S&W M&P rifle

[Pathfinder]

In talking with my local gun shop owner re' my purchase of the Sig 556, he mentioned I should look at one of the S&W M&P rifles. Admittedly, I had glanced at them a while back, but couldn't remember why I wasn't interested. When I got to the S&W website, I was rudely reminded - the MSRP of their basic rifle is $1200, which is roughly the same MSRP as the Sig (OK, assuming you can get one of the Sigs), and seems just a tad more than your basic DPMS, Bushmaster, RRA, et al. The top S&W is $1700 (not counting the M&P15PC which is $2135).

Questions:
1. Has anyone acquired and/or used the S&W extensively enough to comment on it as a rifle?
2. Is the S&W worth the add-on cost from a DPMS or RRA?

Thanks.

[ratcatcher55]

I purchased one in January and have about 300 rounds through it. It seems to be a better fit and finish than my 2001 made Bushmaster AK Shorty. Bushmaster has ~ 3000 rounds and a DTI training course without a hicup.

I topped the Smith with an EOTech optic.  So far the rifle has fed 55 & 62 grain ammo as well as DPX self defense loads.

I started a new shooter on it, he bought the same setup and his runs fine as well. I plan to take another carbine course this year and shoot it in some IDPA after-match events.

I have enough confidence in it to be the current house gun.

Good luck with it if you get one.

Gerry

[norfdet]

I know that S&W chromes everything on the inside of the rifle which makes clean-up a breeze. Otherwise you are correct, it is pretty much just a step up from DPMS, OLY, etc. I have an Oly Arms M4 and have been very pleased with it so the appeal of another AR platform is not there. However, after watching the video on this site about the new Sig rifle, I WANT ONE!!!!!!

[kmitch200]

I know that S&W chromes everything on the inside of the rifle which makes clean-up a breeze. Otherwise you are correct, it is pretty much just a step up from DPMS, OLY, etc.

I don't know where you got this chrome info.
I must have bought one that missed a manufacturing process. Not everything on the inside is chromed.
I do like the Troy BUIS, the rail, and the trigger now that it has been replaced with a RRA 2 stage unit.

The gun shoots more accurately than a 16"er has any right to and has NEVER jammed or had a FTFeed or FTFire.
I heard a rumor that the gun is made my Stag, but I can't confirm that. If true, you might be able to save some $$ looking there.
Mine was about $1200, well down from MSRP.
My Darling Wife said, "wouldn't it be cheaper to buy one now rather than when the price jumps up if there is a ban?"
God bless her!

[Scott Moore]

Kmitch200,
Yes I understand the new M&P rifle is produced by Stag Arms for S&W, but this is not a new idea. Many manufacturers over the years have used other manufacturers to produce a firearm style/type that they originally had no expertise, but wished to inter the field. Such examples would be Colt in the late 50’s – early 60’s when the joined Sako to import the Colt/Sako series of rifles. Browning wanting to enter the double action pistol market joined forces with SIGSauer to bring in the Browning BDA’s (some of the earliest P220’s). And again in the late 80’s Browning joined with Beretta to market the Browning BDA 380, AKA Beretta mod. 84. but these are only a few examples, so this is really nothing new and the process generally has worked well.
Dude357

[Sponsor]

[flashman70]

My wife and I bought Stags and my son got the S&W (A2 16" flattop).  The only differences I can tell are the flip up rear sight, the logo and the price.  He paid $950 vs our $850.

[Michael Bane]

I went through a few days at GUNSITE with an S&W M&P fitted with an Aimpoint M3, and I liked the gun enough to buy it after the class. No malfunctions of any kind (Black Hills 55-gr ball)...a sort of no runs, no hits, no errors sort of gun. I also have a JP Enterprises target AR that is heartbreakingly good and a J&T/Doublestar carbine (the SG yellow gun). Right now, the S&W is the Official Bedroom AR, with the Aimpoint, a SureFire light and Brownell's magazines. Rounds are once again Hornady TAPS.

I have a 556 on order because I can shoot it better and faster than the ARs. The S&W trigger is good; the 556 out-of-the-box trigger is better. The JP trigger is what it is, a very refined target trigger. I'm going to take the 556 through the SIGARMS Academy carbine class as soon as I get it, and you'll be able to see that here. In a lot of ways, I can't get a handle on a gun...especially a long gun...until I run it through either a class or several competitions. Shortcomings don't start showing up until l I start abusing the gun!

In an ideal workd...like, should I win the lottery tomorrow...I'd like to add an FNH bullpup, one of the Bushmaster .45 cal ARs and a Krebs AK-74 "Krink" pistol and matching carbine. I'd also like a vintage Porsche 356B convertible to carry them all to the range in. Sigh...

Mchael B

[Pathfinder]

MB, curious as to what lead time you were quoted. I went to the shop yesterday when I was back in town and RSR, apparently the only distributor for Sig in the US, quoted 8 months for the 556!! Apparently I did a good sales job on the shop owner cuz he said put him down for two. This was the same guy who had suggested the S&W M&P 15 rifle.

Also, I have an opportunity to get a slightly used Sig 220 in 45ACP, which nicely fits my hand (the Springfield XD compact does not!! surprised me) for $550. Is this a reasonable price from a small chain retail outfit or should I keep looking?

Thanks all, and BTW, I went ahead and picked up a DPMS M4-type while I was at the shop.

[Michael Bane]

A slightly used 220 at $550 is an excellent price.

With luck, I'll get my 556 in May...I ordered it at SHOT last year! Jeez...whatever happened to special treatment...

mb

[Pathfinder]

A slightly used 220 at $550 is an excellent price.

With luck, I'll get my 556 in May...I ordered it at SHOT last year! Jeez...whatever happened to special treatment...

mb

I'll call the store tomorrow and reserve the Sig.

Special treatment? At 8 months, I guess I am just special!!!!