Recommendations for M&P 15 Sport

So I just recently picked up an M&P 15 Sport and im looking to do some modifications and personalization to handguard, grip, lower receiver, and sight system.

For the handguard im looking for something to have a 7-9 slot rail system with rails at the 12,3,6, and 9 o'clock positions. Im also looking for a durable vertical grip with either the ability to add a light to or have the ability to attach a light toggle switch to.

For the grip im just interested in something other than stock.

For the lower receiver I got boned by California state law and got stuck with a mag lock, and im wanting to know if any standard AR-15/M-4 mag release button will work with this system. Also im wondering if anyone knows of anyone who sells personalized receivers or who can personalize my receiver with my last name, branch, and rate logo on the magazine well.

For the sights im looking for a red dot system with either red or green reticle.

Im doing alot of this research myself, but I figured I would put it out there and see what some of my fellow owners recommend as well. I appreciate any help fellas (and ladies).

USNMA02744

Well....welcome to people's republic of Kalifornia!!!
Look, the bullet button change out can be done. You MUST get a unit that is built to be Ca. compliant, and then switchable to 'normal American spec'. It's just not worth it to get hammered on a BS tag like that.
Now, the Bulls%$t button Ca has put in there is a 'Permanent' modification. I believe it is epoxied in place. You can remove it, but don't come crying to me when you have an issue with your lower 'cause you killed it. If you do.... I will have to weld the hole up and then it will need redrilling, grinding to shape, sanding..... and there is that whole ZERO RESALE VALUE. And that whole 'Illegal to modify' mess.
Better bet??? A substance called a neodinium magnet. 1/4"diax3/8"Length cylinder magnet. Strength 45? ought to do you just fine. Once you see the magnet, you will figure out very quickly how well it can.... hold a tool or something like that to help with the buhlship button. And, it keeps you legal.... it is not a permanent attachment. Trust me... you will understand that these are very helpful. And, cheap. Like $1 per magnet. Shipping runs about $5, so get 5 magnets, and there you go. You can have a spare or 3. Sell them to your friends for $5 a piece...... cover your shipping costs.

As for rails and that??? I like basic carbines. I have plenty of rifles that have scopes. Maybe a light, and maybe a new grip. If you shoot with thin gloves on, you will find the grip is a non issue. (Gloves are good. Barrels get HOT. Powder residue, cleaners are not the best stuff int he world, reduce your skin exposure.) Iron sights to 300meters in basic, and once you learn it, you never really need more.

So they made the damn mag lock permanent. How the hell can they do that, especially with the amount of us service members down here who aren't permanent residents.

I do have basic gunsmithing from my armory time so are we talking about this being an impossible job without messing up the weapon, or is it just a task to take my time with. I really don't have the money for a lower receiver nor do I have the patience to deal with these bs gun laws they impose on you guys down here.

I installed a Stark pistol grip on my M&P15. It has a battery compartment in the base of the grip and a attachment point for a sling. Works great for a single point sling. Look under Products for the SE-2 AR-15 sling grip:

Stark Equipment

Welcome to the forum!!
First of all, I'm fairly new to the AR platform. Other members on this forum have a great deal of know-how and experience.

I really like the Hogue grip. I got the basic grip. They make one with storage compartment too. For me it's the most comfortable grip. I went the cheap route and put a UTG quad rail up front and a basic vertical grip which I'm still getting used to. I use the rifle for target shooting and don't really need any of these add ons, but it's fun to explore options. I was running out things to spend money on anyway.

I can't speak to the California compliant model, but I love my Sport. It's accurate as hell and 100% reliable. It's very well made and is a pleasure to shoot! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine!

Picture of rifle in its current condition.

I have the same problem. How do you know if it was built to be Ca. compliant but switchable?

jt185 said:

Picture of rifle in its current condition.

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Nice looking gun. What brand of sling is that? I am looking for an upgrade from my present sling.

Lee in Quartzsite said:

Nice looking gun. What brand of sling is that? I am looking for an upgrade from my present sling.

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Thank you sir! That is a Blackhawk, Storm sling as I recall.

Alright so I picked my rifle up today and did some digging on the mag lock feature. From a couple of my gunners mate buddies (there our main armorers in the Navy) and found out that SW only made the 15-22 with a permanent mag lock due to the low end cost of the rifle and the head ache the CA Govt. were giving them. All other models are interchangeable with a standard AR-15/M-4 mag release button for full functionality.

Now when I got home with the weapon just like any weapon I get issued I field stripped it and relubricated all metal and mechanical parts. While I was doing so I took a flat head screwdriver and removed the tension screw within the mag lock and after about 10 good twists off popped the thing easy as pie. So I guess everyone done worry that damn cancer on your weapon is curable with a little bit of elbow grease.

JT, first off where did you find that hand guard at, how many pieces is it, And did it come with the rail covers? Also was it easy to attach with the existing d-ring. Finally that sight of yours, how much and where at? I like your piece and looks well built, any issues with the weapon after the modifications?

To bring you all up to speed on more the reason why I purchased the gun is more for personal/home defense and to stay on top of the skill set the navy requires for me. Sorry for the delayed response as to why I purchased the weapon and thank you fellas for your responses so far.

SWEAVER said:

I have the same problem. How do you know if it was built to be Ca. compliant but switchable?

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If the magazine release button is fixed, and you need a tool, bullet tip, device in general to eject the magazine, then it is a Ca. compliant model.

USNMA02744 said:

...JT, first off where did you find that hand guard at, how many pieces is it, And did it come with the rail covers? Also was it easy to attach with the existing d-ring. Finally that sight of yours, how much and where at? I like your piece and looks well built, any issues with the weapon after the modifications?...

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I got the hand guard (UTG carbine length quad rail) at a local gun store for 80 bucks. It is 2 pieces, very easy installation and it came with all the rail covers. Any carbine length quad rail should work. There are many available. This one works fine for me with no issues.
The scope is a Vortex Strikefire I ordered online for 149.00 following advice of forum members. Check at primaryarms.com. It works well. Co-witnesses with the front sight.
Back-up sight is a Magpul MBUS which is polymer and works. I don't know how much abuse it would take. No issues with the weapon before of after add-ons.

Enjoy you're new rifle!

USNMA02744 said:

Alright so I picked my rifle up today and did some digging on the mag lock feature. From a couple of my gunners mate buddies (there our main armorers in the Navy) and found out that SW only made the 15-22 with a permanent mag lock due to the low end cost of the rifle and the head ache the CA Govt. were giving them. All other models are interchangeable with a standard AR-15/M-4 mag release button for full functionality.

Now when I got home with the weapon just like any weapon I get issued I field stripped it and relubricated all metal and mechanical parts. While I was doing so I took a flat head screwdriver and removed the tension screw within the mag lock and after about 10 good twists off popped the thing easy as pie. So I guess everyone done worry that damn cancer on your weapon is curable with a little bit of elbow grease.

JT, first off where did you find that hand guard at, how many pieces is it, And did it come with the rail covers? Also was it easy to attach with the existing d-ring. Finally that sight of yours, how much and where at? I like your piece and looks well built, any issues with the weapon after the modifications?

To bring you all up to speed on more the reason why I purchased the gun is more for personal/home defense and to stay on top of the skill set the navy requires for me. Sorry for the delayed response as to why I purchased the weapon and thank you fellas for your responses so far.

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OK Sounds like I can switch the mag lock without too much trouble. Thanks USNM!

SWEAVER said:

OK Sounds like I can switch the mag lock without too much trouble. Thanks USNM!

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I'll not profess that you must not, should not, etc......
BUUuuuuttttt...... if you are EVER in a situation where John E law comes to see your toys, and that bullSh#t button has been removed in Ca? Kiss ALL your guns goodbye. And remember, if you get busted for a firearms count, these follow you everywhere unless you move to Mexico and start shooting for a cartel. (Then, the US will supply you with all the weapons your heart ever desired- ask Eric Holder.)
If you have a firearms charge hanging over you in Ca for a button..... it will still mean no guns for you in Va., Tx, etc. You will NEVER pass a DROS.
Best bet is to stick to stuff that can be easily and INSTANTLY removed without tools. In this definition, they are NOT modifications to your rifle, and it keeps you legal. Or, within a gray area. Doing a 30 rd mag dump and no bullet button would be enough to get you a full football season at Graybar motel. In fact, it will at the least cost you that rifle, and much cashish funneled into a lawyers hands. I believe modifying the rifle turns it into possession of an assault weapon, and the alteration of the rifle makes it a class 3 felony in Ca.

Be smart, it's not that hard.

As I said before I can't speak to the CA compliance model.
My rifle is not a CA compliant model. I do not live in California. I DO NOT RECOMMEND ILLEGAL MODIFICATIONS to any firearms.

rojodiablo said:

I'll not profess that you must not, should not, etc......
BUUuuuuttttt...... if you are EVER in a situation where John E law comes to see your toys, and that bullSh#t button has been removed in Ca? Kiss ALL your guns goodbye. And remember, if you get busted for a firearms count, these follow you everywhere unless you move to Mexico and start shooting for a cartel. (Then, the US will supply you with all the weapons your heart ever desired- ask Eric Holder.)
If you have a firearms charge hanging over you in Ca for a button..... it will still mean no guns for you in Va., Tx, etc. You will NEVER pass a DROS.
Best bet is to stick to stuff that can be easily and INSTANTLY removed without tools. In this definition, they are NOT modifications to your rifle, and it keeps you legal. Or, within a gray area. Doing a 30 rd mag dump and no bullet button would be enough to get you a full football season at Graybar motel. In fact, it will at the least cost you that rifle, and much cashish funneled into a lawyers hands. I believe modifying the rifle turns it into possession of an assault weapon, and the alteration of the rifle makes it a class 3 felony in Ca.

Be smart, it's not that hard.

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Thanks Guys for the concern but I have no plans on modifying the AR or ever moving to CA. As far as I'm concerned the San Andreas fault could make it a new country. I do know that I can purchase a BB wrench that will double as an extension to the mag release.

Bullet Button

USNMA02744 said:

So they made the damn mag lock permanent. How the hell can they do that, especially with the amount of us service members down here who aren't permanent residents.

I do have basic gunsmithing from my armory time so are we talking about this being an impossible job without messing up the weapon, or is it just a task to take my time with. I really don't have the money for a lower receiver nor do I have the patience to deal with these bs gun laws they impose on you guys down here.

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Look up magnetic_button.com (It's a little gadget that attaches temporarily of the mag release button without having to take it out). They are out of San Diego I believe, just google and you'll find the website.