Inexpansive AR-15

[uvcf34]

I am looking to get an AR-15 before Congress decides to ban them again. Does any one know where I can get a good one without breaking the bank?

I was looking at the S&W M&P15 Sport but I do not know any one who has one or has experience shooting one. I need to know if it is worth the $$$ before I commit to purchasing one.

[dorminWS]

I bought one a while back ($679, I think) to put a slide-fire stock on so I wouldn't have to chop up my Colt. It has performed well. There's no forward assist on it, but then we (me and the "boys") haven't needed one. Accuracy over iron sights at short ranges is fine. That's all we've done with it, because we've got 30, 60 & 100-round mags for it to use with the slide-fire stock and we haven't bothered to shoot at any long-range targets because we've been too busy pretending we have an automatic weapon and chopping stuff up at short range (30-60 yards, I'd guess). The thing's a hoot. We've had the gas tube glowing like an electric stove eye every time we've shot it, and have experienced no problems at all with the gun - except how to haul it home when it's too dang hot to touch. And it's had right many rounds put through it, because #1 son has taken it out and showed off to ALL his buddies (what's HE got to lose? ---it's MY gun). Matter of fact, he's a BSRN, and 2 or 3 of his doctor buddies have run right out and bought an M&P15 - AND a slide-fire stock. The 100-round mag has a weak spring, and sometimes the last round or two will fail to feed, but that's not the S&W's fault. Bottom line: we bought it cheap, we're using it hard, and it's performing well. Based on my experience with the S&W M&P15, I'd recommend it to anybody who's considering a less-expensive AR. Of course, who knows? Your experience may differ.