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[r6533]

Questions answered.

[Gutz]

Not a bad start! S&W makes excellent AR platforms.

My M&P15 has eaten all ammo I've given it, I'd say but the inexpensive stuff and plink away. Can't go wrong with EOTechs, although SightMark makes a good impostor. DId you want a scope instead? Lube? Hoppe's, FrogLube, it's all good.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

M&P15 is a solid choice. A good workhorse rifle that will serve you well.

Avoid steel ammo
Run it wet
Keep it clean
Master it with iron sights and get an optic later.

[r6533]

Not a bad start! S&W makes excellent AR platforms.

My M&P15 has eaten all ammo I've given it, I'd say but the inexpensive stuff and plink away. Can't go wrong with EOTechs, although SightMark makes a good impostor. DId you want a scope instead? Lube? Hoppe's, FrogLube, it's all good.

I'm inclined to mount a scope. Any recommendations for a $200-250 model, and what reticle style should I be looking at (pun intended).

CLP OK for a lube?

2-stage trigger recommendations?

Thanks.

[r6533]

M&P15 is a solid choice. A good workhorse rifle that will serve you well.

Avoid steel ammo
Run it wet
Keep it clean
Master it with iron sights and get an optic later.

"Master" might be a tall order with my eyesight but I will take your advice and put in some time behind its trigger before installing an optic.

Thanks.

[Thorax]

CLP is fine, but it's not so good as a *wet* type lube.

You can get a tiny thing of Shooters Gold grease for dirt cheap (like 5$?).
It's what I use on my trigger components and bolt group rails.
A tiny little thing will last a lifetime since you use so little.

Try a Wilson trigger if the local shop has one you can touch .... much better than any other AR trigger.
I do my own trigger work so I really am unbiased as to the brands (you'll find most are phan boiz of one or ta udder).

[r6533]

I've done my own trigger work on several of my other firearms but thought I'd spend a little money rather than time on the 15T trigger, especially since I prefer 2-stage rifle triggers. Can you recommend a how-to link on DIY trigger work?

P.S. - I like the creative spelling, since yours was intentional.

[Tack4251]

As far as lube the AR platforms like to be run "wet". Look into Slip 2000 EWL. You can find it online and get a big bottle and it will last you forever. Dont use anything like WD40, 3 in 1 or anything cheap. It will just start to smoke as the action and barrel heat up thus causing you problems.

Ammo, shoot what you can find. AR's will eat just about anything you feed it unless you have a different chamber, which I wouldn't expect in a M&P.

What distances will you be shooting? This will help us to narrow down the huge option choice in optics. Don't go too cheap on optics, you will just get frustrated on it holding a zero or just having a bad or even loose reticle. For my 5.56 I have an Aimpoint COMPML3. Love it and the battery life is outstanding. For my 6.8 I have a Vortex PST 4-16x50 MRAD. I also have the same optic on my 7.62 and I take that out past 400yds so far. If you are looking for some magnification check into the Vortex line and take a hard look at the PST 1-4x. Good bang for your hard earned $$. Just my .02

Let us know what else you are looking for. and stay safe.

[BroncoBob]

Shoot it, clean it, repeat end of story

[G21Shooter]

Congrats on the great rifle, we need more people like you buying guns that the law makers in this state despise!

1. It is hard to beat PMC Bronze .223 for its quality for the price. It can be found for $400 for a case and it is coming down all the time. If you can find a good deal on it, XM193 is also good range ammo.

2. As far as the optic I would highly recommend a 1-4x scope, on a LaRue LT104 mount. The Burris TAC30 or the slightly upgraded version of it the MTAC are the way to go for a all around AR optic. If you want a red dot, the Aimpoint PRO is without a question the best bang for your buck.



3. I highly recommend Slip 2000 Extreme Weapons Lube. It is the best AR lube on the market, it does not dry out or gum up, it stays where it needs to be and keeps your gun going for hundreds of round. CLP is good, but does not last nearly as long.

4. Look into the SSA or SSA-E two stage triggers, best on the market.

Good luck and happy shooting!

[r6533]

Thank you for each of the posts, insights and info.

Is there an inherent accuracy benefit from using 5.56 in a barrel chambered in 5.56/.223?

[infringed711]

Clp will work fine, it's all I really use because I have gallons of it lying around and I've never had a problem, start getting stoppages just squirt more in...however using any lube depends on what environment you're gonna be shooting in

[G21Shooter]

Clp will work fine, it's all I really use because I have gallons of it lying around and I've never had a problem, start getting stoppages just squirt more in...however using any lube depends on what environment you're gonna be shooting in

I used CLP for years and then I found out about Slip 2000, it is a WAY WAY better lube for ARs and all guns for that matter.

Check out this article about the Filthy 14, a BCM mid length AR15 that was fired over 30,000 rounds without cleaning, only being lubed with Slip 2000 EWL.

http://www.slip2000.com/blog/s-w-a-t-magazine-filthy-14/

[RDT]

Congrats r6533 great choice of an AR platform, have shot one bone stock and they are great. Have seen them go through some tough classes too. They are made to run! Although, beware of AR platforms they become habit forming. All of a sudden you will have multiple lowers in multiple calibers and upper builds to match them, along with a giant parts chest

As for your M&P I would shoot it iron sights for a bit if possible. Always best to learn that way first. They will never run out of batteries

When looking into optics the question is are you going to be heading to the bench-rest range only? if so, The distances you want to shoot will be a heavy part in the decision process. If you plan on running carbine classes I highly would recommend a red dot (Aimpoint/EoTech/ Primary Arms if on a budget). There is always some movement in these classes and it is tough (not impossible, but not easy) to get a solid sight picture on the move with a magnified optic. I used to run a Leupold Mark-4 Tactical 1.5-5x on top of my Noveske Afghan and it was awesome, could get sub MOA groups at 100, stretch out to 300 if needed. Was not too bad during classes either. The new VXR's with the firedot I assume would be even better. Although, nothing beats blasting on the move with a red dot.

As for Lube, I have been a huge Slip2k EWL fan. Recently I have been using FireClean. I really like it. I ran a 2 day pistol/carbine class and **Lightly** lubed the bolt once and must have put 1000 rounds down range, bolt was still smooth afterwards, and carbon wiped off relatively easily.

For a trigger, I woud run the stock one for awhile and buy more ammo. From there when you upgrade, you will see a huge difference. I prefer Geissele triggers. they are not cheap, but are incredible, all while not using a lightened hammer spring.

5.56 vs.223 in 5.56 Chamber: I have not noticed any noticeable difference. Usually 5.56 is a bit more expensive and is loaded with a bit more pressure. Most match grade you will find is going to be .223 as well. 5.56 match is quite a bit more $$$.

Once more, congrats on the MP15, you will not be dis-satisfied.

[r6533]

So far so good on the M&P 15T. Observations/ thoughts/ actions thus far:

1. Little recoil.

2. Installed a Geissele Super Dynamic Trigger Enhanced Version Two Stage trigger - sweet but expensive.

3. Not one failure of any kind after approx. 300 rds. through it.

4. Little holes are hard to see at 100 yds.

5. Position of the front sight, 100 yd. target and and my prescription glasses = blurry sight post and blurry target.

6. CHEAP red dot sights don't survive a 5 ft. drop to my kitchen floor.

7. An even cheaper red dot on the rifle allows me to shoot better groups than the OEM sights. My first experience with a red dot sight and somehwat of a revelation in acquiring a sight picture, especially in light of my shooting RH and being left eye dominant.

8. I'm leaning away from a scope and towards an Aimpoint Pro for 1/3 co-witness.

9. Ordered a BCM MOD 1 grip to better fit my hand and open up a little more room for my trigger finger.

10. Several different commercial 55 gr. rounds through it but still no clear concensus on what the rifle likes best but it appears to be Independence or Federal.

11. AR-15's are easy to clean, shoot a pea-shooter round and I like the modular concept.