Looking to pick up a semi-auto rifle. So far I have narrowed it down to these two, and since I live in NJ (a red state) I cannot have all the cool bells or whistles that should accompany these rifles (collapsible stock, flash hider, bayonet lug, max 15 round cap). Anyone with input on the two would greatly be appreciated.

BUSHMASTER M4 A1 Post Ban .223
- Has a pinned stock (looks collapsible but as long as its pinned its legal) which I prefer compared to regular stock.
-A1 Upper, 14.5" 1 IN 9 BARREL with a pinned Muzzle Break, Sling, standard 10 round mag, Bushmaster case. Factory NEW.
-price around $820 including taxes and fees

Smith and Wesson Optics Ready Compliant .223
- 16" bull barrel, fixed stock, shell deflector, forward assist, a rail on top for easy optic mounting, comes with a 10 round magazine, and case. Factory NEW.
- also S&M is running a promotion till the end of May that if you buy a one you will receive 5 free Aluminum Mags (for me it would be 10 rounders).
-price $875 including taxes and fees.

Or is there anything else I should consider? but remember I live in NJ. So anything on the banned list is out of question and the receiver cannot be stamped AR15 so Olympic Arms are out I believe even if they are compliant. Thanks.

 

I'm glad I don't have to deal with all that nonsense.

The casing deflector and forward assist have been standard on the AR-15 for decades.

I recommend the Smith & Wesson because:

• The Bushmaster is 1:9 twist with a 14.7" barrel, which may have trouble stabilizing heavier grain bullets (get a 1:7 twist barrel),
• The S&W has a picatinny rail, so you can mount optics on it if you want,
• The S&W comes with additional magazines

 

1:9 is silly nonsense

 

I am starting to lean toward the M&P15, researched a little online and there are fans on each side. The general consensus though is that the 1:9 is no good, and that the general build quality of the M&P15 is a little better. The thing is its hard to find a Bushmaster at that price, especially in NJ, but there is always gunbroker.

Now I need to find a place that sells 15 round mags for it.

 

You can always buy from an out-of-state dealer and have them ship it to your dealer. Plus you won't pay sales tax since it's an out-of-state purchase.

 

In your situation, I would purchase the gun you want from gunbroker (just more to choose from) get your mags, etc... from brownells.com Just a wider range of options; if you can't seem to find anything local that is...

 

The SW. It is a well made rifle that'll serve you well and give you more options.

My brother got one and it quite pleased with it.