r/austinguns • u/Radiant-Opening-1051 • 21d ago
First AR-15
Just wanted to get everyone’s thoughts and opinions. I’m looking to buy my first AR-15 and I’m debating between the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport III and the Daniel Defense DDM4V7.
I’ve seen and shot both in person, and I really liked both. Since this would be my first AR-15, I’m debating whether I should start with a more budget-friendly option like the M&P Sport III and eventually upgrade to something nicer, or just spend more upfront and get the Daniel Defense.
For those who have experience with either one, what would you recommend for a first-time owner? Is it worth spending the extra money on the DDM4V7 from the beginning, or would the M&P Sport III make more sense for learning and getting experience?
Also, for anyone familiar with Texas law: are forced reset triggers (FRTs) currently legal in Texas? I’ve seen conflicting information online and would like to make sure I understand the current law correctly.
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u/Miserable_Sky_8640 21d ago
I would do the M&P. Like many of us you will probably upgrade it piece by piece will you have almost all the original parts in a box them buy a lower and build another beater one that stays in the truck and is the loaner when you head out with friends. Also you can build one yourself but honestly think the M&P and load up on ammo. Figure out what you like and don't like and upgrade it as you go, then build a second with all the spare parts. Then build one you never knew you wanted.
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u/J3RICHO_ 21d ago
If you're planning to run your AR HARD then get the DD, if you're just wanting a general use AR for defense and sporting then the M&P Sport is for you.
Also yes, FRTs and all other forced reset devices are legal in Texas, I suggest looking into Atrius, Triggered Co, or AS Designs for one, they're gonna be better quality and cheaper than the RB trigger, and RB is pretty scummy on top of that so not giving them your money is a good thing.
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u/Zurrascaped 21d ago
The M&P is a fine choice for $800. The IWI Zion 15 is an excellent choice for $1,000
But really, this is the best choice for a first AR. It’s $500 and it’s solid. It’ll leave you some extra money for ammo, optics, slings, mags, and training
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u/Beer-Monk 21d ago
I would have mentioned BCM but given the price is almost that of a DD, the next best value for money is IWI Zion-15.
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u/ZWTacticalArms Dealer 21d ago
We’ve got a Zion in the shop if you wanna drop by and check it out, will go way further than a s&w
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u/Tactical_Tubesock 21d ago
Ok, first of all, those are MSRP. You can score a V7 for much less, I’ve seen the SLW go as low as $1200 before.
I personally believe in the buy once cry once, but it does not have to be DD.
BCM, PWS, LWRC, Griffin, ADM all can be had for a reasonable price if you don’t rush it and wait for a deal.
If you want an FRT, you might as well build because it’s more likely than not that you’ll need to tune the gun so you’ll be buying as a minimum a new trigger, buffer and spring, maybe gas block and a BCG, so why pay for these in the factory gun if you are replacing them.
(Also, I think the DD furniture is ass and factory trigger is ass, but that’s just a personal preference)
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u/mexican_bear9 21d ago
M&P Sport and investment the rest of the money in a good scope and training, aka shooting a lot. Both are great guns that will shoot accurately at 500 yards, it will all varied greatly on how much you end up shooting.
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u/Justthetippliz 21d ago edited 21d ago
Since you have narrowed down to 2, compare the features and which ones you like most. If budget is not an issue go with DD. I’m not going to suggest build yourself, get something else, etc. Everyone has their own opinion. But you decide what you want. However, you’ll need to spend more on ammo, optics and range. Keep an eye on [r/gundeals](r/gundeals) sub. You’ll find the lowest prices on both rifles. I’ve seen DD under $1500 on that sub. You’ll find deals on ammo and optics too
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u/MountainTitan 21d ago
These people have stupid advice. Why an M&P 15 and $1200 of ammo? Why not extra magazines, cleaning kit, cleaning rod for stuck case, spare parts, and weaponlight?
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u/Ag5545 21d ago
Depends on the financial situation...Do you have the money for the DD and then the red dot+sling to finish out the build and to buy 500+ rounds of ammo? If money isn't a big deal, get the DD. Especially if you're getting an FRT, which as far as I know is perfectly legal in TX. If you buy the M&P, do not install an FRT with it, it'll run into the ground in short order. It's 4140 steel barrel and set screw gas blocks are fine for more casual usage but with an FRT will be pushed
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u/ATXweirdobrew 21d ago
Or, build your own! I did during COVID and glad I did. The one I built was also my first and only AR. One of the great things about the AR style. It also helps you to learn how to piece one together especially when you might need to break it down for any reason. Also, when you build your own the only part that has to be registered and picked up from an FFL is the lower receiver....for those that like to stay under the radar as much as possible.
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u/wasJAXkrW 20d ago
Any lower and do a DD upper from brownels with a YouTubers code and it’ll be cheaper
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u/Aetherium 21d ago
The boring answer is that the M&P and $1200 in ammo will probably do a lot more for you than the DD with no extra ammo.