I've been going around and around the past few weeks weighing the pluses and minuses (and cost) of a variety of rifles, primarily S&W but also SIG and a few others.

After driving myself near crazy I finally decided that the TS was pretty much what I was looking for. Lightweight, maneuverable and not overly busy.

I saw it for sale online and the LE price made it too hard to pass up. (It's primarily intended for home defense and "plinking". I am not a collector and hope to fend off traveling down that slippery slope.)

Hopefully the order will be processed tomorrow and on the way to my FFL in the next few days.

Was hoping that some of you who may have this model might chime in with advice or recommendations that you feel might be helpful.

The only purchases I have made (thus far) are some Squid Grips which I saw recommended here on the forum as well as a few boxes of Hornady "training" and "duty" ammo to get started with. (Hornady 55gr / .223 )

It's been an S&W holiday season for me. I picked up a 3" 686+ a few weeks ago. (My first S&W revolver since I sold my model 36 back in the early 90's. Have always wanted a .357 since my old training days at FLETC with a Model 19 many moons ago.)

Anyway, thanks in advance for any tips or recommendations you might offer.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

Congrats! I don't own that model, but I do have some suggestions.

1. Check out the cleaning thread in the forum stickies. I still advocate the tools listed there with the exception of the Talon Tactical Lug Scraper.

2. Find a solvent and lube and stick with it. Don't get dragged down that rabbit hole. Hoppes No.9 and Mobil1 Synthetic are what I use now. Stupid. Simple. Effective.

3. Find a decent case. There are lots of them. I tend to lean toward the more discrete cases that do not broadcast their contents.

4. Magazines. Buy more mags now. My go to mags are Magpul P-Mags or GI Aluminum mags with MagPul followers.

5. Practice ammo. Buy a case of Wolf Gold .223.

Go to the range before changing out anything else. IMO, you made a good choice stepping up to the TS. It already comes factory equipped with most of the things that people upgrade on a rifle with mil-spec pattern furniture. After some trigger time, usually people debate:

1. Red Dot or Scope. Determine what you need out of your rifle. If you are shooting beyond 100 yards, a scope is what you need. If you are shooting within 100 yards, a quality red dot (AimPoint / Trijicon) will do the trick.

2. Trigger. If you don't like the mil-spec combat trigger, step up to a nice two stage. On the less expensive end, a good Rock River National Match or Varmint 2-stage trigger works well. On the premium end, Geissele makes one heck of a nice trigger. I've had time on both.

3. Sling. You'll see the single point sling setups. They are nice for quick shoulder transitions, but they carry a hidden danger. They turn a rifle into a nut busting pendulum. I advocate a good two-point sling.

Have fun. Welcome aboard.

__________________
-John

Thank you, John. Appreciate both the input and the welcome.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

I still have a model 19. I bought in the seventies. Great gun. Something that will get passed down someday.

Welcome blues7. I trained at FLETC the first time in 1980. I'm sure we used Smith revolvers, but I don't remember what model. I do know that by 1988 we were carrying the CS-1. Wish I had mine back!

Hope you enjoy your M&P 15.

I distinctly recall qualifying with the Model 19 with 2 1/2" barrel at FLETC in 1983.

I was working in Miami in 1988 when the CET Team members were issued the CS-1 though one of the members would only carry his Browning Hi-Power.

If I recall correctly, I was issued a stainless S&W .357 when I first transferred from NYC to the SAC/Miami office in 1987. About a year, year and a half later I was carrying a Glock 19 that I had purchased. A few years later the agency converted all of the agents over to them. (They had issued us S&W 6906s before transitioning over to Glocks.)

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

Congrats on the new rifle, I've always loved the TS, it's set up terrifically right from the box.

Let us know how she shoots.

__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642

Thanks guys.

As mentioned, I'd already ordered the Squid Grips and some Hornady training and duty ammo just to get me started.

I forgot to mention that I also had ordered a Boresnake Viper in the appropriate caliber prior to posting this thread.

Per John's recommendation above, I placed an order for 500 rounds of the Wolf Gold ammo online as well as a couple of extra PMAGs.

I'll hold off on the sling for the time being until I know what I want down the road. I have a tactical sling from Blackhawk on my shotgun (870) which I had purchased before I retired from the job. (I forget the model but it allows quite a bit of user adjustment and preference.) I used something similar when I was on SRT.

As for a case, I'll find something suitable on amazon or elsewhere. We don't have to worry too much about the case being obvious as we live in semi-rural western NC in the Blue Ridge Mtns. Everyone here has firearms and we usually hear one or more of the neighbors shooting as a pretty much daily event. (My neighbor's property is where he and I do most of our practicing as its set up well for safe shooting.)

I do appreciate the suggestions and discussion so please feel free to keep it coming...and my thanks, again.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

Well, the dealer has sent me an email stating that the TS has been sent to the shipping dept.
Now we'll see how soon it actually ships and gets to the FFL. When I ordered the 686+ from the same dealer, I ordered on the Monday before Christmas and the FFL had it on Wednesday. I'd be very pleased but quite surprised if that is the case again on this order.

Speaking of cases...

This case looks like it might work since the collapsed size of the TS is 31".

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

I bet the anticipation is killing you.

Word of advice. That 500 rounds will disappear in no time, consider 1000 at a pop when you buy (if you can), that's how I always order. You can never have too much ammo and it seems to disappear quickly on the range.

__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642

I'd have gone with 1,000 rounds but with the outlay for the rifle and peripherals I thought I'd rein my jets in just a hair.

Well, that and the fact that I was afraid I'd jinx myself by making all the upfront purchases only to have the dealer tell me that due to some computer error the TS was not actually available in their inventory.

Don't worry though, you enablers will still have your way with me.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

I have that same Blackhawk case for my M&P15. Works great and it's well made for the money (abut $35).

Good to know, Gaucho. Muchas gracias.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

You know... custom fit some foam + a soft guitar case and you'd have one heck of a discrete AR-15 case. I could carry a rifle around in that and no one would look twice.

__________________
-John

Or you can do what Grjfer did and use a bag for baseball equipment.. Man, y'all make me feel stupid for never thinking about this stuff.. Then again, I've never had the need to be discrete about carrying my firearms (asides from CCing my handgun).

This. I guess if you lived in the country though and wanted the rifle in your truck most of the time, I guess a soft guitar case or sport bag would be helpful.

__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642

See now, as a former city boy living in the country for the past 12 years, (as well as a cynical retired fed), I think a guitar case would only invite someone to smash your vehicle's windows thus ending up with your rifle.

I think if I were leaving my rifle in a vehicle I'd just cover it with an old blanket, tarp or something that wouldn't raise interest of any sort.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

Hey did someone mention discreet bags? The bag works great for its intended use. I collapse the stock and can still tose in 5 or 6 mags.

__________________
M&P9/9C/Shieldx2/Sportx2/15-22

I can see some light at the end of the tunnel...I logged into the dealer site and obtained a tracking number...pardon me while I hyperventilate...

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

i also have a 15TS. Very reliable and accurate with FGMM or tailored ammo. 5 shoot 100 yard groups run around 1moa most well under that. What made a big difference in my groups was changing the stock trigger for a Geissele SSA-E. I'd also suggest getting some decent ladder type rail guards and a decent scope. I have a Bushnell FFP Tactical Elite 3.5-21X50 G2 DMR scope on mine.

Thanks for the info, Sam. Prescott...it was on my (very) short list of places to move to after leaving government service. It's a beautiful area.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

I really like the configuration of the TS. Great choice.

Thanks, Phil.

I can tell you I went back and forth quite a bit.
I had seriously considered the Magpul MOE mid-length model for some time as it seemed to be pretty feature rich. Of course, the new Sport II version provided the opportunity to save some serious coin (if one would leave it stock).

I also considered whether to hold off and choose a piston driven model (such as the SIG 516).

In the end, I think I made a good choice given the specs and features on the TS. I wanted something light and maneuverable for (unplanned) tactical situations that would also be enjoyable to practice with.

At first I wondered whether I was overpaying for my needs but since I don't want to collect a number of rifles I wanted to get a good one first time out.

It's good to hear the positive responses.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

Good choice...

If the availability of a TS was around when I got my second T, I would have went for it. But I was impatient (I don't like to 'order' things) and in the recent environment even the T models are hard to find. I had to go to two different stores before I found one, which was the last one available.

I think buying the rifle that well suits your wants and needs is the way to go from the start. Besides, if you're gong to learn the platform and practice much the initial cost of the rifle is rather insignificant. And so what if you drop over a grand on just the rifle. If ya want an Aimpoint that'll be $700. A nice trigger will be $250. A couple thousand rounds will remove another $600 or more out of the wallet. Buying an AR to save money don't work.

Ain't it the truth, Phil.

BTW, looks like UPS expects to deliver the TS to the FFL tomorrow.
If he has an opportunity to log everything in maybe I'll be able to pick it up...or worst case by Saturday.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

Are there any particular issues I should be looking for when inspecting the firearm at the FFL before accepting transfer?

I'm fine with pistols, revolvers and shotguns but my familiarity with the AR platform is much more limited.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

Other than doing a full function check, there isn't much different from any other firearm.

Congrats and welcome!

Only thing I can think to add is you may want to clean it before you fire it. When I got mine the chamber and barrel were soaked with oil.

Took your advice and placed an order for another 500 rounds a couple days ago. Should be good to go for a while now.

Looks like the TS is on the UPS truck for delivery. Called the FFL and he said I could come by and pick it up later today.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

THe best decision I ever made was to move from the east coast to Prescott 20 years ago. Great climate very short winter and summer temps rarely get into the 90's but with very low humidity except during the monsoon season.

Good luck with your 15TS. You should really consider replacing the trigger with a Geissele trigger

Picked up the TS today and she appears to be a honey. (The proof will be in the "pulling" but it looks and feels like a winner.)

Even got the Blackhawk case and the first half of my Wolf Gold order. I love it when a plan comes together.

Only issue was the Magpul front sight tool was missing. However, a quick call to Magpul customer service resulted in the promise of one being sent out gratis.

All in all a great day. Now, can somebody make the rain go away?

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

And that's how you know you're on the slippery slope my friend.

Having 100 rounds on hand used to give me the warm fuzzies. Then it was 500. I bought my first case, and thought I would be set for a while. Then another case... and another....

(counting the number of rounds on hand)

Election year. I may buy just one firearm this year but I'm more inclined to shore up my ammo reserves.

__________________
-John

When I was still working, I pretty much had access to as much ammo as I needed. But I must admit that since retiring from the job and until recently, I hadn't given much thought to stockpiling ammo for my (relatively few by the standards hereabouts) firearms.

I'm more familiar than I care to admit with slippery slopes...primarily in the area of custom knives...but that's fodder for another forum.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

That's what I'm doing, more ammo. Can I ask how much you plan to stockpile? I was thinking 5k was my target.

__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642

I'm not there yet, (since I haven't even cleaned, let alone fired the TS), but for a rifle with this configuration, it seems that the simplest sling setup would be single point attachment. (Fully cognizant of the potential "falsetto" drawbacks thereof.)

For someone who is not interested in removing the castle nut and wants to keep installation and setup as simple as humanly possible, (but good quality), what would you guys recommend looking at?

The sling is going to be used primarily to keep my rifle out of the mud while my buddy and I trudge back and forth setting up and evaluating targets. (It can rain a lot hereabouts, so mud is always a consideration and I am loathe to rest my rifle in, on or around it.)

As always, I appreciate your suggestions.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

There's a ton of different slings to chose from.

I use a Magpul MS4. 2 point and single point. IWC endplate for single point attachment.
I never use single point.

What's another $100, right?

Front & rear 2 point.





Single point

Thanks, Phil. It's good to get some ideas about slings and attachment points. (I hadn't thought about using the top rail. You can tell I've never had occasion to use rails on my firearms before. The TS only comes with two small rail sections for the Troy handguard and I was planning to use one for a light at some point.)

On another note...

Just finished field stripping and cleaning the TS for the first time. The front takedown pin was a bear, I had to tap it part way out.

I took the BCG apart and cleaned it. (I didn't remove the extractor, however.) Cleaned and wiped the buffer / spring. Ran an Otis cable and patch down the barrel after spraying with G96. Then followed up with a Boresnake Viper for a couple of runs. (I will admit to being a bit terrified of using the Boresnake Viper for fear of the dreaded cord snap. Do folks generally feel comfortable with these?)

Got everything back together without any drama (and passed the function test) so now I'll look forward to getting her outside for some fun when my friend's schedule and the weather allow.

Hope you guys will keep the good suggestions coming.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

High quality lube makes a difference. I use Wilson Combat lube to keep those tight pins working. Using stuff like Rem oil doesn't do jack. Looking at this photo, appears that I got a bit around the front pin too.

For cartridges I shoot most often, the amount I keep on hand will support at minimum 1.5 years at my normal rate of ammo consumption. This enables me to ride out supply/demand imbalances and the period of time it takes for prices to stabilize. My primary cartridge calibers are 9mm and 5.56x45.

5.56 is currently hovering at about 4,000 factory rounds and 1,000 of my reloads (made before I ceased reloading). 9mm is currently hovering at near 7,000 factory rounds and 700 of my reloads. For non primary cartridges, I keep 1,000 rounds on hand: 40 S&W, 7.62x39. The only cartridge I haven't been able to replenish is .22lr . It's still relatively scarce, and prices are higher than I am comfortable with.

I used to support more calibers: .22WMR, .380 ACP, 38 Special, .357 Magnum, 10mm Auto, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, 7.62x54r, .308 WIN. Shotgun Shells: .410 & 12ga. Last year I purged and simplified to what I have now. It makes ammo management and budget allocation much easier.

__________________
-John

I never worry about it because I inspect my Boresnake both before I use it and when I wash it out when it gets dirty. If it looks like it's fraying, time to get a new one.

Tips:

1. Get a separate bucket to clean your Boresnake. No sense contaminating a washing machine, kitchen sink, or bathroom sink.

2. If you're using a Boresnake, you can skip the Otis flexible rod and save some time. Spray some Breakfree CLP on the Boresnake immediately before and after the integrated bristles. Pull through the bore three times, and you're done.

__________________
-John

Wow, 7k+ of 9mm is awesome. So my .223 stockpile wish of 5k is in the ballpark, thanks.

__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642

Keep in mind that I built up to my current level over a few years. I didn't clear out shelves at retail stores. It started small. I'd buy 150 rounds: 100 to shoot; 50 to stash away. Then I did the math and realized I'd save more in the long run by buying by the case. When I was down to 250 rounds, I'd order a case. I'm at the point where I'm good. I only buy to replenish my pantry. I only buy when I can get a decent price.

The ammo stash I described are FMJ's for rifle and pistol. Premium rounds are kept at a lower level because they're shot less often. I have about 300 rounds of 9mm JHP for defensive carry and about 200 Hornady .223 on hand for when I'm chasing the accuracy & precision demon.

__________________
-John

I think the missus would banish me (or worse) if I had ever even considered putting a Boresnake in her washing machine.

Buckets are no problem nor is doing it outside and then dumping the swill in our septic drain field. I don't really want to put the chemical residue into the septic tank itself.

The reason I used the Otis flexible rod instead of the Boresnake on the first run was because I didn't want any potential grease or preservative used by S&W before shipping tainting the snake on its maiden run. I figured a patch would be easier to sacrifice. Next time I'll start out with the Boresnake. (Which I CLP'd before the brushes and also on the tail end.)

I only purchased the Otis kit recently when I realized I had plenty of supplies and tools for my pistol / revolver and 12 ga. shotgun kits but nothing specifically appropriate for a .223 or 5.56. The Otis kit seems a nice addition and I can use some of the tools with my other firearms. (It's gonna take me a little while to get used to folding the patch their way, however. )

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

Understood, still it's impressive that you had the insight. I need to keep working on my inventory.

__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642

Just added a Streamlight TLR-1 HL (800 Lumens) to the 3 o'clock position of the TS. (Installed with one of the 2" Troy rail sections included with the rifle.)

Front of the light lines up with the leading edge of the TRX Extreme handguard.












Impressive light in a 4 ounce package and easy to manipulate with the weak hand index finger since the handguard is relatively svelte.

Decided to go with the 3 o'clock position in order to:

1. Avoid potential interference with the sling (I intend to mount in the coming week).

2. Keep my head from lining up directly behind the light.

3. Maintain a more complete field of view for my left (non-dominant) eye.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS

With thanks to ChattanoogaPhil for both his time and advice on slings and attachments, I followed his lead and connected a Magpul MS4 QD sling to the TS today. I mounted three QD "cups" on the TS:

An IWC adapter on the Magpul stock.
A Midwest Industries adapter over the castle nut.
A Magpul adapter on the rail.

This allows me to use the sling as a single or two point sling in a variety of configurations.







Also got around to applying some purple loctite to the screws holding the 2" Troy rail section in place as I've decided that I like that placement for the Streamlight.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS