Why I picked this model:
Check out YouTube videos about the Smith & Wesson Sport II and you will quickly see that it is an entry level rifle in name only. In a meltdown test it far outperformed others in its price point, actually surviving 820 rounds as a far more expensive rifle would. In marksmanship tests, it performed like a high end AR.

My thoughts on mine:
I have only fired limited rounds so far, but the rifle is comfortable to handle and solidly built. Please note that this particular model has a Magpul hand guard already included, so complaints about the hand guard you will see in online reviews do not apply to this particular model. Some online reviews have commented on the trigger as being a weakness but I don’t agree. I like it.

The problem I encountered with mine is that my Crimson Trace site has a defect that causes the red dot to only work on rare occasions so I have had to buy traditional sights to use in the interim, but I will not have my electronic sight for however long it takes Smith & Wesson to process the order. There is no way for them to handle the issue in a manner that allows me to use the sight while they address the issue. I am very unhappy about that.

My electronic site was also not properly attached to the rifle. After about 40 rounds it fell off the gun and luckily landed on the foam pad in front of me at the range rather than on the ground.

From asking others about Crimson Trace sights, my problem with the sight is not typical. The brand is known for quality. Aside from the defective red dot, it is solidly built, easy to use, and attractively finished. The green dot is easy to find quickly and use for aiming. It is a joy to use.

Conclusion:
This is an excellent AR at a great price. What you get is solid. You can trick it out as with any AR, and I am customizing mine, but there is no need to replace anything on it, only add to it.

The poor job of tightening the sight from the factory is inexcusable but not a big enough issue to take away a star from what is a truly great gun. I am also unhappy that to resolve the issue around my sight I will lose access to that sight for however many weeks UPS and Smith & Wesson need for their roles in moving the part, fixing or replacing it, and getting it back to me. Still, that is not a reflection on the firearm itself so I am not taking away a star.

Minor quibbles aside, this is truly an outstanding gun at an outstanding price. I am very happy I picked this model.