Then beyond a custom built gun, it's probably the only gun widely available with those features, at an off the shelf price - hey, maybe someone at Smith does know something (!?)
Smith & Wesson M&P15 MOE Mid Magpul--is it the perfect AR?
- Thread starter Master-G
- Start date
Then beyond a custom built gun, it's probably the only gun widely available with those features, at an off the shelf price - hey, maybe someone at Smith does know something (!?)
Not trying to be smart or anything, just curious, but what can those brands of ar's do that the smith can't? Im not saying I'm shy to spend money (I have an xcr lol) but will paying twice the amount on an ar be justified in its performance?
andrew3081
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
BCM sell exact same configuration for almost the same price ($1399)
Didn't know the S&W lower was now made by Magpul. That's kind of cool.
The M&P is an interesting carbine. That barrel for instance is most likely a Thompson Centre 5R barrel. Anyone who has shot a T/C Icon knows they make barrels that can shoot. The 5R often leads to easier cleaning and a tiny bump in velocity over other rifling. The 1:8 twist is also interesting as it is considered great for target barrels. I know the earlier Stag rifles were 1:9 but actually almost a 1:8 twist. Stag made the M&P15 for the first year.
Interesting choices and I could see it being a very good AR. But it is taking a different path. I wouldn't rule one out and I'm sure it would be decent but... anytime I've done comparative shopping the M&P15 hasn't been at the top of my list. It seems to be trying to be a bit of everything. Light handy service style rifle but target rifle options with the rifling. With the AR specialization is the key. If someone is looking for a plain AR they generally look for a milspec based one with as many of the regular featured found on the service version. Reece/Recon then a more match grade barrel with free float handguard. I'm sensing they are appealing to the newer hobby shooter at this point.
I look forward to seeing what they come up with in the future as they seem to be fairly quick to change things up. They have a good name and make a decent product.
The M&P is an interesting carbine. That barrel for instance is most likely a Thompson Centre 5R barrel. Anyone who has shot a T/C Icon knows they make barrels that can shoot. The 5R often leads to easier cleaning and a tiny bump in velocity over other rifling. The 1:8 twist is also interesting as it is considered great for target barrels. I know the earlier Stag rifles were 1:9 but actually almost a 1:8 twist. Stag made the M&P15 for the first year.
Interesting choices and I could see it being a very good AR. But it is taking a different path. I wouldn't rule one out and I'm sure it would be decent but... anytime I've done comparative shopping the M&P15 hasn't been at the top of my list. It seems to be trying to be a bit of everything. Light handy service style rifle but target rifle options with the rifling. With the AR specialization is the key. If someone is looking for a plain AR they generally look for a milspec based one with as many of the regular featured found on the service version. Reece/Recon then a more match grade barrel with free float handguard. I'm sensing they are appealing to the newer hobby shooter at this point.
I look forward to seeing what they come up with in the future as they seem to be fairly quick to change things up. They have a good name and make a decent product.
