What NOT to Buy in an AR-15

Published on January 12, 2016
Duration: 12:27

This review of the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport highlights significant cost-cutting measures that compromise its utility for serious use. Key issues include an unstaked castle nut, outdated sling points, and the omission of a forward assist and dust cover. While it has some positive aspects like an integral trigger guard and good front sight zero, these are overshadowed by the manufacturing shortcuts.

Quick Summary

Avoid budget AR-15s with an unstaked castle nut, outdated sling points, missing forward assist, or lack of a dust cover. These shortcuts compromise reliability and functionality, making the rifle unsuitable for serious use.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Budget AR-15 Pitfalls
  2. 02:01Positive Features: Trigger Guard & Sights
  3. 02:45Major Flaw: Unstaked Castle Nut
  4. 04:01Outdated Sling Points & Missing Forward Assist
  5. 06:09Barrel Profile & QC Issues
  6. 09:11Critical Flaw: Lack of Dust Cover
  7. 10:16Final Assessment: Not for Serious Use

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common manufacturing shortcuts to avoid on budget AR-15s?

When buying a budget AR-15, watch out for an unstaked castle nut, which can loosen over time. Also, check for outdated sling points, the absence of a forward assist, and a missing dust cover, as these are often removed for cost savings but impact reliability and functionality.

Why is an unstaked castle nut a problem on an AR-15?

An unstaked castle nut is a significant issue because it's not secured properly. This can allow the nut to back off after several thousand rounds, potentially causing the buffer tube and stock to rotate, leading to malfunctions or a loose stock.

Is the forward assist essential on an AR-15?

The host argues the forward assist is vital for AR-15s without a reciprocating charging handle. It allows the user to ensure the bolt is fully forward and locked, which is crucial for reliability, especially in adverse conditions.

What quality control issues were found on the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport?

The review noted several quality control problems, including extremely tight takedown pins that made field stripping difficult. Additionally, the magazine release button was observed to be misaligned in the receiver, indicating potential fitment issues.

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