Hi all,
I am new to the forum. I have been considering purchasing an M&P 15 FT riffle. But I was very disappointed this evening when I logged onto the S&W web site and notice that this riffle and the M&P 15T model have apparently been changed and now include lower cost components. The Troy folding sites, which retail for about $250 to $300 per pair have now been replaced with less expensive plastic Magpul sites which sell for $50 per pair. Further the forward rail which was also previously manufactured by Troy appears to have been replaced. In addition, the only components that are listed in the product description to be chromed now are the bolt carier and gas key whereas the bolt carier, gas key , chamber and barrel were listed previously. I am not sure this is correct, but if it is, I am disappointed. The list price is now lower, but I am a bit surprised by the changes. Has anyone heard anything about this? Here is the link to the website.

Product: Model M&P15T - 5.56 mm, Tactical

I think it's a sign of the times. People are strapped for cash right now, and the panic buying on black rifles has quieted down.

Look for "old" stock carbines, stores should still have the older model before the new version comes in as new stock. No matter what you want in an AR-15, you can find exactly what you are looking for out there on the market. It's simply a matter of research, availability, and price you are willing to pay.

Wow, even the bbl. is listed as 1/8 twist and NOT CHROMED with a melonite finish.

Responding to the reality of not selling enough to LE agencies and need to compete with smaller makers. Too bad, very glad I have a very early 15 OR because less apparent changes may also be possible. My fit, finish and components are first class, a real S&W.

Well - looking at S&W's webpage, they list two model M&P15T's...

One, SKU # 811041, is as you describe your gun, and SKU # 811011 has the Troy stuff.

It's interesting to note yours has a Melonite nitrocarburized barrel treatment, a lot of premium barrels are getting this treatment, so it might be a good thing for you.

I'm not picking one over the other, both look like good choices, depending on your needs. I have a good set of BUIS on my AR, but almost never use them - if you are not going to use them often, Magpul sight can sit folded as well as Troy sights.

Take care,
Bob S.

Nothing wrong with the 1/8 twist; best allround twist rate, IMO, more and more manufacturers going that way. Unfortunately, it still looks like (from that pic) they are sticking with a carbine length gas system rather than a midlength.

Agree about the cheaping out of the rail and sights - especially the sights. Hopefully actual street price will reflect the changes - MSRP looks far too high, IMO.

Their website definitely doesn't help matters, either; multiple models with same name and different numbers - seems to me they've got far too many models altogether and could do with simplifying the line up.

The 1/8 twist should be abolished IMO. There is nothing you could want to shoot with a 1/8 that a 1/7 wont shoot just as well or better. If you are one of those guys that wants to shoot 40gr varmint bullets, then your rifle has special needs anyway and will likely be relegated to varmint use, i.e. a longer barrel with a slower twist.

A friend of mine recently bought a very expensive name brand upper with a 1/8 twist. I just don't get it.

I wonder if they are going to continue to sell the origional M&P 15T w/Troy Rail & BUIS as well as the new/cheaper version?

I really wish they would have named the new/cheaper version something else so that it wouln't be confused with the origional.

I'm sure glad I got my origional M&P 15T for $1200!

That said, the origional M&P 15T's MSRP was about the same as the new/cheaper version. For the $1,928 they want for the origional M&P 15T w/Troy accessories, you could easily just buy the standard M&P 15 and buy the Troy accessories and save a ton of money. (But it wont have the cool M&P logo).

I'm glad that S&W has soo many offerings, that's awesome. But I can't say I'm happy about them keeping the same model # as the origional (No doubt to bank off the origional's success).

-Masta

Thanks everyone for your responses. Luckily my local dealer found one of the original M&P 15FT's (with the Troy components) in stock at their distributor. I ordered it today and I should have the carbine in two weeks. I am looking forward to trying it out!

I am new here. I just bought a new 15T for $1,000.00 that a dealer here couldn't sell. I was majorly bummed about the price drop and thought maybe I did a stupid thing, but this thread calmed my fears. I am glad to know I have a superior rifle and accessories to what the same rifle model is now. It is my 1st AR and I am pretty pleased with it. Any tips or hints you might have for me are welcome!
BTW, I searched the S&W site for the older version of the rifle and didn't see it. Since I am a few months behind you with this whole issue, I assume it is now taken down and the older style 15T discontinued.
BTW #2: I also own a 15-22 that is a lot of fun!

$1000 for the troy model? thats almost highway robbery. I'd love one at that price. I also was highly disappointed with all the downgrading in quality smith chose with this new model. They need to be more concerned about the image this could reflect of their company's stance on quality.

Yes, the Troy model! My gun dealer is a great guy. He typically adds just $20.00 or $25.00 to what he has in a gun for his selling price. Tells some great stories, too!