R15 or S&W M&P15

J

jmak

New member
I am looking at getting a lightweight AR15 and narrowed my choices down to the R15 and the M&P15. I plan on using the gun for predator hunting and some target shooting. I can get the M&P15 for $200 less than the R15. I like the 18" barrel and floating handguard on the R15 but like the price and plain black color of the M&P15. I am looking for opinions on which one I should get. Which one will be more reliable?

Thanks,
jmak
 
Cant imagine that either will be more reliable than the other. The AR platform, in general, is an inherantly reliable platform. Both are well made guns.

I have an M&P 15 Tactical that I use as a Patrol Rifle for work. It serves a different purpose than the one you have in mind but I cant say enough good things about the M&P. I have no doubt that it would shoot tiny little groups with the right optics. Mine is topped with a Leupold Mark IV CQT which is only a 1-3 power so I have never pushed her to her accuracy limits. Even so, head shots on a human sized silloutte are easy at 100 yards and center mass hits are obtainable at far greater distances. I imagine it would do very well sporting optics with crosshairs and greater magnification.

Just dont think you can go wrong either way.
 
I really like my R-15.

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Here are some groups . . .

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Shoots good!! See my review elsewhere on this forum!

Jim
 
Good post guys, great shot groups for the R-15.

How is the R-15 and the S&W's factory trigger???

If it's over 3.5 lbs, I think it gets tuff on potential accuracy at the 100 yard mark and beyond... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif

Hate to buy an AR for over a grand, then have to play with the trigger or put another one in...
 
Good question Ken. The M&P has a decent trigger but its only slightly better than average. It probably would be a huge improvement to put a drop in trigger in it, but I cant do that for a while. I would not dare mess with a trigger on a gun that is used for a duty gun. I would say the M&P has potential though for excellant accuracy with the right set up.
 
No doubt on messing with the trigger on the duty issued weapon.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Next time you qualifie, put that puppy on a rest and see what it will do on paper if you can????

I'm sure some might like to see that if they are considering buying the S&W..
 
Thanks for all the responses. Unfortunately my local gun dealer can't locate either of the guns. His distributors will not give him a date when they will be available. A Gander Mt. about two hours away has eleven of the S&W M&P15ORC (NY State Compliant that I need) in stock but for $65 more than the local guy. Add in the gas money and the price is $100 more if the background check goes through right away like it should and I don't have to make a second trip. I was leaning towards the R15 carbine but haven't been able to find one at a decent price since they came out.

Any upgrades that I should do right away to the S&W if I get it like maybe a Hogue free floating forend and grip and maybe a new charging handle? I have a set of Burris Signature high rings that I would use to mount a Bushnell 4200 3 x 9. Any suggestions for an inexpensive raised and extended rail?

Thanks again,
jmak
 
Best thing to do with any new gun jmak is to shoot it and see how she does out of the box. You might not want to do anything if it shoots good. The charging handle extension is handy on any AR that is mounted with a scope but certainly not necessary.

I will do that Ken. My M&P isnt an issue weapon either. Its all mine. Most of us buy our own and set it up the way we want it. As long as the set up is reasonable and we can qualify with it, the department will let us carry it. I still wouldnt want to mess with the factory trigger though because that would open the door for an attorney on a civil suit if I should ever have to use it for its intended purpose.
 
I also looked at both guns and I ended up with the R-15. I really enjoy this gun!


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The trigger isn't the greatest but I've gotten used to it.

There is a web site called Gun Broker.com (gunstore.com?) that has guns you can buy online.Just go to your local gun dealer and have him give you a copy of his FFL. After you buy a gun, it will be shipped to him. I haven't bought one online but the instructions sound real easy.

They have an R-15 for $930.00...Click on Firearms-rifle-semi auto- then punch in remington r-15 in the search..I'm sure they have alot of Smith and Wessons too..

I see they have a new Remington R-25 now!!!!!(at gun broker)
 
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Well I took Brian's advice and purchased the R15 on Gunbroker. Can't wait to get it. Does anyone have a suggestion on a raised rail to mount a scope?
 
yoopereh - That's because it's made by Bushmaster to Remington specs.
R-15 = Bushmaster
R-25 = DPMS
They are all owned by the same company Cerebus.

jmak - The gun shop I ordered mine from has a riser for AR's for $40.00 I believe he said were made by Nostar (I'm not sure it's spelled right) he puts on his personal guns. They have round knobs for quick release with a slot in them for a screwdriver(or a quarter).He swears by them.
-Other people put high or extra high rings on.
-After tossing a bunch of ideas around I spent the extra money and bought a LaRue tactical one piece mount (SPR?). Mostly because it's the most expensive gun I've bought , and probably the last,(I have one of everything I need now) and I didn't want to screw around spending money on mounts I wouldn't be happy with and end up spending more money in the long run....The Larue quick release is an awsome mount and I'm glad I got it...
-The Model 1 one piece comes up in a lot of posts, I'm not sure who makes it, and it sounds less expensive...... DON'T forget to post pictures when you get it set up!!!
 
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jmak, wise choice on the gun.

I really like my Armalite mount on my R-15. I have a 4200 elite 2.5-10x40 riding on it with a timney trigger installed. Working on a custom load for it. The .223 18" barrel loves the 55 gr V-max hornady's though.

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