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 Houdini1911 
Member
Joined: Feb 2009  ID, USA
 Posts: 3 Feedback: 100% (1) |
Posted: 2/27/2009 12:37:53 PM
THE IMAGE ABOVE IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT One is the Rock River Arms Tactical CAR A4 and the other is a Smith & Wesson M&P15. Money not being a factor (the S&W is a little bit more) which would you choose? In general, which is considered to be the better brand? I know it ends up being a personal preference, but which do you like better? Resale value? I know both are very good high end AR's, just need to make a choice this weekend & was hoping for some opinions. Thank you. |
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Posted: 2/27/2009 12:43:15 PM
I have both, like both, smith may use better parts. I would still go with rra as my 5.45 smith has had several issues, keyholing being one of the issues.
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Posted: 2/27/2009 12:46:18 PM
Originally Posted By cptx123:
I have both, like both, smith may use better parts. I would still go with rra as my 5.45 smith has had several issues, keyholing being one of the issues. cptx123, Thank you for the responce. I handled both last night at the store, both seem really solid. I just feel the RRA is the more popular choice which I would assume would keep a higher resale value. It's so hard to choose your 1st one! Anyone else? please! |
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Posted: 2/27/2009 1:18:27 PM
I wouldn't say RRA is more "popular" around here anyway. Since Pat Rogers made good mention of the S&Ws, you'll not get much negative info and they garnering a pretty good following.
Given that, don't let resale be the sole factor of your purchase. What is your primary use of the weapon? Which one catches your fancy? Neither is junk and both have a good track record. |
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Posted: 2/27/2009 1:21:45 PM
S&W, but I'm bias.
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BIG_PAPA
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Team Member
Joined: May 2008 SC, USA
Posts: 314 Feedback: 100% (3) Link To This Post |
Posted: 2/27/2009 1:26:48 PM
I own 2 Smith & Wesson AR's. Both have been FLAWLESS from day one. Tight and accurate and no issues. I have been very impressed.
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Posted: 2/27/2009 1:28:40 PM
I'm an RRA fan, but not for any particular reason other than that is what I have. I agree with the above post, don't choose based on resale value. Too many unknown factors.
Did you check the barrel specs? If the RRA is standard, it's probably not chrome lined which may be the reason the S&W is slightly higher. |
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Posted: 2/27/2009 1:31:44 PM
I bought an RRA Tac Entry in October and am still in love. No experience with the S&W. I've put 1K rounds through it without a burp. You are in a tough spot - both are very good choices. Can't go wrong.
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Posted: 2/27/2009 1:33:54 PM
Buy a RRA lower, best if you can get 2 stage trigger, then look for either BCM or LMT upper
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Posted: 2/27/2009 1:35:28 PM
Originally Posted By RLR350:
I'm an RRA fan, but not for any particular reason other than that is what I have. I agree with the above post, don't choose based on resale value. Too many unknown factors. Did you check the barrel specs? If the RRA is standard, it's probably not chrome lined which may be the reason the S&W is slightly higher. Thanks for the responces guys. The Barrel on the RRA is Chrome Moly. The S&W is more because it already has the Troy Handguards already installed. Which is not an issue because I want the DD Omega rails anyways. The other thing I like that is making me lean towards the RRA is the 2 stage trigger it has. Another thing I like is that I would assume that RRA is going to be allot easier to deal with and contact for parts & upgrades & any mechanical issues. Sounds like I cant loose with either gun, wish I could afford both! |
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ikor
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Joined: Jan 2002  ZAF
Posts: 10654 Feedback: 100% (88) Link To This Post |
Posted: 2/27/2009 1:42:09 PM
S&W...the new guns are really nice and built very well, not to mention their warranty.
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Posted: 2/27/2009 2:44:32 PM
M&P15 owner with not 1 issue
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Posted: 2/27/2009 2:48:23 PM
just bought my first AR and it was the S&W M&P...
Happier than pig in sh*t |
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Posted: 2/27/2009 3:01:12 PM
man in the old days there would be no question !!
but nowadays who knows? |
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Posted: 2/27/2009 3:04:17 PM
Buy Both. 
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Posted: 2/27/2009 3:16:57 PM
Originally Posted By jeepinva:
Buy Both.
Man, trust me I would if I could! I dont know how you guys do it. I haven't even bought one yet & I am already hooked!!!!! I known I cant go wrong with either one, I just want to buy the best one being my 1st "Black Rifle". So thank you to everyone that is giving out your opinions. |
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Posted: 2/27/2009 3:38:27 PM
[Last Edit: 2/27/2009 3:41:05 PM by jeepinva]
Originally Posted By Houdini1911:
Originally Posted By jeepinva:
Buy Both.
Man, trust me I would if I could! I dont know how you guys do it. I haven't even bought one yet & I am already hooked!!!!! I known I cant go wrong with either one, I just want to buy the best one being my 1st "Black Rifle". So thank you to everyone that is giving out your opinions. Remember, I never said simultaneously.
Just get the one you think will come in the quickest. Therefore I'll go with S&W, unless you said you're getting them locally. eta: Yeah, get the S&W. |
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Posted: 2/27/2009 3:57:54 PM
I'd go with the S&W for the chrome-lined barrel. RRA offers it as an option, but you said the one in stock is only chrome moly.
BTW, the reported "keyholing" from S&W M&P-15R owners is usually attributed to the use of 70gr bullets, when the rifle twist rate is designed for the 53gr surplus ammo. You're looking at 5.56 rifles, so that complaint is not relevant. |
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Jeep297
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Joined: Nov 2008 CO, USA
Posts: 539 Feedback: 100% (11) Link To This Post |
Posted: 2/27/2009 4:14:14 PM
[Last Edit: 2/27/2009 4:15:52 PM by Jeep297]
Originally Posted By Houdini1911:
Originally Posted By RLR350:
I'm an RRA fan, but not for any particular reason other than that is what I have. I agree with the above post, don't choose based on resale value. Too many unknown factors. Did you check the barrel specs? If the RRA is standard, it's probably not chrome lined which may be the reason the S&W is slightly higher. Thanks for the responces guys. The Barrel on the RRA is Chrome Moly. The S&W is more because it already has the Troy Handguards already installed. Which is not an issue because I want the DD Omega rails anyways. The other thing I like that is making me lean towards the RRA is the 2 stage trigger it has. Another thing I like is that I would assume that RRA is going to be allot easier to deal with and contact for parts & upgrades & any mechanical issues. Sounds like I cant loose with either gun, wish I could afford both! Both are good guns but if the RRA has a chrome moly barrel then I would go with the Smith for sure. It also seems like you're talking about the S&W tactical model since you mentioned Troy rails which makes the S&W an even better choice. |
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Posted: 2/27/2009 4:16:15 PM
I've owned several RRA ARs and I've never had a problem ... But from everything I've seem the S&Ws are a quality product ...
Hard to go wrong either way ... |
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Posted: 2/27/2009 11:00:07 PM
Does the S&W use all spec parts? In other words, can I build unto the S&W like I could with RRA or does it use proprietary parts? Thanks again.
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Posted: 2/27/2009 11:28:24 PM
Originally Posted By Houdini1911:
Does the S&W use all spec parts? In other words, can I build unto the S&W like I could with RRA or does it use proprietary parts? Thanks again. All standard parts. I don't own either but I would go with the S&W. I've heard they are higher quality. |
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Posted: 2/28/2009 1:35:33 AM
[Last Edit: 2/28/2009 1:37:02 AM by cptx123]
Originally Posted By docmcb:
I'd go with the S&W for the chrome-lined barrel. RRA offers it as an option, but you said the one in stock is only chrome moly. BTW, the reported "keyholing" from S&W M&P-15R owners is usually attributed to the use of 70gr bullets, when the rifle twist rate is designed for the 53gr surplus ammo. You're looking at 5.56 rifles, so that complaint is not relevant. Actually mine keyholes 60 grain every round, and 53 grain every 30 to 40 rounds, and 70 not so much. Also the falshider was improperly indexed and came loose, also FSB pins were not all the way in. But that being said I would get the rifle with the chrome bore first. |
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diaz_aa
I have seen war
Team Member
Joined: Oct 2006 TX, USA
Posts: 540 Feedback: 100% (3) Link To This Post |
Posted: 2/28/2009 1:50:12 AM
I went through the same exact prob. when the S&W first came out... I know this is retarded but I really liked the roll mark!!!! Anyway I ended going with the RRA because I had heard sooo much about their Lifetime warranty. My RRA came w/ Chrome lined bbl and it has operated outstanding. Tough decision being that the s.w has rails that you dont want and would add to the overall price.......... VERY TOUGH CHOICE...
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Posted: 2/28/2009 2:11:36 AM
Funny you ask since I have both. S&W all the way.
They are about the same in terms of utility. The S&W will cost more but is a better finished product. It's also more milspec than RRA. Take at look at the pictures I took of the collapsible stock. S&W(Nice & Smooth Finish): Outside 
Inside 
Top View 
RRA(Very Rough Finish): Outside 
Inside 
Top View 
That's just the Stock that came with the Rifles. I replaced them so this is just to illustrated a point if you are going to be picky. The S&W cost more but you get what you paid for.  |
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Posted: 2/28/2009 12:29:21 PM
You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the opinions, it still didn't make up my mind, but thanks!!!
I am going today to my local shop that has the two in stock & making a final choice today, I will let you guys know the end result! Thanks again & cant wait to be part of the "club". |
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