I gave up on the 2-point sling on my M&P15 Sport. I bought a Blackhawk Storm single point sling which seemed pretty easy to use at the LGS.

Now I need to buy a wrench and a 1-point sling adaptor. Any suggestions for either? I've looked at several of each. I don't want to scratch my rifle installing with wrong sized wrench and not sure which type of adaptor to get.

Also, are there any tricks or things to be aware of when removing the buffer tube? I appreciate any input since this will be my first time doing this. Thanks!

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JT

Great question JT, I was wondering the same thing about my Sport.

The rear takedown detent is held in by a spring that will come out when the endplate is loosened/removed as you back off the castle nut. Also, the buffer retainer detent is spring loaded and will also come out once the receiver extension (buffer tube) is backed out of the receiver. Just don't let your springs fly everywhere.

You may want their sling plate since it is designed to work with their sling.

BLACKHAWK! Universal Single Point Sling Adapter - BLACKHAWK!

All the Sports I have picked up have had weak staking on the castle nut. You will need to turn past this staking, which will make it more difficult than simply unscrewing a fresh nut. This may mar the castle nut, but they are cheap to replace. After you install the sling adapter end plate, I highly recommend you re-stake after taking the rifle to the range a couple times and making sure you like it. An un-staked castle nut is likely to work loose at some point.

When you start to unscrew the castle nut, the end plate will push out suddenly. That is due to the spring mentioned above. Don't lose or damage the spring and detent, and re-install it correctly with the rear takedown pin.

When re-installing, make sure you index the buffer extension correctly so it is straight up and down.

If you don't understand anything mentioned here, it's time to do some more research before you apply dining table gunsmithing on your AR.

Additionally, you can buy sling adapters that do not require the removal of the castle nut and buffer extension.

I like the MI slip overs that don't require you to remove the tube.

Midwest Industries: End Plate Sling Adapters

I just installed a slip over sling adapter that I got on Amazon for $28. Made of aluminum. I put my braided para cord sling on it and it works great. Easy and quick.

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Dyin ain't much of a livin

I just installed a Stark pistol grip with a built in sling connection. Go to the web site, look under Products for the SE-2 AR-15 Sling Grip. Easy install, works great and has a battery storage compartment in the bottom of the grip.

Stark Equipment

I just bought one on Amazon for less than $9 if I remember correctly. May have been much less. Worked great!

Gear Sector | SPRE R: Right Handed: Blackout

I have one of these and love it, its small, well made, doesnt get in the way of the charging handle and matches the finish on my Bushmaster.

Bill

Thank you so much for your replies. Unbelievable!!

I ended up carefully following Dragon88's instructions and installed an adaptor plate I picked up at the LGS.

Dragon88 is correct in saying the nut is staked. Fortunately it was not difficult to loosen, only requiring steady pressure. I searched Youtube to watch the procedure before I started. Found a few videos that surely were produced by the "less-skilled", but I found more explicit, detailed procedures. The plate I bought came with detailed step by step instructions with illustrations too. I'll try this set up for a while before I re-stake the nut. Then I'll be screaming for help again I suppose

P.S. I couldn't use the dining table because my wife has not seen this rifle, yet.

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JT

Good to hear your got your sling adapter installed. The easiest way to stake the castle nut is to buy an auto center punch at Home Depot. You can do it with a regular punch and hammer but it will take a little longer.

You've answered my next question. Thank you sir!

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JT