First AR

Travis_m

CGN Regular
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I'm looking at getting my first AR. Like most newbies I was looking at the Smith and Wesson MP sport II. It seems to have everything that I need for starting out. I've also been looking at the Ruger AR 556. It seems that the two are comparable. Doing some quick research it seems like some people like the tighter twist of the Ruger and the threaded delta nut. Other people like the nitride coated barrel of the SW. I also see that some people like the SW because warranty work can be done in Canada. Does Ruger have the same thing?

I guess my question is all things being equal, is it a coin toss between these two rifles or am I overlooking something. Is it a case of go with what feels best?
 
I’m not too familiar with the Ruger or the S&W product. But something to consider is that Colt parts are everywhere but may not fit Rugers or S&Ws. I’m not saying they’re not good products, just that you may be limited in after-market care.
 
I have the Ruger and I'm really pleased with it. I bought it before the S&W become sale items, so I likely would have went with the S&W since I would have paid less for it. I've watched a lot of reviews, and it seems like a coin toss between the two rifles, other than the cost. I've heard a few comparisons where people think the S&W has a little better trigger. That being said, I've put almost 2000 rounds through my Ruger without any stoppages.
 
Kinda 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. I bought an M&P SII, and it has been great.

I could see the 1:8 twist being beneficial over the 1:9 for maybe precision shooting with heavier bullets; but if you were into that you'd probably ditch the forged barrel and get a match barrel anyways...? Seems like a non-issue to me, and the overwhelming majority of people shooting 55 grain FMJs.
 
I’m not too familiar with the Ruger or the S&W product. But something to consider is that Colt parts are everywhere but may not fit Rugers or S&Ws. I’m not saying they’re not good products, just that you may be limited in after-market care.

Thanks for the heads up. I don't plan on really changing alot on the rifle. I'm a lefty so I'll probably buy an ambidextrous safety and charging handle. Maybe change the forend but that would be about it. I would like to build an AR as well and I'll make sure to look at colt parts fitting that.
 
I could see the 1:8 twist being beneficial over the 1:9 for maybe precision shooting with heavier bullets; but if you were into that you'd probably ditch the forged barrel and get a match barrel anyways...? Seems like a non-issue to me, and the overwhelming majority of people shooting 55 grain FMJs.

I have savage fcp-k in 223 for precision shooting so I'm not all that concerned about twist.
 
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