After reading reviews and looking at multiple AR type rifles I have decided on the M&P 15 Sport ll. I am going to put optics on the rifle. My question is should I buy the optics ready model or the iron sights version. I was told by an owner that if I was going to install optics. I should go with the optics ready model. His opinion was that the front sight was a problem when installing optics and too difficult to remove.
I would appreciate you opinions and your experience.

Thanks,
Jim

I've got optics on my Sport II, and have no issue with the front sight. With a scope mounted, the front sight isn't visible. If I mount a red dot in place of the scope, the front sight is visible, but not a distraction.

One plus of the stock sight setup, is that if either the scope or red dot fails, I still have a usable sight setup. On the OR version, to have backup sights you have to purchase them. Although in that case they would be fold down sights.

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Peace was my Profession

I bought the optics ready version, as I didn't want the front sight post in the way, with a low power scope. I installed a Vortex Spitfire 3X prism scope. It has an etched reticle, so if the battery fails, you can still use it with a black reticle. I don't even turn on the light, most of the time.

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NRA R.S.O. & Life Member

I agree with with Westie1, I have the fixed front sight and with a scope it’s not even a ghost in the optic. I also use a red dot and co-witness with the stock sights. No problems here.


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If the gun is going to be used for recreational range use only, and you know you are going to use optics with no desire to use iron sights, get an optic ready model.

If it is going to be used for competitions or hunting where a failed optic means the end of the activity and loss of money spent, you may wish you had iron sights, either backups or fixed.

If it is for LE use, strongly recommend iron sights, but your department should have guidelines on what they allow.

Long story short, depends on how you intend to use the rifle.

Mine was "Optics Ready", with no distractions out front. First installed Magpul BUIS, then late an EOTech dot that co-witnesses with the backup sights. The dot sits atop the front post so it's easy to tell if either sight has lost it's Zero.

That front post sight is from the 1960's...to me it's ugly and not optics friendly.....just my $0.02.

On the other hand, it's about as bullet proof a sight as possible.

I run a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6 w/ etched reticle too on an optics ready. No need for buis for me either.

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Improvise, Adapt, Overcome

If running a magnified optic (1x or greater) I don't want a fixed front sight in the way. It may fade out at higher power, but it's still there. If the scope has hold over marks, the front sight renders them useless.

If running an RDS or holo sight (0x), a front sight is ok if using 1/3 lower co witness mount which puts the dot or reticle above the front sight when centered in the optic. But I prefer an absolute co witness mount for an RDS and no front sight. I like having a field of view that's as uncluttered as possible.

That's what I run on the AR I assembled for accuracy. On the M&P Sport II, I run the Primary Arms Advanced micro dot with 50,000 hours battery life. I use it for home defense.

If you think the front sight will bother you get the OR or other rifle configuration absent the A2 front sight. You can easily toss a set of sights on the OR if you find the need. Removing an A2 front sight is more of a project unless you hacksaw it off.

You didn't mention what type of optic, but here's a general idea of what you can expect from a variable magnification optic. Front sight visible at 1x to invisible at 4x. There will be grades of ghosting in-between.

1x


4x

I'd go with the OR, it just gives you infinitely more possibilities for optics and sights.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

I just like to go with the Mag-Pul flip up backup sights.............my primary sights are a Aimpoint PRO red dot or a 1-4x20 Leupold scope.

I want to thank everyone for your opinions and experience with the sights.

Jim

Just installed this on my sport, as you can see I've done major modifications; magpul hand-guard and vertical grip. A Bushnell 1-4x24, at the 1 power setting I can see the front sight but it isn't an issue, at the 4 power setting I don't see front sight

Good one...

At least you saw the humor as it was meant to be.

Had the same thoughts when I was looking to buy my AR 15 and decided on a Tactical Model ready for what ever optics I decided on .. or any other attachment .. Have been very happy with my decision ..

while others would rather rebuild there's I didn't want to have to remove anything to add something else .. and since I was buying new why not get it just the way you want .. felt taking something off of it and that part being throw in your junk box just seemed like a waste of money to me ..

So far a red dot has worked well for what I am shooting .. I had coy-dogs coming in trying to take my GSD .. one of the reason for buying .. and since I got it haven't seen a coyote on my 5 acers .. though the neighbors saw one take one of their free roaming chickens .. and I have heard them at night when walking my GSD for the last time each day ..

Good luck !! They are a lot of fun to shoot .. and mine was accurate out of the box ..

What's so funny. He did have to pull back on that delta ring to replace the handguard, that's pretty major in my book. A few more minor steps and he could have replaced the whole gas block too....but that's really minor compared to the delta ring pulling.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

Well I bought the M&P 15 with the sights. I wanted to wait awhile on the optics and I knew I would want to go to the range right away. I think I got a pretty good deal, I got the rifle, S&W duty series case and a Caldwell Mag Charger for $529 delivered.
Starting to look at optics and a few upgrades now. Christmas list is getting long.

Whether or not you want a front sight post is really about how you intend to use the rifle. For maximum flexibility you did right to go with a front sight. I have them on both of my AR's and I have red dots on both. The front sight is not only not a problem it can be a big benefit if things go wrong with your sight (dead battery or messed up electronics etc). If I wanted a rifle for strictly range work I'd probably but another rifle to be honest. Actually I did buy another rifle for that. You can make an AR shoot pretty darn well but it costs more than getting a bolt action to shoot just as well if not better. But there are those that really want an accurate as heck AR. I think my Sport is pretty darn accurate for what it is but it can't compare with my bolt action .223. I've never shot an AR that did compare to it including AR-10's at 500 yards. I know there are some. I just have never seen one and they would likely be pretty expensive.

Put a Sparc II on mine. Decently priced, especially when I bought it from Gander Mountain at 35% off. Shoots pretty well at 50 yards with it. No magnification. Does what it's intended to do.

I have the sights on mine . I mounted a scope and the front sight doesn't interfere at all.

The front sight doesn't affect the sight picture above 3x power as it disappears.

I posted the original posting in 2017. Since that time I have only changed the forward hand guard to a Magpul and bought a TRUGLO scope. I actually bought the scope for my 10-22 but thought I try it on the M&P. It worked well and I had some 3 inch groups at 100 yds (good for an old guy). Anyway I started to have a problem with the M&P 15. It would not cycle Wolf steel ammo. Not a big problem because I mainly shoot Federal brass. My concern was that the gun would fail to load the brass ammo about every 8 to 10 rounds. On two occasions it failed to fire even when putting "hits" on the primer of two brass bullets. I changed mags, tried steel mags and nothing helped. I ran it wet and dry and checked the bolt gas rings and action spring. I contacted S&W and was advised to send the rifle to them for inspection. I want to say they were very customer friendly and I received a return label quickly. I sent the rifle to them this morning. I'm hoping it won't take to long to get the rifle back and all the issues will be resolved. Anyone have an idea on the turnaround time?

It's been a while, but when I sent my 15/22 back, IIRC it was two weeks.

Thanks, I'm the Texas and our range is almost under water. So I guess I'm in no hurry.

Please Let us know what they tell you.

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

I received a email from S&W customer service that my rifle had been received and was being processed. I was given a contact number and a RMA if I needed to contact them for additional information. More great customer service in my opinion.

I got my rifle back today, should have been yesterday but FedEx
screwed up. Anyway the rifle looks brand new. I received some paper work however there is nothing listed as being a problem. So I really don't know what S&W did. The firing pin looks new but the bolt looks like my original. I not going to be able to go to the range until Monday to see how everything operates. I'll post and when I find I see how it runs.

I braved the rain and went to the range yesterday. I loaded both steel and brass cased ammo and everyone of them shot with ease. I don't know what S&W did but whatever it was it fixed the problem.

Still love the M&P 15. Scope is doing well and I got a Christmas deal on a RISE Armament drop in trigger 3.5lb pull. Notice I still have the fixed sights, they don't create a problem and they are there if I need them.

Attached Images

AR picture.jpg (56.1 KB, 36 views)

The OP is very happy with his setup, so for someone doing their research for a rifle purchase, I'll toss this in:
When I was doing my comparison, 'optics ready' rifles with no sights on the gun were a turnoff for me, since I couldn't shoot them until coughing up for said optic, which is in itself an expensive item. With my Sport 2 and its fixed front sight & Magpul back-up installed, I could go right to the range and do FREEDOM!!!

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Registration? NEVER!