I went to local dealer to order a Bushmaster Varmiter and he tried to talk me into a Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Performance Center, any opinions on which to purchase

My shooting buddy had a M&P 15 Performance Center model heavy barrel varminter. It was super nice. As good or better than the Bushmasters and others I've seen in shops. It shot very well.

If I hadn't just picked up a lefty Stag Arms and rebarreled it as a varmint upper, I would have bought it from him when he sold it.

The lesser grade (non-PC guns) of S&W MP 15s I've seen are a bit rough to say the least. In that class, the Bushmaster is a jump ahead.

Just my opinion, worth what you paid for it!

as long as you're looking around check rock river. DPMS can be good, but their triggers are plain H.S. and it took me almost a year to get a special ordered one. JP is probably the best, but pricey. with AR's today most of them are really good. the general problem seems to be with triggers, which can be replaced easily for 175-250

I have an M&P 15, and love it. Shoots very well and operation is flawless. Only draw back is the trigger is a little heavy, and stiff. But as someone else said you can remedy that for under 100 bucks which I plan to due.
X