)
    .

    If I was S&W, I'd have never sold an upper like the Sport because someone like me would come along and say, " It sure looks like they contracted that upper out to DPMS!" ...it looks awful similiar to the DPMS Sportical...

    Now if DPMS comes out with a fixed trigger guard model in the next month or two...there's no telling what people like me would be saying...

    But maybe it's just me...

    .

Page 4 of 9 FirstFirst ... 23456 ... LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •