I've added a Houge pistol grip.
Vortex 1-6 strike eagle on a cantilever mount.
Fab Defense Pointing foregrip set.
I have a LaRue Tactical MBT-2S Trigger on intergalactic back order.
An ambidextrous safety.
Phase 5 15" low pro slope nose M-lok free float handguard/low profile gas block.
Warhammer mod 2 charge handle.
4.6oz H2 buffer,
A Tubbs flat wire buffer spring on order.
I'm leaning towards a .223 Wylde barrel and some form of muzzle brake, it has an unthreaded barrel now.
Anything else I should be looking at?

This is the most common improvement. lol

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Ambi charging handle and GI sling is all I have maybe Optics later. Ordered AR Stoner Crucial parts kit .

Sounds to me like you are all set.

What do all these extra things get you? I've found that the stock AR M4 is pretty good as-is.

For example, do you think a "flat wire" buffer spring is going to improve the stock one?

Are you competing with it? Is there a reason to upgrade the trigger? Soldiers bet their lives on the stock trigger and many times aftermarket fire control accessories can make the gun less reliable.

Handguards are cool but how much are you going to hang off it? Pretty soon a lightweight M4 can turn into a behemoth.

Most of the time these endless accessories in the AR market do nothing for you but make your wallet lighter.

2,000 rounds of ammo, 10 mags and some range time and instruction. Seriously WAY too many people attach a bunch of **** to their ARs because they read/watch too many so called experts and think the thing will not work unless they spend twice as much to add stuff to it.

Shoot the thing and then figure out what it's doing or not doing that you want it to do. Then spend money to make it do what you want.

Only you can decide what's right for your use.

I won't argue accessorizing, but many seem to assume that what they refer to as "upgrades" are improvements. Some may really be improvements. Many are only changes and may even be "downgrades".

I've found an AR will work very well out-of-the-box, sometimes with the addition of a very plain but good quality scope sight with a crosswire duplex reticle - nothing illuminated and no batteries needed. However, an AR with only the furnished aperture sight is often capable of surprising results.

The attraction to ARs for many purchasers appears to be in the endless modifications that can be done to these guns with accuracy and the development of good shooting skills very secondary. While I'm not a big fan of YouTube where even the least qualified can be an expert, there may be a limited amount of good information available there.

I'm not criticizing the newschoolers and upgraders, just suggesting they consider giving these guns a fair evaluation as they come from the box. They generally work pretty well as is. If, after a few hundred rounds using good ammunition and good shooter skills, a gun doesn't perform well, then some accessories might be worthwhile. It's important to remember that at sale or trade time, most people would prefer unmodified guns rather than those adorned with gadgetry.

Many handguards (especially going all-in on free-floating) reduce weight compared to the standard plastic M4 style, and we're well into the time of MLOK and other rail-sparing attachment systems to mount a light or whatever, which truly is a good call if there's any chance of defensive use.

As for the trigger, a better trigger is absolutely a fantastic upgrade for most ARs. Soldiers may bet their lives to it, but that does not mean it's anywhere near the best option, it's just one that's reliable, cheap, agreed upon at the time of contract, and offers a slightly less chance of discharge when someone who is likely not a "gun person" (remember, you're not just talking about hardcore grizzled bearded trigger puller, you're talking about cooks, clerks, payroll, drivers, etc.) does something stupid with one.

So far this is reminding me of when I was 16 and I bought a 53 F100 with a flathead. I wanted a change and my dad was preaching keep it original. After blowing up the third flathead I put a 351 Cleveland and C-6 and a 9 inch in it. It got better mileage, would get out of it's own way, and was way smoother driving. I'm looking to address things that I feel need improvement. Mine is an optics ready so no sights, the handguards they come with aren't awesome,the trigger is garbage, yeah it fires the rifle that's all the good I can say about it. The ambidextrous safety is a preference as is the BAD lever. The charge handle is because of the scope being in the way, try getting to that with gloves on. The buffer and the spring are to help with it being over gassed. The Houge pistol grip and the forward grip are because I'm not laying on my gut with it laying on bags trying to hit paper at 300 feet. I'm standing trying to hit something running 30mph.

From what I'm seeing here, you bought the wrong AR. If you're going to strip the Sport II and make it a talking/showoff piece, you should have built one.
What I would add to it is more 30 rd. mags and ammo.
BTW, there is an AR website catering to upper class AR owners just like you.
Good luck!

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How many guns are too many?

I put a sling and a red dot on our Sport II. I put a scope on the Ruger. I'll probably put a sling on it too and maybe at some point a new trigger. The Sport II trigger is fine but the Ruger trigger sucks. Everything else works fine as is. No need to go buying a lot of **** it doesn't need.

What exactly do you think makes my rifle "upper class" because I'm not seeing it?
Also mine is not a Sport, I didn't buy it, and anything I've done has been to fit a purpose.

I made a lot of mods to my M&P15 (Geissele trigger, H2 Buffer, BCM Gunfighter charging handle, Aimpoint PRO w/ Larue Tactical mount, & Larue Tactical Urban Dark Earth furniture) but I don’t understand why you’d replace the barrel. FWIW, the M&P15 is really good right out of the box and I have no plans to replace the barrel on mine.

What they want to thread it vs buying a .223 wylde barrel that is threaded makes the price about $100 more for a supposedly more accurate barrel.

You were probably better off just buying a bare lower and upper and building it.

Looks like you're replacing just about everything.

Is this a existing rifle that you are modifying or a new build?

If it is a existing rifle I would leave it in it’s stock condition as you are well on your way to have enough parts for a new build. You sound like the type of d-i-y person that likes to build things. For the record I have never had factory stock rifle.

As you have the expensive parts except the bcg I suggest you get a lower and upper receiver. I am a big believer in two is one which is why I am suggesting keeping your current AR in stock condition and building a AR to your personal tastes.

I've been adding as I go. I never wanted a "Plastic gun" but I took it on trade and found out I enjoy it quite a bit. I'd like to try doing an 80% lower, if that continues to be a possibility. If and when I do that, I'd transfer the parts to that and return this one to it's original configuration.

The Wylde chamber is fantastic, as long as your ammo bullet weight, and rifling match. The heavier the bullet the faster the twist. Combine that with good hand loads that yield a 32,000 to 35,000 RPM and you get longer range accuracy that is unheard of with stock chambers! I have a friend that built bolt guns with Wylde chambers and wae getting 1 inch groups at 400 yards (1/4 MOA) with 75 grain A-Max.

Ivan

I bought a new AR three summers ago. I just could not get good groups with proven ammo! My best friend, had been a armorer in the Army, fired it and the first words from his mouth were, "Your trigger sucks!" I put a $70 4 pound aftermarket trigger on it and now get consistent 1" 200 yard groups with a scope (having old eyes stinks!) I also added pop-up open sights and a bi-pod adapter. Trying to keep the weight reasonable!

Ivan

Looks like you are taking your gun completely apart and building it back with every new part but the lower. I build my guns with the features I want, not what someone on the internet tells me I need...

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S&W factory revolver armorer

He's right the trigger sucks, at least mine does. I took mine out and shot it tonight with new H2 buffer and Tubbs flat wire spring $44 bucks well spent.

8#4.5 oz less the mag.
The only other thing I'd hang on the end is a light with a QD for critters in the yard at night.

Shot it tonight with the H2 buffer and new Tubbs flat wire spring brass now lands around 3:30-4:00 prior it was about 1:30 also the brass no longer has the small dent 5/8" up from the bottom.

You could have only spent $4.95 on a BCM extractor spring upgrade kit and would have achieved the same results.
BCM SOPMOD Bolt Upgrade/Rebuild Kit

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How many guns are too many?

My Ruger AR556's trigger sucked bad right out of the box. I added the JP ENTERPRISE 3.5 lb. JP Reduced Power Spring Kit (JPS3.5) to my Ruger and the trigger is now very sweet.

JP - Spring Kits

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How many guns are too many?

Red dot and a sling.

I may try that. Anything would be an improvement.

And then after it beats the bumper off the buffer, I could buy a heavier buffer and a spring with more control and be right where I'm at now. I like the way you think!

Ammunition...

Pretty over the top huh?

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Ammo. And magazines - 10, 20, 30 rd. They are all useful in various applications.

I deleted a number of replies that were were rude and insulting. That sort of behavior is unacceptable on this board and is no way to greet a new member.

You’re welcome to express your opinion and disagree, but do it in a civil manner. Keep the snide remarks to yourself.

From our rules:

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"I also cook."

I bought the M&P Sport II and like it mostly how it is. I later stole its A2 style pistol grip for another build and replaced it with a more vertical Magpul that I like better on short guns, and then replaced the hand guard with a Magpul MOE that I like better than the round no heat shield type that it came with.

Anyway it’s a pretty darned good rifle right out of the box. I don’t feel the need to change anything else on it. Mechanically it’s very well made and can certainly perform as it is.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm amazed at how many people come to forums like this (and many other special interest forums) seemingly to ask for advice when what they really want is confirmation.

I'll assume that's directed at me since it's posted here. Can you point out where I asked for confirmation? I asked "What are the common improvements/upgrades for a M&P15" Do you have any recommendations beyond what I've done so far? Please spread that insight around!

Practice, Practice, Practice,

What about sites like BCM, PSA, SGAMMO, S&W, RUGER, etc.?
OP, as rincar stated, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

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How many guns are too many?

Whew! The size of your scope puts your AR over the top for me. Looking at it I can’t tell what the purpose of your carbine is.

Adjustable stock and 16” barrel with 15” handguard is a nice carbine package. (True confession is I have built two this way).

The size of the scope defeats the light, quick handling for self-defense and two stage trigger is best on a range / target rifle. I have a couple of SIG Romeo5 RDS and they are compact and lightweight.

As for the trigger I prefer ALG ACT for my AR’s. In a self-defense situation I will not use the two stage trigger.

Since you are considering a .223 Wylde barrel I suggest you step up to a 18” or 20” barrel. I have a 16” .223 Wylde AR and am so far totally unimpressed with it. I have been considering replacing it with a 20” .223 Wylde barrel which will make it a target and hunting gun. In it’s defense I have not sat down at the reloading bench and start experimenting with different bullet weights.

Rather than replacing the barrel on your gun I suggest you buy another Upper Receiver and put the barrel on it. You are going to want a new handguard anyway. Uppers are not that expensive and you can find them with the Forward Assist and Ejection Port Cover already installed. Two complete uppers will give you a lot of versatility.

So new barrel, scope and two stage trigger along with some of your other parts means a second AR. Of course you already know that is coming from this group of AR enablers.

My preference is building my own to fill different uses. I did purchase a different name complete because it was actually cheaper than what it would've been to build myself using 85% of their parts like I planned before crunching numbers.

We all like these rifles because they're versatile and we can make them our own with all the aftermarket parts if you can find them in stock. I also play guitar and joined this forum to get away from the same old clicks and fanboys arguing over which new digital platform is better - while bashing everyone that doesn't agree by labeling them "cork sniffers" (usually because our gear is more expensive). The thing is I'm older, been a musician for 33yrs, I know what I like and play professionally - where most of the cork-sniffer commenters are probably 15 year old kids unable to play Twinkle Twinkle yet. I wanted some fresh air in an interest relatively new for me. I got my ccw and renewed once, so 6yrs now. My AR addiction began 5yrs ago and I love literally unplugging and getting into something so completely different to change things up, but of course forums are forums regardless of subject. People are people and if I prefer my Daniel Defense or BCM - I should go to their forum? If someone wants to add or change what they want but you don't agree so obviously they should go to a different forum??? Well I'm really happy I found this when I did!!! You see, that means I've only wasted about an hour here BUT I know all I need to know already. Amazing that someone can ask for your opinion and all you can do is take the opportunity to bash them. I won't make that mistake. So congratulate yourself! I thank you Mr AR Gods! No more wasting my time here! People are ******s regardless of what forum you find them on. What a shame.

You are on point! I put mine together the way I want it to perform, for how I am going to use it. I'm very happy with how mine is shooting and I'd recommend everything I've done to anyone that's interested in improving theirs, but to each their own.
My trigger still hasn't showed, so I guess I can't recommend that yet. Larue has a very good reputation, so I'm fairly sure I wont be dissapointed.

I picked up my Sport 2 (std model) last year; my first AR.
For me, it feels good and shoots well out of the box. So my goal is to get more rounds thru it and learn the platform better, then decide if I feel it needs anything that would improve my experience with it. Only item besides mags and ammo I have ordered for it is a magpul handguard. So if i choose to add something I can.
I see my Sport 2 like getting a Mustang gt. Straight off the lot thats a heckuva nice car. Can it be improved on? Sure. Is it needed, wouldn't know until i have some miles on it. But no knock to those who do mod their rides.

Just my .02

Sometimes just doing something different is fun. As long as safety and reliability isn’t compromised, it’s all good.
I’m into minimal modifications. I installed an MFT Minimalist stock, with a Magpul grip and handguards, because they make the rifle more comfortable for ME.
When the urge strikes, I may swap for an A2-style carry handle, red dot or LPVO.

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Registration? NEVER!

Best accessory to buy right now are magazines. They have not been caught up in the pandemic yet so they are available at msrp or below if you catch them on sale on the Internet.

Based on past gun ban law pushes magazines disappear from shelves and Internet dealers quickly with the prices going through the ceiling. Old Joe hasn’t dropped the shoe on us yet but his DOJ and BATF will not be our friends.

I actually picked up a few extra 10 rounders, as that shorter mag works better for me when shooting from a bench and only 10 rounds at a time may help preserve ammo lol. I figure if I wanted any then now is the time. Before any potential changes make those the hot ticket.

I built up a pretty good magazine stash before things went nuts. I'd like to get some more GI 20-rd ones, though.

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Registration? NEVER!

LaRue trigger came yesterday, I haven't shot it yet but there is no doubt that it was worth the 9 week wait. It's silky smooth and predictable.

Why does every one here want to bash each other. We should suggest what we use and let others try what they want. Lets try to help each other, not bash each other!

I just put a charging handle on it that facilitates left hand charging without shifting the rifle away from my shoulder or changing my grip on it.... My son put a low profile gas block and a free-floating hand guard on it.... the rifle is 10 times more accurate than me!! lol

Before making any recommendations, I would ask what you are building it for? For instance, it looks like a mid-range target shooter, maybe longer, and I think you have it fairly nicely set up.

If this is for in-home or in yard self defense, I would consider dropping the scope and add a rifle red dot with a matching three power scope that could be folded over out of the way when the scope isn't needed. Vortex and Holosun make some nice combo red dot and matching magnifiers or scopes. And add a light. Because of size, I really like the inforce light. Small, not a flamethrower, and wide beam with a good hotspot. And if you want something else, I'm a big fan of KISS - no strobe, and no multiple brightness settings. On or off, and momentary on are all you need. Complexity adds training requirements as well as a major opportunity to get it completely wrong and maybe then lose focus on the threat at the worst time.

For SHTF, a mil-spec 16" barrel, your scope, and a sling so that you can access a pistol, water, food or take a break. Really look hard at an M4 from the sandbox for goodies.

And for a long distance shooter, a really good scope, a really light trigger a bipod and a 20" barrel.

Because I imagine various scenarios, on both of my pistols and both of my carbines I have added ambi charging handles, ambi safeties, and with Magpul's BAD lever, ambi bolt releases. The long distance rifle doesn't need all of that, but add what you wish depending on how you envision using the rifle.

Basic advice for anybody thinking about a build is to thing really hard about how you intend to use the pistol or rifle, research the parts you think you will need/like and can afford, then make sure all is compatible and build away.

Another thought kinda discussed in a bunch of earlier replies, and that is mil-spec is good enough for the military, so that is all you need. Yes, I agree, but I don't think most of us are going to put the rounds downrange like a sandbox M4 will. So, while I recommend good quality parts, going off the mil-spec reservation is ok as long as the new part enhances the function of the pistol or rifle in regards to the purpose of the gun.

Last thought and I'm done. Try to avoid the latest and greatest gimmick unless you can really convince yourself that it enhances the purpose of the gun. Avoid complexity, and really ask yourself if the new part might increase your chances of fumbling the mission. For example, a 2lb trigger might not be best for your in home/yard self defense gun when you are experiencing tunnel vision and compromised fine motor skills due to adrenaline and whatever else.

And train exactly for your mission. Good luck!

My Sport II had OEM soft case, M-lock hand guard, and vertical grip/flashlight. I added a single point sling, nothing else. Then I started adding ARs and AR pistols. Each with a special purpose and items for those purposes. Nothing more than requirements. Some have scopes, some reflex sites, most cowitness open sites. A couple have flashlights.
Joe couldn't EO, congress wouldn't pass so ATF proposed new rules today. If you are going to build~~ now would be a great time as they propose even PARTS KITS and UPPERS to have a serial #.