Looking for an entry level AR in .223. My 2 options at the local shop are a DPMS with no sights ( not sure of the model) or the m&p15 sport. I can get either for 650$ out the door. I am new to AR so know very little about DPMS but own smith and know their excellent reputation. What do you recommend?
Smith-Wesson mp15 sport or DPMS
- Thread starter newguy07
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Mrgunsngear
New member
Since you're new to the AR platform both will probably serve you well. I have a M&P15 and it has been awesome. The trigger was a little gritty/heavy out of the box but a quick polish job fixed that and changing the springs fixed that (not necessary but I like to tinker 
). My range buddy has the sport and it's a great gun. I've never seen it fail and he only runs brown bear through it...
There is nothing wrong with DPMS for an entry level AR but I'd go with S&W just for their customer service should you need it, but you probably won't...
). My range buddy has the sport and it's a great gun. I've never seen it fail and he only runs brown bear through it... There is nothing wrong with DPMS for an entry level AR but I'd go with S&W just for their customer service should you need it, but you probably won't...
Ridge_Runner_5
New member
S&W by a long shot
RetiredMajor
New member
My M&P15 Sport has been excellent. Based on my experience, I highly recommend it. The Sport is well built, accurate and has a nice fit and finish, too. Excellent value.
Marquezj16
New member
M&P 15 Sport
I'd go with the S&W. Nothing wrong with the DPMS but I just prefer mine.
Reliable and accurate.
I'd go with the S&W. Nothing wrong with the DPMS but I just prefer mine.
Reliable and accurate.
SauerJackson
New member
If you local shop has both, handle both! The two are close enough in quality that its probably more of preference choice. I totally disliked the smithy when I looked at it. I really can't say why, there's little difference really. But to me it felt heavy n just, off........?? So go see which you like, there's no wrong answer!
And I'm guessing the dpms was an "oracle"
And I'm guessing the dpms was an "oracle"
I don't think you can go wrong with either, but if the Smith has sights then you save the money in getting them. Should have backups if nothing else
That said, the best investment you can make other than a good optic (Eotech or the like) is to get an RRA Two Stage match trigger.
Non chrome can be had for $80 with some shopping, and the chrome for $100 or so.
Both are a huge improvement over the crappy stock triggers as well as any trigger polish job.
That said, the best investment you can make other than a good optic (Eotech or the like) is to get an RRA Two Stage match trigger.
Non chrome can be had for $80 with some shopping, and the chrome for $100 or so.
Both are a huge improvement over the crappy stock triggers as well as any trigger polish job.
I have a DPMS and it's been problem free for the rounds I've put through it so far (only a few hundred).
The molded trigger gaurd and lack of forward assist/ dust cover were turn-offs for me as far as the M&P sport goes. Do you need these features? Probably not, but I want to have them anyway.
The molded trigger gaurd and lack of forward assist/ dust cover were turn-offs for me as far as the M&P sport goes. Do you need these features? Probably not, but I want to have them anyway.
Coltman 77
New member
No offense to DPMS owners but go with a S&W OP. Good luck.