Topic: What would you do with $1400 ,buy or build

[NGO]

My Dr. brother is looking to buy an AR for his boy.

He likes the S&W M&P 15-T.

My question and advice sought is just go with the S&W or can something else be found that is better.

He would want something that is no headache or touchy down the road. He likes and can afford quality.

Just want suggestion for alternatives

[Spiff]

I'm a tinkerer at heart. When it comes to AR's it would not matter how much money I had, I'd still build my own.

To answer your question, at least from my perspective:

1. You'd probably be hard pressed to beat the quality of S&W.
2. A top of the line build from any of the top manufacturers would be on par with S&W.
3. You can put one together yourself that is just as good as 1&2.

Building takes at least some investment in tools and you have to have at least some knowledge of mechanical objects. But I find it hard to believe that anyone who is the least bit interested would have any trouble. It's pretty darn basic.
Arfcom has good build instructions and Fulton Armory has excellent books (written by Walt Kuleck and Clint Mckee).

Just as a side note, I highly recommend Kuleck and Mckee's book on building the M14/M1A if your headed down that road.

[Idaho_Gun_Nut]

Personally for me... I could build an AR the way I wanted it for that amount of money.  The S&W's are good rifles but a bit over priced I think, same as Colt's are.  If he isn't planning to make any changes to it and run it as it is out of the box then it's probably a good choice for him, otherwise like I said... you can build it the way you want for the same money.

The only thing I see extra with the T model is the free float tube and back up sights, definitely not worth an exta $600 on top of what you could pay for a RRA or Bushmaster.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&langId=-1&productId=44934&tabselected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=33803

SKU: 811001 
Model: M&P15
Caliber: 5.56 mm NATO / .223
Action: Gas Operated Semi Automatic
Capacity: 30 Rounds, 5.56 mm or .223
Overall Length: 35" Extended / 32" Compacted
Stock: 6-Position Telescopic
Forend: 4-Sided, 10" Free-Float Modular Rail Forend (MRF)
Sight Length: 15"
Barrel Length: 16"
Barrel Twist: 1 in 9"
Weight (No Mag): 6.85 lbs.
Trigger Pull: 7 lbs. (approx.)
Upper/Lower Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
Chromed Components: Barrel Bore, Gas Key, Bolt Carrier
Receiver and Barrel Finish: Hard Coat Black Anodized
Front Sight: Adjustable, Folding Battle Sight
Rear Sight: Adjustable, Folding Battle Sight 

[EDGE]

He could build a very nice AR with that kind of money.

First question is, what is he going to use it for?  Home defense? Plinking?  Competition?

If he built one, he could get the nice auto-flip up sights, like those from ARMS.  I don't think the S&W's auto flip up, you have to manually pull them up.  Something that I don't like.  He could also build with a grip from Hogue or Magpull.  Pretty much get any forend that he wants.  And he'd probably have money left over to buy a EOTech.  Although, being a Dr., he probably has enough money to buy a nice optic.  There are lots of other options as well, such as trigger group, flash hider, butt-stock.  So many custom accessories out there, that one could build an awesome AR.

[ScotchBoy]

If I had that kinda money for a single project, I would buy a lower and LPK, then have an upper custom built.  I've never put an upper together and while I know they are not that difficult if you have the right tools, if its my first build and I'm going with a railed forend and other custom goodies (BUIS, gas upgrades, etc), I would just have Steve at Adco or Grant at G&R build me one around a Noveske barrel.

Thats just me though.

[NGO]

Thanks guys.

He is a great doctor but has little interest in mechanical things ( little aptitude also)

He would be using it for plinking, varmints and home defense.

Keep it up.

[Jeff]

Well, since he doesn't want to build one he should just buy the one he likes best.  I'd have no problem with the S&W M&P.

I recently decided I wanted another 1911.  The S&W version ended up on top of the list.  I bought it and am very happy with the decision.  It did have a crappy safety and I had it fixed.  I bought a new part and Impact installed it for free.  They would have fixed it for free but I wanted a different safety that fit my hand better.

[EDGE]

I agree with Jeff.  If he doesn't want to tinker around, then have him get what he likes.  The S&W is a great rifle. 

You might have him look on the internet at Armalite, Rock River and Bushmaster's web sites, as well as S&W.  He might be able to see all the different features and maybe find something else he really likes.

[High Wall]

If I was going to spend $1400 on an AR, I'd build two.

[NGO]

Thanks for the input everyone. I suspect at he will go for the S&W.

He spent 12 years AFTER high going to more school, ( dual majors), earned himself full ride scholarship to places like Stanford University ( Med school). Then he went thru two internships.

So now he gets to write his own ticket.

I think he got a extra helping of brains, or at least he got a large parts of mine. He is a great doctor and likes the ER type stuff, seems to always end up running them or becoming chief of staff when he goes someplace.

He wants something he buys it. I don't feel any jealousy for what he has, he worked hard and sacrificed for a dozen years(16 hour days 7 days a week studing, no pussy or partying) and has earned it. I get to enjoy it when we visit his family, which is cool.

Look for my next question for him...

[luckypunk]

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/webBBS/nfa4sale.cgi?read=95623

...oh, 1400   

[Idaho_Gun_Nut]

For $1500 he could buy this one.

LMT M4 upper with RRA complete lower, Surefire rail, M4 stock, EOTech 552, only 40rds fired. All purchased at Shooters Vault and just decided to go a different route $1500 or will separate if all are spoken for.

The sellers email address: jeff@mil-surplus.com

http://www.arizonashooting.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=37246&highlight=

Yes he'll need to register to see the post.

[Spiff]

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/webBBS/nfa4sale.cgi?read=95623

...oh, 1400   

Stop rubbing it in........