I was out shooting my M&P 15 sport again yesterday and I noticed after each shot some smoke would come up out of it around the area of the charging handle. Is this normal? It's not a big deal except I tend to have my face pretty far up on the rifle and my nose is right there. So as I'm shooting I'm literally inhaling the smoke (gas?).

I also forgot my ear plugs (again). I must say it is pretty loud and after 200 rounds of 5.56 and 150 rounds out of my glock 19 my ears were ringing.

Not to try and tell you what to do . But I wish I could take back the times I did not use hearing protection . It sucks when the most used phrase I use is WHAT DID YOU SAY? Be safe

Since the gas tube opens up right there in the upper when the bolt is cycling, yes you can get smoke coming out of the charging handle area.

No need to tell me. I already know. I have 25% hearing loss in my left ear (I'm a right handed shooter). In my younger days I/we never wore earplugs and my livelihood back then had me exposed to extremely loud music nightly.

Is there lead in the smoke?

There shouldn't be unless you are shooting cast bullets. Everything I've seen for 5.56 and .223 is jacketed.

Even if there is leas you have to take a high amount of lead for adverse effects

If you're concerned about lead exposure, have your physician order a blood test focusing on heavy metals.

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-John