this post was submitted on 13 Mar 2026
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I'm looking into my first rifle and based on some discussions and reading it seems like the S&W Sport III may be a good starting point for a decent, prebuilt rifle without spending even more than I'd like.

These things are sold in various bundles and it's not always obvious to a noob when something is or isn't a good deal. For example, I've seen a bunch being sold with what are apparently "junk" optics - a Crimson Trace CTS-25 (google the battery life..). I've also spotted these bundles that seem pretty decent + there's a 10% promo code for S&W (SW10) firearms at the same store:

My questions are:

  • are these actually decent deals, or have I just not looked long enough to know?
  • for learning how to use an AR well, which sight makes more sense to a new shooter? I like the flexibility of the Sig Sauer Tango-MSR, but I'm looking for whatever will help me feel comfortable with a rifle sooner. FWIW I do plan on also getting backup flip up irons.

Any other notable things I should be looking out for? I'd plan on getting a soft bag for the range, probably some additional cleaning stuff, but tbh I'm still learning a lot in this space.

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[–] Vingst@hexbear.net 1 points 1 week ago

I've had quality control issues with Smith and Wesson before, btw. I had to send a used revolver to their factory to get fixed, but to be fair, they did fix it for free and send it back in less than 60 days. The other issue was just a magazine follower installed backwards, not that big a deal. I've also seen somebody with an older model S&W M&P Sport rifle have issues but he got them worked out, idk what the issue ended up being.