Can you tell me what model M&P15 this is?

jrmunch · #1 08-17-2022, 10:24 PM

I purchased this used from a local gun store in a bit of a rush since my state is about to restrict the purchase of semi-auto AR style rifles. As you can tell, it had to be spayed & neutered to be compliant.

I normally would have done a lot more research before purchasing my first AR but this was as I said, rushed.

I am a complete newbie, this being my second long gun (the last one I bought 20 years ago and haven't shot in 18 years) so I apologize if this post has an obvious answer or doesn't belong here.

Do I simply call S&W and give them the serial number? It starts with "TJ" followed by 5 digits if that matters. My goal is to track down an accurate owner's manual so I can better figure out what I own.

For a bit more context this model was listed as used for $600, had a pistol grip, and was labeled "LE only". When I asked about it they told me they didn't know why it was labeled LE only and said I could purchase it if I changed the stock and did something to the muzzle, which they did and now It is mine.

The barrel is stamped 1:9 and 556

I am guessing it is an M&P15T based on the handguard?

ColbyBruce · #2 08-18-2022, 05:16 AM

The hand guard appears to be a second generation Midwest Industries quad rail; a $150.00 accessory. Here is a first generation version.

cyphertext · #3 08-18-2022, 10:28 AM

I agree with Colby Bruce. The M&P 15T does not have a FSB. It has folding sights. The first gen M&P 15T had a 1:9 twist with a chrome lined barrel, but later ones moved to 1:8, 5R.

Personally, I think you have a Sport II that has aftermarket parts added to it. The barrel does not have the grenade launcher cut that the older 1:9 barrels had on the M&P rifles. Also, the trigger guard is solid, indicating Sport or one of the newer rifles, but the 1:9 points to Sport to me, as many of the other offerings with the integral trigger guard come with 1:8 twist.

If you really want to know, call S&W... they can tell you what it was when it left the factory, but at this point it really doesn't matter. You have a S&W M&P 15, enjoy it!

jrmunch · #4 08-18-2022, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyphertext

I agree with Colby Bruce. The M&P 15T does not have a FSB. It has folding sights. The first gen M&P 15T had a 1:9 twist with a chrome lined barrel, but later ones moved to 1:8, 5R.

Personally, I think you have a Sport II that has aftermarket parts added to it. The barrel does not have the grenade launcher cut that the older 1:9 barrels had on the M&P rifles. Also, the trigger guard is solid, indicating Sport or one of the newer rifles, but the 1:9 points to Sport to me, as many of the other offerings with the integral trigger guard come with 1:8 twist.

If you really want to know, call S&W... they can tell you what it was when it left the factory, but at this point it really doesn't matter. You have a S&W M&P 15, enjoy it!

You are right on all accounts -

1. I called S&W and they immediately answered the question

2. It is a Smith & Wesson 11616 M&P15 Sport II *CO Compliant

3. It doesn't really matter (it was a question asked out of ignorance that mostly only the furniture changes between models)

Thank you!

Tiribulus · #5 08-19-2022, 11:44 AM

The quick check is that the first gen Sport didn't have a forward assist or dust cover.

Oldsalt66 · #6 08-19-2022, 03:08 PM

Best of luck with your fine rifle.

The Mighty S&W · #7 08-29-2022, 04:25 PM

You will be pleased with that rifle. I’ve got a Sport II that I run a quad rail on along with an ACOG and a Surefire light. I’ve bought other AR’s from a few different makers to include a couple of Colt’s and I couldn’t be more pleased with the Sport II. It is a great rifle for the money.

Ruger Nut · #8 09-01-2022, 11:20 PM

What's wrong with that stock? It looks like its molded into the pistol grip.

murphydog · #9 09-02-2022, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruger Nut

What's wrong with that stock? It looks like its molded into the pistol grip.

My guess is that is a non-pistol grip pistol grip, made to satisfy a rule about a "compliant" gun not having a pistol grip. Let that one roll around your brain a while.

Ruger Nut · #10 09-02-2022, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

My guess is that is a non-pistol grip pistol grip, made to satisfy a rule about a "compliant" gun not having a pistol grip. Let that one roll around your brain a while.

Oh, ok. It must be a CA. rifle.

murphydog · #11 09-02-2022, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruger Nut

Oh, ok. It must be a CA. rifle.

See post #4 above - "CO compliant". Although the non-free states may insist on guns with similar features. Not sure which areas are restricting rights more recently.

BRL40 · #12 04-03-2023, 04:07 AM

Hey, I think that's a rather snazzy looking stock!

Wouldn't like the idea crammed down my throat though.

Welcome to the forum jrmunch.

T112-4 · #13 04-03-2023, 11:01 AM

I may be wrong but years ago when they first banned pistol grip rifles the first way around it was the thumbhole stock.

billj47 · #14 04-13-2023, 09:35 PM

This started as a pretty plain M&P 15 with some Magpul furniture. It came with the dust cover and forward assist. Added a few things-- Vortex Strikefire and 31x magnifier and a forward grip. Upgraded dual Charging handle and a better MAGPUL stock. Fun gun to shoot and build as desired.