I just bought a new M&P 15 and it seems to have a little play between the upper and lower. Is this normal? Also is there a spare parts kit anyone would recommend? Any parts prone to breakage or problems?

I just bought a new M&P 15 and it seems to have a little play between the upper and lower. Is this normal? Also is there a spare parts kit anyone would recommend? Any parts prone to breakage or problems?

The play will not affect accuracy or function but if it bothers you spend $5 and get an accuwedge. As far as parts I have two M&P 15s and keep a spare bolt carrier group, Stag small parts kit (springs, disconnector, trigger, all small parts) and a few other odds and ends. There under warranty for a year so everytime I order from Brownells or Midway, I add on a few small parts. This way I'm not spending a lot of $$ at once and eventually I'll have enough for another build as well as parts if anything breaks.

It's just an AR-15, they are pretty reliable but after thousands of rounds parts do wear out. All sorts of AR parts-kits available. I guess I'm not inclined to carry one around with me; just like any other gun, if something breaks I deal with it when I get home.

The 'looseness' that is often present between the uppper and the lower and that seems to bother lots of guys, especially those new to the AR game, has no bearing whatsoever on accuracy or reliability with this particular gun. All you need for an accurate AR is a good barrel, and float it. Period. A decent trigger also helps. No bedding, no accurizing necessary other than that.

i installed a timney trigger, money well spent imo!