Well, not perfect for everyone of course, but maybe perfect for me. I'm getting back into the AR15 game after shooting bullpups for a couple of years and only recently became aware of this model. I knew the Smith & Wesson made some half-decent AR15s in their M&P15 line, but they've stepped up their game with this model, I think. Let's look at what I like about this model.
Starting off--it has a 16" barrel with mid-length gas system. I've previously owned five ARs with barrel lengths ranging from 10.3" to 20" and, while I do like the shorties a lot, I find a 16" barrel the best compromise of handiness while still having sufficient length to obtain good muzzle velocity. S&W makes these barrels out of 4150 CMV steel and gives them a 1:8" twist rate with 5R rifling. I'd not heard of that type of rifling but apparently it's less prone to fouling and distorts the bullet less. Best of all (and here's maybe my favourite part) it's got a lightweight profile. I hate short, handy rifles with heavy barrels.
It's equipped with MOE carbine-length hand guards and MOE stock (I prefer a CTR myself, but the MOE seems pretty good). I don't care for rail systems for my use--I usually only mount a red-dot sight--so I like the light weight of the MOE hand guards, and I find them very comfortable to hold.
The flash hider is also a unique design--it's both a compensator and flash hider. It's a bit long-ish for me, but I'll see how it performs. I find it, along with the Magpul MOE fore-end, lend kind of an FN-FAL look to the rifle.
The lower receiver is unique as well. It's forged, and has a flared magwell. The front is textured for, I guess, shooters that like a magwell hold. There's a nicely-shaped integrated trigger guard, and a "finger shelf", apparently intended to provide "increased ergonomic indexing of trigger finger." Shooters that use Magpul's BAD Lever are out of luck as it does not fit.
The bolt carrier has adequate, but not the best I've seen, staking on the gas key and is chrome-lined, apparently.
Folding Magpul MBUS and a MOE MVG grip (which I've not tried yet), plus the two Magpul "Art of the Tactical Carbine" DVDs round it all out.
There are a few things I'd like to change. American versions come with a P-Mag, while Canadian ones get a generic 5-round magazine. I would prefer a folding front sight to increase optic options. As I mentioned, a CTR stock would be a bit nicer (and I may still swap mine). But, the combination of Magpul gear, light weight (only 6 1/2 pounds), and other unique features (and an easy on the wallet price) might just make this the perfect AR...for me.
Starting off--it has a 16" barrel with mid-length gas system. I've previously owned five ARs with barrel lengths ranging from 10.3" to 20" and, while I do like the shorties a lot, I find a 16" barrel the best compromise of handiness while still having sufficient length to obtain good muzzle velocity. S&W makes these barrels out of 4150 CMV steel and gives them a 1:8" twist rate with 5R rifling. I'd not heard of that type of rifling but apparently it's less prone to fouling and distorts the bullet less. Best of all (and here's maybe my favourite part) it's got a lightweight profile. I hate short, handy rifles with heavy barrels.
It's equipped with MOE carbine-length hand guards and MOE stock (I prefer a CTR myself, but the MOE seems pretty good). I don't care for rail systems for my use--I usually only mount a red-dot sight--so I like the light weight of the MOE hand guards, and I find them very comfortable to hold.
The flash hider is also a unique design--it's both a compensator and flash hider. It's a bit long-ish for me, but I'll see how it performs. I find it, along with the Magpul MOE fore-end, lend kind of an FN-FAL look to the rifle.
The lower receiver is unique as well. It's forged, and has a flared magwell. The front is textured for, I guess, shooters that like a magwell hold. There's a nicely-shaped integrated trigger guard, and a "finger shelf", apparently intended to provide "increased ergonomic indexing of trigger finger." Shooters that use Magpul's BAD Lever are out of luck as it does not fit.
The bolt carrier has adequate, but not the best I've seen, staking on the gas key and is chrome-lined, apparently.
Folding Magpul MBUS and a MOE MVG grip (which I've not tried yet), plus the two Magpul "Art of the Tactical Carbine" DVDs round it all out.
There are a few things I'd like to change. American versions come with a P-Mag, while Canadian ones get a generic 5-round magazine. I would prefer a folding front sight to increase optic options. As I mentioned, a CTR stock would be a bit nicer (and I may still swap mine). But, the combination of Magpul gear, light weight (only 6 1/2 pounds), and other unique features (and an easy on the wallet price) might just make this the perfect AR...for me.
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