which AR is better?

[Trigger Mike]

a local store has Ruger AR 15 for $400 and S & W AR15 for the same price.  Which one is more likely to hold its value?  which one is the better rifle?

[Pat Riot]

What model names / numbers?

I am assuming S&W M&P Sport and Ruger AR556.

Both get good reviews and each have their pluses.

Me, I would go with the Ruger. 1:8 barrel twist vs 1:9 with S&W.

Ruger has lifetime warranty (with restrictions). S&W is one year.

Ruger has a more rugged rear sight. It also has a nicer hand grip.

 

My 2 cents

 

[DocWard]

Assuming Pat is right about the AR556 vs. the M&P Sport II, having sold them both, the feedback I received from both was positive. When my brother decided he was in the market for an AR, I got him a good price on a Ruger that was already on sale. If the S&W had been on sale, I would have had no problems going that route instead.

We did receive one Ruger back for repair, regarding the twist delta ring, but I believe it was because the guy cross threaded it and used something to pry on it, although he denied it. Ruger covered it.

[Tennessee Trapper Tom]

The twist rate to me is a big deal. Both are good ARs. The ruger will stabilize better with a heavier bullet giving more accuracy at longer ranges  I built two of my ARs went with a lower twist rate for longer ranges. It depends on what you are looking for in the rifle. I opt for heavier bullets longer range. I built one with a 1:8 twist rate light easy carry and still good range, the other is a longer barrel with a 1:7 twist rate to sling heavy bullets at a distance. Also one is 16” barrel versus a 20” barrel. 

[Trigger Mike]

it is the S & W sport II .  what grain does the 1/8 twist prefer?  

[Tennessee Trapper Tom]

You also need to consider the barrel for your use. Chrome, chromoly or steel. Steel gives the best accuracy and tends to last longer depending on use. I believe both barrels of rifles considered are chromoly. If you shoot the heavier bullets barrel life is shorter

[Tennessee Trapper Tom]

You also need to consider the barrel for your use. Chrome, chromoly or steel. Steel gives the best accuracy and tends to last longer depending on use. I believe both barrels of rifles considered are chromoly. If you shoot the heavier bullets barrel life is shorter,. I shoot 77 grain in my 1:7 twist and stabilizing wonderfully. Could probably go heavier. Again it’s what you intend it’s use for.

[Tennessee Trapper Tom]

Sorry, didnt answer your question. Depends on barrel. But I usually stick with 62 grain in my 1:8 twist. I have pushed it above 65 grain but it tends to destabilize after 400 yards. Of course it’s a 16 inch barrel

[Tennessee Trapper Tom]

Lastly, this is my experience. There are a lot of shooters on this forum with more knowledge and experience than me. I’m sure they’ll chime in soon. Get as much info as you can and narrow down the WHY, of what you want, then tailor to that need. Kind of like buying a cowboy gun. Everyone tells you to experience what you can and get as much information as you can before going out and spending hard earned cash. Just my 2 cents

[Pat Riot]

37 minutes ago, Trigger Mike said:

it is the S & W sport II .  what grain does the 1/8 twist prefer?  

I have shot 1:9, 1:8 and 1:7.

Now, I was not shooting for extreme accuracy like Benchrest shooting. Also, I shoot more of the 55 grain bullets generally. I did some testing with some 65 and 72 (I believe) factory loads with my 1:9 and 1:7 twist guns and for my shooting I really saw little difference but I was shooting at targets at 100 and  200 yards. My most accurate shooting with 55 and 62 grain bullets was 1:8 twist but that may have just been the barrel.

If you are not going for benchrest type accuracy with heavier bullets the twist rate may not have any bearing on what you are doing. If you plan to shoot military ammo and mostly 55 grain then 1:8 or 1:9 may not make much of a difference as twist rates go. Since you are looking at lesser expensive guns I am assuming you aren't buying them for long range benchrest matches so I wouldn't sweat either twist rate. I had very god experience with that accuracy I got with a 1:8 twist with standard 5.56, 55 grain ammo so I would be more partial to that twist rate. 

 

Twist rate is only part of the accuracy factor.

 

For a plinker, either gun would be a good choice.

[Lawdog Dago Dom]

I would have to say the best AR is the one your better-half gives you as a surprise Birthday gift!

[Dantankerous]

Hold their value? At those prices who cares? ARs are the lowest price they have been in over a decade because there's no political pressure on them. With the wrong people running Washington DC either one of those rifles could potentially double if not triple in value under the correct political circumstances. Just buy one and shoot the snot out of it. Become proficient with it and know what you and it can and can't do together.

 

Both companies are reputable and make quality firearms. In the AR-15 world these are not quite built to the same specs as Daniel Defense or LMT or some of the boutique makers but who cares? If you want one for protection and not name recognition, if you want one to shoot recreationally and have fun with and not bragging rights to your friends how many thousands of dollars you spent on the weapon, either one of these will be fine.

[Trigger Mike]

I just remember the days when I could buy a Colt, then sell it for $2000 whenever the last president talked about gun control , then turn around and buy another one for 1100 and do it again a year down the road after the next speech by the last president, BUT other name brands did not go up as much.  

[Smokewagon Forty-Five]

Both are fine at that price! Colt and FN are as close to USGI as you can get!   

1, Colt 6920 LE, AR 15, M 4 with Burris 5X and red dot - $1600 $1500.00  $1350 O.B.O., 2, M-1 Garand - $1200 O.B.O., 3, Uberti copy of 1858 Remington 8" with gun belt $600 $500.00 O.B.O.

[Dantankerous]

IMHO, the Colt 6920 is the standard for all ARs and can be had in an affordable price range new. You'll have a better rifle and likely never lose money on it.

[Marshal Dan Troop 70448]

Me and the wife both own Colt ARs.  Many times over been offered at the range more then we paid for them.  MT

[The Reverend Malachi Gosse]

When I built my AR I used a S&W upper and barrel and have really liked it, I’ve shot light and heavy bullets through it out to 200M with great accuracy. I have no experience with the Ruger.