I did quite a bit of research before choosing a new AR-15 last year. The Smith & Wesson M&P15T turned out to be the closest thing to ideal that I could find and the price was definitely right - $1150 after shipping and FFL fee. The 4140 steel barrel with 1:9 twist is more than sufficient for my use. 90% or more of the ammo that this rifle will be fed will be 55gr. .223 and I rarely empty even a single magazine in rapid succession.

The trigger on my M&P15 is a fantastic example of how good a standard GI trigger can be. I haven't measured pull weight but it feels like 6-7 lbs. There's no creep and the break is crisp and consistent. It's very smooth as well - no grittiness.

I've made a few changes to my M&P15T's configuration and there's a few more to come. I'm very impressed with every Magpul product I've purchased to date! I recently added the enhanced butt pad to the CTR stock (mostly to add a little length with stock fully extended), a MIAD grip with AA battery core (certainly the most comfortable grip I tried to date), and a B.A.D. lever.

The B.A.D. together with the BCM/VLTOR Gunfighter charging handle make a big difference in operating the weapon as just about everything, including clearing a double feed, may be done without removing your hand from fire control.

I'm still trying to figure out what I prefer out on the rail for a grip. I have a Knights Armament VFG that I find more comfortable than most VFG's and it's very lightweight. The ergonomics of a VFG are less than entirely comfortable though, specifically for the wrist. I had the opportunity to handle an AR with a Magpul AFG mounted. The position on the lower rail wasn't ideal for me but the ergonomics are a definite improvement over a standard VFG so I ordered one. If the AFG doesn't work out I'll likely go back to the vertical grip in a forward enough position to limit the wrist angle. I'm currently using the rail forend w/ ladder covers as a standard stock and I'm thinking this might also be preferable to a VFG.

I have a couple of VLTOR Scout light mounts, one offset, one standard low profile. Current light placement (pictured below) works well using the quad rail forend as a standard stock. Same arrangement on the other side of the rail works well for use with a VFG. This will likely have to change for use with the AFG - likely best without the offset. The light is a Streamlight PolyTac LED - extremely light, rugged, and 130 lumens for 3 hours continuous

The sling is something I've been fumbling with for a while trying to figure out what works well for me. I have a Blackhawk V-TAC quick adjust sling, a low profile Troy QD swivel mounton the left side rail closest to the receiver, and a Tango Down PR-4 QD swivel mount just behind the castle nut on the buffer tube. With this setup I can use it as either a 2-point configuration between the rail and the PR-4 or move both swivels to either side of the PR-4 and use it as a (quasi) single-point sling. Both work very well!

After experimenting with short range optics / RDS' I've found that the Eotech HWS seem to work best with my eyes. I much prefer the sight picture and find the reticle preferable to a single dot. I also like the absolute co-witness more than a lower 1/3rd. I ordered an Eotech 512 today and I'm definitely looking forward to my next trip to the range.

The current configuration is fairly light and very simple. The addition of an AFG and Eotech is about as far as I want to go with this rifle. I have a Harris 6-9" bipod and a 4.5-14X scope on quick mounts for long range shooting. The scope/mount has maintained zero with removal and remounting nearly a dozen times so far. Most of my shooting is at a distance of 100 yards or less and with iron sights or a RDS though.

Aside from what is visible the only other mod worth noting is the addition of a Spikes ST-T2 buffer. Cycling is smoother and recoil impulse is slightly reduced. Definitely worth the $30 I paid for it.





I'm going to be building / assembling (haven't decided completely yet) a second AR later this year using BCM as a supplier. I'm trying to decide what the focus of that weapon will be before I start ordering.

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M&P15T M&P9 M&P9c SW1911 4506

Great write-up, Deaj. That is a fine looking rifle you have.

I am on the prowl for a M&P 15T. Cannot wait to add this baby to my collection.

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-Andy

Thanks Andy!

After comparing the Magpul AFG and Knights VFG to the ladder covered rails I think I prefer using the rails as a foregrip - just used to a plain horizontal forend stock I guess.

I received my Eotech 512 today. I'd love to get out and shoot with it but it'll be another week or two before time allows.

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M&P15T M&P9 M&P9c SW1911 4506

X2 - nice write-up. Your rifle is looking nice. I put an EOTech XPS2 on my FNH shotgun earlier this year. Have really enjoyed it. I picked up a M&P 15OR earlier this year. For the time being, I have a Millet 1-4x optic on it. Have also enjoyed shooting it.

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Stu

Thanks Stu!

How do you like the Millet? I was thinking about a 3x or 4x magnifier on a flip-to-side mount to use with the Eotech but, to be honest, that kind of money will buy a decent 1-4x. I have a Primary Arms 1.5-4x scope mounted on my sons Ruger 10/22 (used it on the 15T for a short while but the lack of true 1x ended that quickly).

I was thinking a GRSC CSR 1-4x on a QD mount as a 3rd alternative to the Eotech and the 14x scope:
Combat Rifle Scope

The few reviews have been posted around the net have been very positive. I like the reticle!

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M&P15T M&P9 M&P9c SW1911 4506

Deaj,

The Millet isn't too bad. The glass is good enough. I've shot better, but not at the price of the Millet.

Overall, I wish it were a little shorter and lighter, as it comes in at 18 oz and a length of 11.8". I've read some reviews and have seen the weight listed in the "Pro" column vs. the "Con" column so I guess it is all about personal preference.

I have it mounted in a Burris PEPR mount which quite works well. It allows me to move the optic forward enough to get the eye relief with the cheek weld position I prefer.

I've been drooling over an ACOG. My range buddy has one on his AR and really likes it. I've resisted the temptation to run a mag or two through it....afraid I just might have to get one.

Here is the DMS-1 on my M&P15....

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Stu

Very nice Stu! I can't remember what the PA 1.5-4x weighs but I do remember the carbine being less agile or 'flickable' with it mounted. The Eotech weighs in just over 11 ounces and it's close to the rail so it feels light enough. The addition of a magnifier on a flip-to-side mount would push the Eotech system weight past 22 ounces so a true 1-4x variable scope is a lightweight and more flexible solution by comparison. I'm definitely considering one and I would like to keep the whole thing (scope and mount) below $500. The Millet is on my list to check out.

I hear you regarding putting any time behind the ACOG - that could very well cause money to unintentionally leap out of ones pocket and into a Trijicon dealers hands. This could have a negative impact one ones budget.

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M&P15T M&P9 M&P9c SW1911 4506

Yeah....but an ACOG. Those things look uber fast just sitting on the rail.

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Stu

That they do!

I took a look at a Trijicon 1-4x scope with a green tritium triangle reticle the other day. The reticle in this scope wasn't necessarily my thing but the tritium illumination works really well! The glass was very clear (as one would expect). I haven't looked closely at the ACOG's because I don't need one but I suspect I'll WANT one if I find one that would work well for me.

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M&P15T M&P9 M&P9c SW1911 4506