I currently have a new 811000 M&P 15 with carry handle that I've fired less than 10 times. Before I get into modifying it heavily what advantages/disadvantges would I have in selling it and getting an 811041, the M&P 15T? My goal is to eventually swap the gas block for a low profile, get a free float rail, and flip up sights. It seems like the 15T already has all this. This gun will primarily be used for recreational shooting, hog hunting, and coyote hunting.

I think you'd be on the losing end of this if you were to sell your M&P and buy a new T. The big difference is the barrel since the T comes with the 1:8 5R. If you don't care about that, then I would just shave down your front sight post, add a free float rail of your choice and pick some backup sights. You can get it very close to a T for pretty cheap.

I'd read that the 1:8 5R barrel seemed to be a more accurate barrel. Is this not the case?

Probably. I have an OR and my 1:9 is accurate enough for me. I'm shooting about 2MOA with it.That's mag rested and not trying that hard with XM193. I doubt I would personally get much more out of the 1:8.

This is what I know (which isn't much) about my new 15T's 5R barrel.

The barrel is stamped 5.56, NATO, 1/8 5R.

Barrel is finished in Melonite, inside and outside, no chrome barrel bore liner, no anodizing on the barrel exterior.

Everyone has their own opinion about improved accuracy, so draw your own conclusions.

That's it and I told you I din't know much!

The 15T's aren't advertised as 5.56/.223 on S&W website, too.

It sez, 5.56 mm NATO. Several other model's advertising specs say that, too.

Some say 5.56 NATO/.223.

If the barrel is stamped 5.56 then it can handle 5.56 and.223. If it's stamped .223, then it can only handle .223 and not 5.56

That/THIS IS correct AND the barrel of choice. 1:8 5R that you DO want. It was what everyone was after when they (S&W), made the switch to 1:9 last Jan. If you found one,GET IT !!!

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Exactly what he said!