S&W or Ruger

[porter62]

Looking at an AR trying to decide between the M&P or the Ruger. Looking to stay below $800 just want a good gun to have around. TIA.

 

[BLIP]

Build your first one....

 

[BH-ATL]

What BLIP said. My first AR ( and only so far) was a kit from Palmetto State. When S&W and Ruger were less than $500 then it was cheaper to buy them but not now.

 

[Bear44]

I'm more of a S&W fan in general.

 

[outlaw1961]

Ruger MPR AR is around 800. Rifle length gas system, better stock and forearm, fairly good trigger.
niw that I said all that. The one I had did not like steel ammo. If you could go 200 higher you could find a Colt when they go on sale

 

[cmshoot]

Either are fine, and I’d take them both over PSA. When buying an inexpensive AR, you may end up using the warranty, so at least go with a company that's easy to deal with. PSA ain’t it.

Come into TruPrep in Marietta and I’ll build you one for around your asking price. If I build it, I warranty it. No reason to ship it out of state for work when you can walk it in our door.

We also have complete uppers and complete lowers from Aero Precision. Pick the ones that you want, slap ‘em together, and push two pins. You’ve got a complete AR.

 

[cmshoot]

I honestly rank both the S&W and Ruger AR’s as comparable, but in the last couple of years, I’ve seen more S&W’s with an issue that wasn’t easy fixed. Out of spec ejection ports where the EPC won’t stay closed. Out of spec barrels and/or uppers, where the feed ramps don’t line up. Those are a couple of the issues that jump to mind.

 

[GRC566]

Follow cmshoot advise. Go with the Aero Precision.

 

[Hayata]

I have the Ruger AR556. Only fired it for function. Has some unique handguards that may pigeon-hole you into proprietary stuff (I'm guessing - haven't tried modifying mine).

But you can't beat their warranty or customer service if something goes South.

Good luck in your choice!