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Why are these your only two options? There quite a few companies in that price range that I would at least consider before making the purchase (BCM, Colt, Daniel Defense, Spikes, etc). Of the two you mentioned I would go with the S&W though. I'm not a big fan of the piston system in an AR, especially not for someone's first.
Ok, well lets say in the $1500 price range before accessories.
If that's the case then you're looking at the wrong guns. Although they are both good quality and you'll most likely be happy with either, there are definitely better options in that price range. Here are most of them in no particular order:
Colt 6920 ($1150) or 6940 ($1350): The standard by which all other are judged. Great quality, name recognition, most military contracts
BCM ($1000+ depending on configuration): Colt quality, great customer service, lifetime warranty. Pat Rogers (highly respected instructor) has one with 30,000 rounds
downrange
Daniel Defense ($1000-$1300): Same quality as above
Noveske ($1350 for the base model): similar quality to above but arguably has the most accurate chrome-lined barrel in the business.
LaRue: (About $1500 for complete gun): extremely accurate
Spikes ($760): Great quality and the best deal in the industry by far. I'm in the process of testing one and have been extremely impressed after putting a little more than 400rds through it a couple days ago.
LMT ($1100): In full disclosure I had a bad experience with them but the vast majority of people absolutely love them. They have a couple military contracts as well.