Just purchased my first m&p15 sport, also my first ar. Looking to do some cosmetic improvements. Specifically a quad rail (under $80) and multi-position stock. I want to add some color like dark earth.

Anyone know of any inexpensive (not cheap) quad rails?

Also, do I need a riser to make a low profile red dot sight come above the front sight?

Welcome to the forum, you'll find a ton of information and bunch of great folks here. Congrats on the Sport, probably one of the best first ARs on the market.

As for furniture, stocks, grips, and the like, Magpul is a great option. When it comes to Quad rails, there are a number things you have to consider. Do you want one that just replaces the stock hand guards, one that free floats the barrel, do you plan on attaching a bunch of stuff on it, or just like the look?

Concerning red dots, you don't want the red dot above the front sight. When you find one you like, you should be able to get the correct mount to go with it that will give you either a lower 1/3 or absolute co-witness. In other words, when you look through your iron sights, the dot will appear on the tip of the front sight pin, thus matching the iron sights and the red dot together. Once they're zeroed, you can fold the rear sight down and shoot with the dot only.

Be careful when you start adding things to your rifle, it becomes an addiction.

Here's an example.
Started like this.



turned into this



Ended up like this.



Good Luck and good shooting.

__________________
SFC, US Army, Retired

I jokingly rib UTG, but the do make a decent 2-piece carbine length quad rail that is affordable.

http://www.leapers.com/prod_detail.p...MTU001&status=

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/570...ck-rail-guards

I used to run something similar to the UTG.

__________________
-John

I'd also like to welcome you to the sub-forum! Congrats on joining the 15-Sport fanatics.

__________________
-John

I got utg quad rail, install is quick and works fine on my sport. You could attach bunch of cra. on it One minus - rifle is not as light anymore. Also getting something more expensive on $700 rifle as mine is not reasonable to me, utg does job well. It is aluminum made and made in US which is main factor to me. Welcome and congrats on great rifle!

__________________
Guns ...

Cheap will usually get you similar results

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

If you really keep your eyes open and look around, you can find a ultra quality drop in rail for just a bit over your budget. The Knights Armament m4 RAS quad rail can be found in the $100 range and it's a top quality rail system. If you get the entire kit it comes with rail covers and a VFG. Look around (GB, Ebay etc), I got mine used (but looked new) off Gunbroker for $110 shipped. Very good deal IMO.

__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642

Have ya shot it yet?

Also, I don't get it. Your moniker is "monochrome", but you want to add some color?

Check out the MI K17 (keymod) drop in rail which simply replaces your current hand guard.

If you're going to change out your forearm, why not go free float? Yes, it'll cost more than $80, but the UTG Pro Slim line is a really nice unit. Made in the US and quite solid. And, if you're going to put anything on the forearm, the free float part will help maintain accuracy.

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

This would be a good move, They have a very nice free float rail that is probably the best bang for the buck out their. Very sturdy, lightweight, and economical. Love mine, not a big fan of keymod, don't see it doing anything better than a picatinny rail system.

Attached Images

	100_2674 (Medium).jpg (103.6 KB, 58 views)
	100_2676 (Medium).jpg (117.0 KB, 63 views)

For a slim quality quad rail try Damage Industry. Only a few bucks over your budget but a nice rail.

Thank you all for the great info!

I'll be adding accessories one by one and I'll post progress. One more question though.

What is the difference to drop in vs free float? I want to add a grip pod, and a light with covers on unused rail. Which rail will do the job?

That is more a reference to the way I view things. The way I see it, everything is black and white, right or wrong, it is or it isn't. In a world of no absolutes, everything is absolute.

I'll be taking it to the range Friday for my first go. Just punching paper until I get a good feel for it.

Drop in means that no modifications are needed to install the handguards. Free float means that the handguard does not contact the barrel. There are some two piece drop in handguards that can free float the barrel, but most do not. There are a plethora of one piece free float handguards on the market, but they may not just drop in.

__________________
-John

Unless you already have done so, don't forget budgeting a cleaning kit into your plans.

__________________
AKA: "Strange Tamer"

Besides the installation and fitting difference, free float rails are known to allow better accuracy because your front hand nor any of your added accessories are touching the barrel. However, this increased accuracy may not be all that useful by most weekend warriors or those that don't shoot longer distances.

__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642

There are many options and styles to choose from. Here's a UTG Pro that replaces the original hand guards and has screws to hold the halves together. The down side to quad rails is they add weight as do all the goodies you may attach.



The hand guard here is a Magpul MOE. It also replaces the original hand guards, but comes with the ability to attach rail sections where you want them, everything you need, nothing you don't.



This is a Troy Alpha battle rail. By replacing the standard front sight with a low profile gas block and removing the Delta ring and spring, this free floats the barrel. It also provides the ability to attach rails only where you need them. Free floating the barrel also allows you to put longer hand guards on your rifle.



There are many, many other brands and styles to choose from, it's just a matter of finding what you want. Cruise the picture thread, as just about every option known can be viewed there. Shoot your rifle for a while and get a feel for what you need, then what you want.

Good Luck and shooting.

__________________
SFC, US Army, Retired

Since it is your first AR hold off on buying bobbles for it. Buy lots and lots of ammo and learn your irons before worrying about hanging heavy **** on it. Master your irons and then see what you REALLY need. JMHO

I always advise to shoot a firearm as it is out of the box. The primary reason is to discover if there are any warrantable flaws or defects. It is an absolute pain to return a firearm back to OEM condition for warranty work.

__________________
-John

This is really good advice, but what fun is that?

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

I wish I had a nickel for every time I saw some guy trot out a fancy $2,500.00 AR-15 to my club's range, with every doo-dad known to exist in the free world (always an expensive free-float tube, too) and shoot nothing but Maggie's drawers.

I'm with some of these other guys. Shoot it first in it's stock configuration and get used to it. Put 500-600 rounds through it. You may actually like it just like it is.

Doo-dads don't make you shoot better, practice does.

Great advise,love your stuff, show off LOL... Any parts for sale? looks like you have some extra parts. let me know [email protected]

Your going to love this gun. Mines a week old, shot it last Saturday with just iron sights incredibly accurate. Going shooting tomorrow with daughter can't wait. Take it from Gunny4053 he's got it together. Great advise.

Nice clean setup. What rail is that?

This one: Leapers, Inc. - Hunting/Shooting, Sporting Goods and Security Gear



They come in several different lengths from 7" all the way to 15" and list for about $120, but can be found for less if you search around a little.

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

Sucking up will get you nowhere. (well, maybe it will) And yes, I like pics, and can be a show off. I don't suffer from Alzheimer's, but occasionally I do suffer from wisenheimers.

Actually, I like pictures a lot. A single picture sometimes explains something better than paragraphs of text, so if I go overboard, someone rein me in. You know how us OLD guys can be.

Dan Camaro, check your PMs in a bit.

__________________
SFC, US Army, Retired

There is one on armslist.com right now for $40. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...65788261,d.cWc

__________________
Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22