help with decision

[leadtag]

new member with a question on decision .I have the option between a M&P 15x or a M&P15 T , would the T model be worth the diferance in price. Thanks for any help.

 

[christcorp]

Well; there's only really about a $100 difference in price. The biggest advantage to the more expensive 15T, is that it has a 1:8 twist barrel. That makes it more accurate when using longer/heavier bullets like a 75 grain bullet at long distances. It also has both folding front and rear sights. That's nice to have if you add an optic. Both have similar quad rail forearm grips. There are a few difference like the melonite finish and type of barrel in the 15T. Overall; I could definitely see paying the extra $100 for the 15T. Mainly for the barrel and the twist. I personally don't like the fixed A2 sight on the 15X model.

 

[BeginingOfTheEnd]

First figure out wich 15T it is. The original one has 1/9 barrel twist, troy quad rail, Troy folding sights, chrome lined barrel and I believe a couple more upgrades. The model being offered now is the same but with 1/8 twist, magpul sights and no Troy furniture. Also the 15X doesn't have a free floating barrel, the 15T does. Most shops should still have back stock of the original ones. They're a little more, paid $1395 for the better model T myself, but worth it. My local shop has one of the new models in going for $1099, fro a comparison.

 

[leadtag]

First figure out wich 15T it is. The original one has 1/9 barrel twist, troy quad rail, Troy folding sights, chrome lined barrel and I believe a couple more upgrades. The model being offered now is the same but with 1/8 twist, magpul sights and no Troy furniture. Also the 15X doesn't have a free floating barrel, the 15T does. Most shops should still have back stock of the original ones. They're a little more, paid $1395 for the better model T myself, but worth it. My local shop has one of the new models in going for $1099, fro a comparison.

Its the newer one from the wholesaler the 1/8 twist.
How about the gas piston version? Worth the less carbon and easier to clean?thanks for your Guy's responses.

 

[christcorp]

I have quite a few piston driven rifles. (Not the M&P). It isn't really a matter of "LESS CARBON" or even "Easier to clean". It's simply different. Instead of the carbon being in the BCG (Bolt Carrier Group), the carbon is on the piston. So, instead of needing to clean the BCS as much, you now have to clean out the piston area. Similar to cleaning an AK-47 or an M1 Garand. So it's not less carbon or easier to clean; just a different part that you need to clean.

The advantage to the gas piston M&P from what I've seen, is that it has an Adjustable gas system. a 4 position setting. One position is "Normal". Designed for day to day ammo. Most people leave it there. There's a 2nd position where the gas pressure is reduced by something like 60%. Used for really hot ammo. The 3rd position is "NO GAS". It makes the rifle a "Single Shot". Basically a bolt action. You have to manually charge the next round into the chamber. Very handing for hunting. You get 100% full gas pressure pushing the bullet out; the bolt remains stationary; and generally a more accurate shot. But again; you have to manually chamber the next round. The 4th position is where you put it to remove the gas system for cleaning and such.

Is the piston gas system better/worse? That depends on what you're going to use it for, and what ammo you're going to use. I know 2 people with the piston M&P15. Both of them say they ALWAYS leave it in the normal position; and only change to position 4 for cleaning it. But if you were into long range varmint hunting, coyote, competition (If you didn't mind manually chambering rounds; I could see it being worth it. Hope this helps. Mike....

 

[leadtag]

I have quite a few piston driven rifles. (Not the M&P). It isn't really a matter of "LESS CARBON" or even "Easier to clean". It's simply different. Instead of the carbon being in the BCG (Bolt Carrier Group), the carbon is on the piston. So, instead of needing to clean the BCS as much, you now have to clean out the piston area. Similar to cleaning an AK-47 or an M1 Garand. So it's not less carbon or easier to clean; just a different part that you need to clean.

The advantage to the gas piston M&P from what I've seen, is that it has an Adjustable gas system. a 4 position setting. One position is "Normal". Designed for day to day ammo. Most people leave it there. There's a 2nd position where the gas pressure is reduced by something like 60%. Used for really hot ammo. The 3rd position is "NO GAS". It makes the rifle a "Single Shot". Basically a bolt action. You have to manually charge the next round into the chamber. Very handing for hunting. You get 100% full gas pressure pushing the bullet out; the bolt remains stationary; and generally a more accurate shot. But again; you have to manually chamber the next round. The 4th position is where you put it to remove the gas system for cleaning and such.

Is the piston gas system better/worse? That depends on what you're going to use it for, and what ammo you're going to use. I know 2 people with the piston M&P15. Both of them say they ALWAYS leave it in the normal position; and only change to position 4 for cleaning it. But if you were into long range varmint hunting, coyote, competition (If you didn't mind manually chambering rounds; I could see it being worth it. Hope this helps. Mike....

Thanks Mike for your very knowledgable
Reply. What m&p model as far as with rail and pmagsdo you think is the best deal on .thanks

 

[christcorp]

Thanks Mike for your very knowledgable
Reply. What m&p model as far as with rail and pmagsdo you think is the best deal on .thanks

That's very subjective. I have owned a number of AR's. I own a lot of weapons in general. I personally like to customize my way. I prefer to get the most bare bone gun possible; then add what i want to it. so for me, I bought an M&P15OR. The basic gun is the same as the other M&P15's; chrome barrel, railed top, stock, etc... But then I can add my sights, optics, laser, t-handle, etc... I can spend as much or as little as I want. I'm personally not impressed if it comes with Troy sights. I know that ANY accessory that the gun comes with, will cost MORE than if I bought it myself and put it on. But the key, is to shop around. I bought my M&P15OR on sale for $749 with a $100 S&W rebate. That's $649. That's totally different than the $1069 full retail price. But I'm also not the type that's going to spend $600 on a red-dot sight like an EOTech either. But with an OR, you have that choice. Some people like to buy a gun decked out. Some don't. As long as the barrel is what you want, then the rest is pretty much up to you. I prefer an OR and add my own stuff. The choice is yours.