Stag Model 2 vs. M&P Sport

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Blade37db

New member
I've never been into ARs....not crazy about the round, the DI system and thought they were too front heavy. Only "rifles" I own are M1 Carbines (2). Love the look, balance & weight (yeah, I know it's not really a "rifle" round). Still, something tells me that I should have an AR in my collection. Recently, I held 2 that felt pretty light: a Stag Model 2 and a M&P Sport. I want my rifle to have iron sights (don't really care about a rail). I know the twist rates are different (1:9 vs 1:8), chrome vs. Melonite lined barrel, and the M&P is missing a dust cover and forward assist. Price was $869 for the Stag and $599 for the M&P. Opinions? Any other important features that differntiate? Any others that might be "better" in the price range between the 2?
Thanks.
 
I can only speak for the Sport. You will not need the forward assist or dust cover. The handguard does not have a heat shield but it's a quick and cheap replacement. It comes with iron sights. Tigger is like any stock AR15, nothing special but not bad. The one I own is very accurate and has zero malfunctions.

What will you use it for?
 
The Sport is a great starter AR15. Plus it's a S&W. Most owners here would recommend one.

I have read good things about the Stag ARs as well so I don't think you would go wrong with either one.

Good luck with your purchase and let us know what you end up buying.

Safe Shooting.
 
Both weapons will do you good.

If you are going to go with the S&W(I have two of them) then I would upgrade a little and get a model that has a flash suppressor, dust cover and forward assist.

Good luck and have fun, be safe
 
Stag definitely.

Chrome lined, has the features missing from the Sportline. Plus comes with a life time warranty as well.

Stag is CMT's in house brand name... they make parts for just about 75% of the AR industry... and many many companies use their high quality receivers and products. Most notably Noveske uses CMT receivers for example.

I had a Stag that I beat the snot out of and it kept kicking. I have since upgraded to a BMC upper onto a CMT lower.

I have nothing against the sport line.. but if the Stag is in your price range... you should definitely get that over the sportline.
 
Ive never owned a smith other then my ar22 but my buddy has a couple and theyve been good guns. I do have a stag and its my favorite ar. Nice thing about stags too is that they have a no questions lifetime warantee. thats why i put my bump fire stock on it. When i shoot out the barrel they will replace it for free.
 
At the end of the day I don't think you can shoot the difference between them. They will both go bang when you pull the trigger. Get the one that looks good for you. Both are quality guns. I own several AR's Double Star, Stag, Colt and Spike's and they all shoot about the same. My only suggestion is go with Chrome bore, it is easier to clean and will function with the cheap dirty ammo a little better but that is my opinion.
 
I would go with the Stag or just build your own that way you can really get what you want out of it. The M&P just rub me the wrong way for some reason. Maybe its S&W's issues as of late and the whole I bolt nightmare, i just have a hard time suggesting that name lately.
 
Maybe its S&W's issues as of late and the whole I bolt nightmare, i just have a hard time suggesting that name lately.
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Does this refer to any of the M&P 15 line? I'd like to know if there are some problems that other's had with their S&W AR15s so I can prepare or rectify mine if there is a problem.

Thanks.
 
In terms of value, I don't think you can find a better AR cheaper than the S&W Sport. $600 for those features is tough to beat and that is a very nice barrel on a budget-marketed gun.

"Is the Stag 2 worth $269 more?" is a tougher question.

I want my rifle to have iron sights (don't really care about a rail).
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Even if you never want to use anything but iron sights, the flattop models are a lot more flexible. They make detachable iron sights for the AR in just about every configuration under the sun. You can get M14 National Match sights, HK drum sights, safari-style sights, you name it and someone probably makes it for a flattop AR. Just something to think about.
 
Even if you never want to use anything but iron sights, the flattop models are a lot more flexible. They make detachable iron sights for the AR in just about every configuration under the sun.
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I agree, my reason for purchasing a Stag Model 3,easy to add flip up sights,scope, eotech,etc. Plus IMO the flat tops look better.;)
 
No problems at all with my Sport, 2000 reloads so far. Not sure why people refer to this as a 'starter AR', couldn't ask for anything more than it offers.

I've yet to need the dust cover, forward assist (yeah that's it...JAM that bad round in there!), M203 cut on the barrel and removable trigger guard.

I will agree though about the handguard, needs a vert grip or better shielding. Not something that keeps me up at night though.

Mine came with the Leapers rear sight. I understand the new ones have a folder of some sort.
 
I prefer having a dust cover and forward assist...not that either get used often if at all....But simply for the aesthetics..they are an integral part of what draws me to the AR, as does the carry handle..again, rather pointless, but..I love its looks..maybe its because that what I saw growing up, before the flat tops were the in thing.

Either one is Liable to be a great rifle, so, get what you like, if those extra things arent what makes the rifle "do it" for you..don't get them.
 
If you can afford the price tag on the Stag I would look at Spike's Tactical. Also a lifetime warranty and they make awesome products. I'd get this

It has more features, comes with the sights already, Spike's has built an awesome reputation and their weapons can take a beating. Again, lifetime warranty. I don't know if either of your choices are mid-length gas systems, I don't believe that they are but the Mid-Lengths are generally softer shooting and more reliable. With mid-length gas systems available I see no reason anyone should but a carbine length gun unless you are going for as die-hard a military knock off as possible or plan to use a very short barrel.
 
Not sure why people refer to this as a 'starter AR', couldn't ask for anything more than it offers.
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Chris - you know that I love my Sport as much as you do yours because we almost always post on the same threads about it. The reason why I called it a starter AR is because it is the basic AR. It has everything you need to get started with ARs without all the added accesories. But since it is the basic AR, if an owner decides to change parts or add accesories and customize it then they can. In a way, you can upgrade parts.

Like mine for example.
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No problems at all with my Sport, 2000 reloads so far. Not sure why people refer to this as a 'starter AR', couldn't ask for anything more than it offers.
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Well this what really should be the question. Chris I am not ragging on you or the Sportline... I have sold a bunch of them and recommended them to certain people.

It really comes down to what your personal needs are for the rifle, are you a causal weekend warrior that wants to enjoy the AR platform and plink around with friends and family? Or are you looking to have a nice SD/HD rifle, and plan on taking some carbine courses, or perhaps carbine competitions and 3gunning?

Those are just two examples of 1000's. You have to narrow it down by what your going to do with it, how often or how little you will fire it, and with mostly what type of ammo.

I get a discount on ammo... but somedays I still say screw it and fire off some cheap dirty steel cased ammo. Personally I want to know my AR will be able to eat it up ok. I often have range sessions that can reach 1k-2k rounds with my AR. I also use mine as a primary HD gun because I live in the country where the police response times are +/- 30 minutes.

I will say the Sportline is a solid entry AR, that will cover about 90% of the people looking for an AR. If you want to get into it hot and heavy, I would look at spending a little extra. Stag is a great entry level AR... but Colt, BCM, Spikes are probably better routes. With a little know how, and some youtube videos, you can grab a BCM upper, a stripped lower or your choice, and a lower parts kit and have a GREAT AR for about the price you would spend on the Stag.
 
The Mid-Length Spikes Tactical model I mentioned and linked above is currently $10 cheaper than the Stag. Why on earth would he buy the Stag even if he didn't need the added functionality? He gets it anyway and for $10 less. Seems like a no brainer to me.
 
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