Advice on parts newb

[timmsram]

OK my M&P15 Sport (NJ version) is on layaway till Christmas. (Only way wife would agree to the new purchase) Anyway. I wanna do a simple build, quad rails, vertical grip, optic, tac light. I'd like to start ordering or wish listing parts now.
Looking for some advice on decent, best bang for the buck items (kinda like the rifle itself). I don't really need top of the line stuff, but don't want junk. Also I need to know the size (length) of hand guards/rails since I don't have it to measure them.

Oh yeah use: range 100 - 150 yrs max but usually less then 50 yrs and in, close quarter stuff, home defense, and possible civil unrest.

 

[arizona98tj]

You would be looking for a 7" rail if you want it to replace your existing grip and not have to change anything else. Here is an example of a 7" drop in rail.

If you want advice on optics, etc., you need to qualify what you want...scope, red dot, holographic sight, etc.

Knowing what kind of a budget you are working with goes a long way towards helping others give you ideas you can use vs. ideas you can't afford.

 

[Gischileu]

So my M&P 15 was the OR model carbine, so my parts list will be different in some respects. Still, here's what worked for me.

I put a carbine length UTG quad rail on mine - it fit perfectly and was reasonably priced - $50:

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I used and like the UTG Combat Sniper pistol grip - $12.50:

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I put on a Magpul CTR Stock (get the mil-spec model) - $76:

Amazon.com - Magpul CTR Carbine Mil-Spec Buttstock - Black - Gun Stocks@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/316jyvExV-L.@@AMEPARAM@@316jyvExV-L

I put a Magpul AFG on the quad rail - $34.50:

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I put a Magpul 7/8 extended buttpad on the CTR - $15.25:

Amazon.com : Magpul Rubber Buttpads : Gun Stock Accessories : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41IoTv4UmpL.@@AMEPARAM@@41IoTv4UmpL

I put on a Vortex Sparc red-dot (includes a variable height, fixed mount, battery and magnifier that I don't use) - $186:

Amazon.com: Vortex SPARC Red Dot Scope: Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512d4AImL0L.@@AMEPARAM@@512d4AImL0L

I used the Magpul Pro steel BUIS - Front $85 Rear $102

Amazon.com: Magpul Industries MBUS Pro Back-Up Rear Sight, Black: Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4160PC3ZBUL.@@AMEPARAM@@4160PC3ZBUL

Amazon.com: Magpul Industries MBUS Pro, Back-Up Sight, Front, Black: Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41sOPCzT-3L.@@AMEPARAM@@41sOPCzT-3L

I put a SureFire Flash Hider on mine (I'm eventually going to put a suppressor on mine and this doubles as a mount). - $116

Surefire 5.56 SF3P-556-1/2-28 Flash Hider | LaRue Tactical

I know alot of folks use the Magpul endplate, but placing the key is a PITA. I went with this unit from Amazon that works fine with my Magpul MS3 sling in a single point configuration.

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And I just ordered a QD mount for my Vortex Sparc from American Defense Mfg - $96:

American Defense MFG, LLC | Browse | Aimpoint Mounts | Aimpoint T1 Micro Mount

I have a couple of UTG bipods floating around, so use them when needed. I love the Atlas bipods, but there's a huge difference between a $30 UTG unit and a $250 Atlas. If I was going to be humping this up hills all day every day, and engaging in firefights, the Atlas would probably be my first choice. Since I'm not doing any of that sort of thing anymore, I'll save the difference and use the lower priced but solid product.

These choices all worked well for me, your tastes and preferences may vary. Good luck outfitting the Sport!

 

[Vinney47]

Yep, you will want a 7" (carbine length) quad rail. For an optic, if most of your shooting is going to be at 50 or less a dot sight would be great, that kind is better for self defense, CQB stuff. Fast target acquisition, you can keep both eyes open and retain peripheral vision. But if you plan to shoot 100+ yards, you will probably want something with magnification, a fixed 3x or 4x, or possibly a variable zoom.

If you want to only have one optic (and not switch between dot sight/scope), perhaps one that is adjustable 1-4 with illuminated cross hairs. Illuminated cross hairs on 1x magnification (no magnification) is almost the same as a red dot, except you will likely still have to look through the tube with one eye closed.

Fore grips - you will have to decide if you want a vertical fore grip, an angled fore grip, or a hand stop. Magpul items are a solid choice there whichever category you choose. FWIW, I found myself liking the magpul AFG2 the best. YMMV

 

[Kevinl86]

I went with:

Magpul CTR Mil-Spec stock with 7/8 Enhanced Buttpad
UTG Mil-Spec Buffer Tube
Tapco Castle Nut
Magpul ASAP Sling Plate
--I went with the above parts because I bought a MA compliant rifle and I live in ME with no regulations, I hated the fact that the stock was pinned to the buffer tube so I changed everything else at once--
Magpul MOE Grip
Magpul Carbine Handguard
Magpul AFG2 on a Magpul L5 Rail
Troy Ambidextrous Bolt Release (A bit more sturdier than the Magpul B.A.D Lever)
This is a pretty decent setup for me, I'm still looking to get a BCM Mod 4 Charging Handle/Magpul MS3 Sling to go with the adapter I have and probably a YHM-9396 Gas Block/Flip-up Sight.

I haven't thought much about an optic yet but may go EOTech once I finish everything else on the rifle (Hate the A2 gasblock/post)

Good Luck!

 

[ASTMedic]

For optic I'd go with a red dot. You can put combat accurate hits at 100 yards easy. I have the primary arms dot. Some say buy the mil grade but for me it works fine. If you really like the idea of a scope look at the Burris 1-4 TAC30. It's illuminated but the reticle is etched so even if you loose power you still have it just not glowing red. I like it cus its a mix of red dot with zoom and hold overs. Super easy to shoot out to 400-500 yards. I wouldn't skimp on a scope. If you go cheap (UTG) you'll hate it at some point. All the ones I've put on .22 end up being junk. Cheap scopes usually have blurry glass and poor eye relief. Spend the extra $100-150 and you'll get a good optic. I really love my burris on my Mini 14.

I have the MIAD grip. I really like it. At some point I'm going to get the bolt/firing pin storage core so I have an extra close at hand.

As for light, spend the money and get something good. It will hold up forever. You can get something as simple as the TLR-1 and not spend over $100 in the process. They are LED and durable and light in the weight dept.

Rail is up to you. I'm not a fan of the quad rail so I haven't looked at what ones are better.

 

[Ibmikey]

Redfield counterstrike is an awesome unit if you have a flip front sight the laser can shoot over. Red or green dot and will co-witness with mbus. My favorite remains the Eotech 512, holographic sight that is hard to beat and will last forever.

 

[Dino1]

Some of these builds look great. I would have never put an AR on lay a way. You should have bought a stripped lower and started buying parts to complete your own build, kinda like putting one on layaway, but you get to build what you want from the get go. And you will have 1/3 to 1/2 as much money into it. Don't take this wrong, the M&P 15 is a great starter gun, and the warranty is unsurpassed, you did not make a bad choice by any means. But if you are going to modify it to any existent, then I feel you should just built your own. Then you have the satisfaction of having a great firearm that you completed and you will know it inside out.

 

[timmsram]

Thanks for all the great advice guys! I should have noted I have carried an AR with an EO Tech on duty for the last several years. I do like the OE, but probably out of budget at this time. Gischileu thanks for the build list & links! right in my budget zone!

 

[Gischileu]

Glad you found it helpful! Enjoy your AR modification project - but be warned, next thing you know, you'll have three or four sets of receivers floating around with a couple of project guns underway!

 

[rojodiablo]

Thanks for all the great advice guys! I should have noted I have carried an AR with an EO Tech on duty for the last several years. I do like the OE, but probably out of budget at this time. Gischileu thanks for the build list & links! right in my budget zone!

If you have carried one for the last few years........... then WHY on earth would you ask recreational shooters what you should put on YOUR rifle?

Wait; I get it. You carried it in the trunk of the squad car......

If you're asking (You did) my recommendation is not a quad rail. They wind up being clunky and big for a foregrip. Get a foregrip that is small profile and has holes modular so you can add mount points where needed for a light, bipod, etc.
The quad rail units are also heavier unless you really hunt for one that is light. Midwwest Industries has one, VLTOR has one, and the one I really liked said Sidewinder on it. Not sure who made it.
When you add the clunky quad rail, add lights, add this, add that...... the front of that rifle becomes VERY heavy, and un-fun to carry. Yeah, you can benchtop it and shoot; whatever.

If you intend to carry the rifle..... make it as light as possible. Before you make a bunch of changes to the rifle, shoot it and get to know it. Then, if you have a good idea of what you really feel you can utilize on the rifle, get it and install it.
Adding stuff willy-nilly without experiencing the rifle is just a waste of money playing with adult Tinker Toys.

Last course we did was a night course. I was sick as a dog. (Sick today, crappy coincidence!) 5 hours of that was not bad, but even a stripped down Sport wound up being heavy by midnight. And we went until 2. The most common command all night was "Get the rifle up, then down. Get the rifle UP." Guys with heavy rigs kept going bow heavy, and they had the lights kicking on at the knees instead of in the face. Instructors were having to harass them to keep their rifles in the correct place. All. Night. Long.
You could see who was shooting where. And WHY.

And then I hear people getting different stocks, butt pads, to reduce recoil.
It's a 223. In semi. If the kick hurts with a stock pad, wait till they have to carry a 9lb rifle around for a day.......

 

[prairie]

Don't do thing to it!!!!!!! Shoot it as is!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you have to put it on lay away, I am going to say that this item is a splurge item.
Don't spend another dime on it until you know exactly what you want. Then spend your $$$ wisely

 

[Gischileu]

I don't recall saying anything about putting the extended buttpad on to reduce recoil on a no recoil .223. Since you've obviously never considered it, length of pull is an issue for some of us with long arms. I've also mentioned in other threads that I thought the UTG handguard was a bit heavy. If I had it to do over again, I'd have gone with a low profile gas block and a Troy Alpha rail. I also don't have a light on the rifle, as I have no intention of kicking down doors for a living at my age. While I may have humped an M4 around for a number of years in my youth, I also have no intention of doing so anymore. I'm leaving the -15 in its current config because, while I might shave a few ounces here and there by spending a pile of extra cash, I don't see the point to doing so.

 

[REM 3200]

Don't do thing to it!!!!!!! Shoot it as is!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you have to put it on lay away, I am going to say that this item is a splurge item.
Don't spend another dime on it until you know exactly what you want. Then spend your $$$ wisely

^^^^This^^^

 

[rojodiablo]

Not picking on you Gischileu. Just an observation of reasons why people felt they needed to modify the rifle; more of a justification to themselves as to why they spent nearly as much in replacement parts as they did on the entire rifle in the first place.

For the record, I usually have my rifle extended purely for the same reasons; it just feels more natural as a full length rifle rather than a sub-compact..... for the same reason I don't drive a Mini Cooper. Too cramped is not good!

 

[Gischileu]

Agreed - its very easy to get carried away with modifications. Like everything else in life, it's all about finding the right balance.

 

[rojodiablo]

Agreed - its very easy to get carried away with modifications. Like everything else in life, it's all about finding the right balance.

The LGS just called, said Timmsram's rifle is ready for pick up.
They already added the extras to it for him; I bet he can't wait to take it to the range!!!
They sent me a pic to show him...........

 

[timmsram]

If you have carried one for the last few years........... then WHY on earth would you ask recreational shooters what you should put on YOUR rifle?

Not sure if your really questioning what I did or not, but, yes it saw way more time at the range and in the rack then it ever did on the street.. I wasn't really asking what I should put on it, so mush as what are some decent cheaper parts. When the rifles weren't bought or built on my dime it was a tool for work. That being said, now this ones mine and my money, and its not for work purposes so...I need.

Its not so much a splurge item, I would have just charged it and brought it home as, I want this and I will pay X amount and I will use X amount from another source after the holiday, I call it budgeting.

I do appreciate the helpful comments.

 

[Knarf]

love this video: Most Tactical AR15... EVER! - YouTube

 

[Kadonny]

Look for an inexpensive (not cheap) quad rail drop in (needs no modification to the gun) and leave it at that for now. Yeah, you can add a flashlight if you want with a mount that won't cost much, that might be helpful if you want a HD gun. Major stuff like optics I would wait on until you have shot it and know what you might want in this area.

PS: When/if you do decide on an optic, Primary Arms makes quality stuff for under $100.

Enjoy it.