Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III (MSRP $799)
The first AR-15 you buy sets the tone for your relationship with that platform. Because of its modular nature and large ecosystem of accessories, the AR-15 can be adapted to just about any task that might require a rifle. The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III has a lot of the features you want in an entry-level AR-15. The 16-inch long barrel is freefloated in the handguard, which improves accuracy by isolating the barrel from any motion you might add to the gun when holding it. The barrel itself has a 1:8-inch, right-hand twist that works for just about any weight of bullet you can think of, and it ends in a A2 flash hider and a low profile gas block.
There are M-Lok attachment slots on the side of the handguard to mount lights, lasers and other accessories, and on top the rifle is a long section of Picatinny rail for adding just about any kind of optic you may desire.
Further on back, there is a standard A2-style grip, and there is a collapsible stock which allows you to adjust the length of pull of the rifle to best suit your needs. However, probably the best thing about this rifle is that you are getting a quality, entry-level AR-15 that is backed by one of America’s most-respected firearm manufacturers. The M&P 15 series have gained a well-earned reputation as a solid performing AR-15 at a price that won’t drive you to the poor house, and the Sport III model adds to that legacy.
Crimson Trace Hardline Pro 1-6x24mm BDC-Comp LVPO (MSRP $844.99)
A low-power variable optic (or LPVO) is as close to a “jack of all trades” optics as you can get for an AR-15, and they certainly have more flexibility than just about any other optic out there. The 1-6X magnification of the Crimson Trace optic we’ve chosen means you can quickly engage targets at 1X, then zoom out to 6X and make longer-ranged shots. The Hardline Pro BDC-Comp has a second focal plane reticle. This gives you some advantages, like a reticle that stays the same size as you zoom in and out, but it also means that your hash marks and other lines on the reticle are only accurate at the maximum zoom of 6X. I actually prefer this setup for an LPVO, as I’m most likely to worry about those ranging elements at maximum zoom anyways. The “Comp” in the name of this optic is short for “Competition,” (more on that later) and based on my experience in 3-gun matches, I’m either running my optic at 1X shooting targets at 25 yards or less, or I’m engaging targets 100 yards or farther away from stable shooting positions. As such, the fact that the reticle in this optic works best at maximum zoom isn’t a problem for me.
And it’s quite the reticle. There are BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) indicators on the lower crosshair which shows the holdovers for 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 yards with a 100-yard zero using most types of 5.56 NATO ammo. There are also markings inside which give you fast aiming guides for USPSA targets out to 400 yards, but again, these only work at maximum power.
All in all, the Crimson Trace Hardline Pro 1-6x24mm BDC-Comp lives up to it’s purpose as an “all in one” optic and is a perfect companion to the M&P 15 Sport III.
Mission First Tactical Translucent EXD 30 Polymer Magazine ($24.99)
Easy customization is one of the biggest advantages of the AR-15. Swap out the upper receiver, and you can shoot a plethora of different calibers using one rifle. However, that means you'll have magazines which may look the same, but hold different calibers of ammo, which can have devastating consequences. The see-through sides of the new Mission First Tactical Translucent Polymer magazine can help reduce the chance of this happening, as they allow you to see at a glance how much of what ammunition is in the magazine and if it's right for the gun you're shooting. The magazines come in five colors: Smoke gray and clear for standard rounds, yellow for blank ammunition and red and blue for marker rounds.
These magazines are more than just a colorful face, however. They're built from a military-grade copolymer that is resistant to heat, cold, ultraviolet light, harsh chemicals and impacts, even in extreme temperatures. Inside, there is a mil-spec stainless steel spring for long life and a four-way anti-tilt self-lubricating follower for reliable feeding. Polymer magazines have become the de facto standard for the AR platform as of late, and these new translucent models make it easier to see what your ammo supply looks like at any given moment.
