Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II

The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II has earned its position as one of the most recommended entry-level AR-15s through consistent reliability, adequate accuracy, and S&W's legendary customer service backed by a lifetime warranty. At around $700-800, the Sport II delivers mid-range AR-15 performance at an entry-level price, making it the rifle that launched thousands of AR-15 journeys. S&W understands this is often someone's first AR-15 and designed it accordingly: reliable enough to build confidence, accurate enough to learn marksmanship, and affordable enough to leave budget for ammunition and training.

The 16-inch barrel features a 1:9 twist chrome-lined bore that handles 55-62 grain ammunition well, though it's not optimized for heavier projectiles. The direct impingement gas system uses a standard carbine-length gas tube, and the rifle includes both forward assist and dust cover. The T6 aluminum forged upper and lower receivers meet mil-spec dimensions. S&W includes a Magpul MBUS rear sight to complement the A2 post front sight, along with a 30-round Magpul PMAG M3 and 6-position collapsible stock. The chromed bolt carrier, gas key, and firing pin provide reliable function across varied conditions.

Real-world testing shows the Sport II delivering exactly what it promises: reliability with any ammunition right out of the box, mil-spec AR-15 accuracy (2-3 MOA), and consistent function through extended sessions. One reviewer experienced only a single failure to extract across 1,500 rounds including 500 suppressed - exceptional reliability for any rifle regardless of price. The trigger is accurately described as "mushy and gritty" but functional - exactly what you'd expect from a budget mil-spec trigger. The Sport II isn't trying to compete with $2,000 rifles; it's proving that a solid, dependable AR-15 can be affordable. For plinking, target shooting, or home defense, the M&P15 Sport II represents the best value-for-money option in the AR-15 market.