Hello, I have been looking around and M&P 15 series seems like a solid AR type (I really like the tactical version). Before I get into what I need help with, I will give you guys some info, the only caliber I ever shot was a .22 once or twice, but I have a strong love for Rifles.

What I want is this, and I willing to take any and all considerations/advice

I am playing to buy a M&P 15T ( when I get my wife to come around to it hehe ) I am looking to get interchangeable addons for styles that I want to achieve

1st: Tactical, a low profile optic sight, side mounted flash light and a forward grip

2nd: Long range/sniper type application, I guess the scope I've seen often is a varmint scope? (lol sorry am new) expandable stock 6 ***. bi-pod (I think they make a forward grip/bi-pod application) and IF possible which i doubt a barrel like this Smith & Wesson M&P15PC Rifle | Weapons Vault. I can make due without the barrel but I like to indulge.

Oh also, I hate to ask... Since i have never fired a rifle of this caliber what can i expect as far as recoil and noise?

thank you for your time.

Welcome to the forum ...... lot's of knowledge (not me) here.

Here's my .02 worth:

I prefer a fixed stock for a varmint/long range rifle. The 6 position is great for your tactical (like the 15T which comes with one), but a fixed stock I think is more stable and better suited for long range.

A prefer a regular bipod for a varmint/long range rifle. If you want a grip pod, consider putting it on your tactical.

As far as recoil and noise: Lot's of noise, little recoil.

I sold my last AR about 20 years ago (a Colt A2) and have been itching to get another since. I decided to scratch that itch last month and, after a good bit of research, decided that the S&W M&P15T was the ideal choice for me. My goal was/is the same as yours - a multi-purpose tactical AR: VFG, red dot, light, & sling -or- bipod and scope. Here's how it's shaping up so far:





...and:





Here's a list of what's been added to date:

Magpul PMAG 20 & 30 round magazines - Lightweight, durable, & reliable.
Magpul CTR collapsible stock - The friction lock keeps it as stable as a fixed stock. Lightweight. Rubber butt pad. Ambi QD sling swivel mounts.
Hogue ergonomic grip - It has the same grip angle as stock, the palm swell makes a big difference in comfort.
Magpul TXM rail cover panels - These are mounted towards the back of the forend rail system on all four rails as a standard forend stock. Each panel covers 4 rail slots.
Ladder-type rail protectors - mounted on any open rail space. Protects the rails an your hands both.
Streamlight PolyTac tactical light / UTG offset rail light mount - The PolyTac is very light, durable, and provides 120 lumens and 3 hours continuous run time. The UTG mount is a cheapie but it's light, strong, and puts the light right where I want it.
CAA BVG vertical grip - Like most vertical grips it provides waterproof storage for batteries. I like the smaller diameter and taper at the top - works better with my hands than other grips I've handled.
Troy Industries Low Profile QD sling swivel rail mount - The Troy quad rail that comes installed on the 15T doesn't have a quick disconnect swivel mount for a sling. The Troy mount I installed uses very little rail space and it's solid.
Blackhawk V-TAC quick adjust 2 point sling - Lot's of great slings to choose from. I like this one so far
Harris short swivel bipod / GG&G rail mount adapter - After checking out several bipod options it was clear why most folks recommend the Harris. The swivel function is nice as it allows the firearm to be turned along the bore axis to level the weapon when on an unlevel surface. The GG&G rail adapter requires a 9/64th" allen key to mount/remove on the rail. I may replace it with a tool-less type adapter.
Primary Arms M4 style red dot sight - I found out about Primary Arms products on the AR15.com forum. Lots of positive remarks about these products. I wasn't really sure if I was going to end up using optics or not and didn't want to break the bank finding out if I have any practical use for them. Specs on the PA optics looked good so I ordered the M4. Light-weight, paralax free, nitrogen purged, coated glass, 4 selectable reticles including a 2 MOA dot, 9 brightness setttings, comes with the tool-less rail mount. I've got it zero'd and it's an absolute blast to shoot with. Last target before leaving the range last time I put 25 rounds in a 6.5" group at 100 yards in under 30 seconds. Target acquisition and follow-up sots are FAST! I like it I may go with an Aimpoint Micro / Larue mount in the future but the PA M4 is doing it for me right now.
Primary Arms 1-4X scope and rail mount - The PA M4 made a positive enough impression on me to go give another of their products a go when it came time to find a scope. Same deal here - I've never owned a scope before and I don't know how useful I'll find it and I didn't want to spend a pile of money finding out. I have not been to the range since receiving the scope so I cannot comment on performance. I'm pretty impressed with the glass so far though. The reticle is a crosshair type with a center dot. The dot may be illuminated for low light use. We'll see how it holds up after some use but if the M4 is any indication I expect good things!

...oh, and I have a #7 O-ring around the upper receiver hinge post. This O-ring gets pinched flat when the upper/lower receivers are hinged closed and pinned. This eliminates any play between the upper and lower receivers. If there is play present it does not impact the accuracy of the rifle but, for precision shooting I'd rather the play not be a factor in handling the rifle. It's a $0.20 improvement for those who don't care for the play.

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M&P15T M&P9 M&P9c SW1911 4506

Thanks for the tips. And wow deaj..that looks incredible, the flash hider looks amazing with that weapon. You have a sexy looking setup, hopefully I will have mine sometime early next year or latest by my b-day in Aug. wife minimum conditions are: vault,gun awareness for the house, and lol she wants to shoot it

Thanks! I'm very pleased with the whole rig and I'm definitely glad I went with the Smith & Wesson tactical AR. Build quality is every bit as nice as my S&W 4506 pistol.

Here's hoping the time passes quickly and you're able to put together just what your looking for. I expect your wife will find it fun to shoot as well! Of all the firearms I've owned or used through the years I have enjoyed shooting AR's the most - the ergo's are great and they're just plain fun to shoot!

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M&P15T M&P9 M&P9c SW1911 4506