How much can this gun/barrel take?

[40308dude]

I bought the M&P 10 because I basically wanted a bigger caliber AR-15. I might get around to trying some hunting with it but it's mostly a gun for target shooting and just recreational fun. But anyway, will this gun handle rapid fire like an AR-15 will? I bought two 25 round PMAG's and was out shooting it a couple weekends ago for the first time and emptied one of them as fast as I could with some 147 grain PMC FMJ's and I noticed that the slim barrel was getting really hot, too hot to touch. I also had a few jams when I tried some 168 grain Federal soft point ammo that made a pretty nasty dent in the bullet casing when it got caught with the bolt. It was kind of scary actually and I'm not sure if it was because I was trying to shoot too fast, bad ammo or something else. I was a little disappointed because I have invested a lot of money into this gun with upgrades and whatnot and I hope it holds up. I even bought a lifetime warranty with it so I guess that gives me some relief... Also forgive me for any perceived ignorance, I'm a bit of an AR noobie.

 

[MistWolf]

308 burns twice as much powder as the 5.56 and generates more heat. Mag dumps, as fun as they are, just makes it worse. It 's part of the game.

M&P-10s seem to have gas ports a little on the small side. In cold weather with a carbine weight buffer, mine will short stroke on NATO pressure ammo (which is lower pressure than commercial ammo) but it's getting less picky the more I shoot it. Make sure you lube the BCG including the tail of the bolt where it goes into the carrier

 

[40308dude]

308 burns twice as much powder as the 5.56 and generates more heat. Mag dumps, as fun as they are, just makes it worse. It 's part of the game.

M&P-10s seem to have gas ports a little on the small side. In cold weather with a carbine weight buffer, mine will short stroke on NATO pressure ammo (which is lower pressure than commercial ammo) but it's getting less picky the more I shoot it. Make sure you lube the BCG including the tail of the bolt where it goes into the carrier

But do you really think it's a real risk to damage the barrel or gun? I actually just called S&W and the representative I spoke to said the gun should have no problem firing a 25 round mag in under a minute. 4140 steel baby. And it's not like I plan on doing it all the time, I just wanted to make sure an occasional mag dump wouldn't put my gun at risk which it sounds like it won't.

 

[MistWolf]

Barrels are like car tires- they are wear items. However, short of out and out abuse, it will take a lot of shooting to wear out a barrel

 

[HDDP]

I read somewhere that .308 barrels are good for somewhere in the 3500 round range. I'll dig-up the article and post it...

 

[gordon21]

What kind of "extended warranty" are you referring to? S&W stands behind their guns. Is this some sort of aftermarket warranty you purchased?? I never heard of anything like that before. A third party willing to pick up repair/replacement costs from a manufacturer defect??? On a washing machine, yes, but on a gun????

 

[40308dude]

I read somewhere that .308 barrels are good for somewhere in the 3500 round range. I'll dig-up the article and post it...

The 5R Rifling is supposed to increase barrel life as well as give you a small boost in velocity and accuracy.

 

[40308dude]

What kind of "extended warranty" are you referring to? S&W stands behind their guns. Is this some sort of aftermarket warranty you purchased?? I never heard of anything like that before. A third party willing to pick up repair/replacement costs from a manufacturer defect??? On a washing machine, yes, but on a gun????

I bought a lifetime warranty from Budsgunshop.com, a reputable online dealer, when I bought the gun and I have a receipt for proof of purchase. The lifetime warranty was $63.

 

[gordon21]

I never bought anything from Buds, so I not familiar with that program. Will they warranty anything?? Including Kahrs and Keltecs???

I KNOW they are bigger gamblers than I am...................

 

[40308dude]

I never bought anything from Buds, so I not familiar with that program. Will they warranty anything?? Including Kahrs and Keltecs???

I KNOW they are bigger gamblers than I am...................

Not sure if it's only certain guns or all guns (I've only bought one gun from them so far, but other things though), but I do know that they get excellent reviews and a lot of satisfied customers. Most of their guns ship free at already competitive prices. In fact you can make them an offer and talk them down on their prices. I offered $1,215 for the M&P 10 and they accepted with free (and fast) shipping.

 

[LlindeX]

Sounds like you got a good deal on your 10 from Bud's. Congratulations. An occasional mag dump should not hurt your barrel too much. Just remember, as a barrel's temp. goes up, its life expectancy goes down. Running that baby red hot day in and day out will make you need a new barrel much sooner than necessary. (And your pockets will empty way too fast!) If you decide to do it anyway, well, then; "I've got some ammo I'd like to sell you, at a price you can obviously afford."

 

[Palmetto-Pride]

This warranty covers the firearm as originally sold by the Manufacturer and/or Budsgunshop.com, but does not extend to new or used guns altered or rebuilt after their original purchase. This Supplemental Lifetime Warranty does NOT apply to scopes or other accessories attached to the firearm.
Accuracy is NOT included in this Warranty.
This Supplemental Limited Lifetime Warranty covers the firearm against manufacturer's defects only. It does not cover the replacement or refinishing of parts that are subject to normal wear throughout the lifespan of the firearm.

I hope you didn't buy the Lifetime Warranty thinking when your barrel wears out they will replace it.

 

[Maddmax]

Doing mag dumps in your 308, I'd be worried about a 'Cook off" and a round exploding in the chamber.

 

[LlindeX]

I hope you didn't buy the Lifetime Warranty thinking when your barrel wears out they will replace it.

Uh Oh: Exactly how does this warranty differ from the one that already comes from S&W at no added cost?
"Now that We've kissed you on the cheek; Please bend over and let us have your sixty-three bucks." "Oh, and we'll even give you a receipt for you money. So that way, in the future, you can prove you really got one from us!" "Let's see now,,,,,, mag dumps with your brand new 308,,,, and you're willing to buy our $63 Lifetime Warranty. Please, Please, Please,,,,Be sure to keep us in mind next time you're thinking of buying a new gun. You just can't beat our Customer Service."

 

[40308dude]

Uh Oh: Exactly how does this warranty differ from the one that already comes from S&W at no added cost?
"Now that We've kissed you on the cheek; Please bend over and let us have your sixty-three bucks." "Oh, and we'll even give you a receipt for you money. So that way, in the future, you can prove you really got one from us!" "Let's see now,,,,,, mag dumps with your brand new 308,,,, and you're willing to buy our $63 Lifetime Warranty. Please, Please, Please,,,,Be sure to keep us in mind next time you're thinking of buying a new gun. You just can't beat our Customer Service."

You're probably just mad because you paid $1,800 for yours. I buy from Bud's and will buy again. Don't get it twisted, I chose to buy the warranty and have had nothing but great service from them so far.

 

[Arik]

Do that another 10 thousand times tomorrow and maybe you will begin to see wear. Most likely that barrel will out live you

Every time you send a round down range you wear the barrel. ...Every time.