Hello everybody. I am the proud owner a new m&p sport and new to the forum. I like my rifle and plan on leaving it as is for now. I was wondering if anyone had switched uppers for one with a dust cover and forward assist. I found one for $90 dollars and thought I may make this upgrade one day if possible. I was also wondering if I could replace the rear sight with a smaller flip up and still use the front sight post. Forgive my lack of knowledge and thanks for you advice.
M&P 15 sport upper switch?
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Dragon88
Member
Welcome to the forum.
Yes you could have the upper receiver changed out, but in doing so all of your "savings" buying the Sport model will evaporate. Always buy what you want with ARs, not something that you already know you want to upgrade later. Since you already have the Sport model.....the forward assist is worthless so don't worry about that. The dust cover of course is a must for an AR, but I'm not sure it's worth $90 + installation in your case. Just enjoy what you have and spend the money on ammo.
The rear sight can be changed to a flip up, there are many many options out there for you.
Yes you could have the upper receiver changed out, but in doing so all of your "savings" buying the Sport model will evaporate. Always buy what you want with ARs, not something that you already know you want to upgrade later. Since you already have the Sport model.....the forward assist is worthless so don't worry about that. The dust cover of course is a must for an AR, but I'm not sure it's worth $90 + installation in your case. Just enjoy what you have and spend the money on ammo.
The rear sight can be changed to a flip up, there are many many options out there for you.
arizona98tj
US Veteran
I'm not so sure a dust cover is a must for an AR.
None of my bolts guns have them....and they do pretty darn good without that little cover....which most of the time is always flipped open.
None of my bolts guns have them....and they do pretty darn good without that little cover....which most of the time is always flipped open.
Dragon88
Member
One good Iraqi sandstorm will teach you the value of the dust cover. And no the dust cover is not always left open unless you are careless about the use and operation of your AR.
CBR240
Member
OP - Yes you can switch to any mil spec upper you want. It's not as easy as putting together a lower, and it is best to have the right tools (block to hold upper, AR wrench for barrel nut and flash hider, a few decent punches). Removing the gas block is often the hardest part.
To get an idea what your in for, Brownells has excellent how to assemble ARs video series:
GunTech : How to Build An AR-15 Video - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS
Look at the assemble upper (section 4) and barrel (5).
There are many who prefer the "flat side" look without FA, so I don't think you'd have any issue selling the Sport's stripped upper.
My ARs are mainly range toys. I have no real need for FA or for dust cover; but it's part of the AR experience so I like having it. On the other hand, our S&W 15-22 has no FA or DC, and I like that look.
If you really want to do it, and have the skills and tools (or a friend who does), then do it. It's your gun. That one of the great things about ARs, many options, like Legos, you can make it how you want
To get an idea what your in for, Brownells has excellent how to assemble ARs video series:
GunTech : How to Build An AR-15 Video - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS
Look at the assemble upper (section 4) and barrel (5).
There are many who prefer the "flat side" look without FA, so I don't think you'd have any issue selling the Sport's stripped upper.
My ARs are mainly range toys. I have no real need for FA or for dust cover; but it's part of the AR experience so I like having it. On the other hand, our S&W 15-22 has no FA or DC, and I like that look.
If you really want to do it, and have the skills and tools (or a friend who does), then do it. It's your gun. That one of the great things about ARs, many options, like Legos, you can make it how you want
When you say if I added a new receiver the forward assist would be worthless on my sport do you mean that it would not work?
Dragon88
Member
No, I mean you just don't need a forward assist on ARs. I have never used it or needed it on my issue M4, not once. Unfortunately the powers-that-be in the military way back when wanted it, so there it is to this day on most ARs.
cyphertext
US Veteran
Yes, several have done it.
If a round fails to feed I would rather eject the round and not force it in the chamber with a forward assist, which could cause a bigger problem. As for the dust cover, unless you are rolling around on the ground in loose dirt or mud or dragging your Sport around on the ground behind your vehicle I see no real need for it either.
jimsky
Member
Reminds me of the guy who sold me my Sport at my local gun shop. Regarding the foward assist and dust cover...he said he's got guns setup so "tatical" that it's like he's ready to jump out of helicopter in the middle of the night, but the truth is is will not load up the car and drive to the range if it's raining out!
Jlduke
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I have yet to see an Iraqi dust storm hit the U.S. I've had a Sport for about a year and have tromped all over the badlands around Yellowstone and never had even one issue. For those not familiar with that area it is very desert like in most places. Go to a gun store and see how many civilian semi automatic hunting rifles have dust covers. The only ones you see will be based on the AR platform. Dust covers are nice but NOT a must, otherwise the Sport model would have already failed because the gun would not work. It may, however, be a must for an individual based on personal preference which is ok as long as you call it what it is.
just my humble opinion
Splittiebus66
Member
I had it done. Had a friend who hooked me up with the work. He made it look easy as he had switched a number of uppers before and had all the tools and know how.
I actually sold my M&P last week, a guy made me an offer I couldnt refuse. Waiting on a new Colt LE6920 now. I'm getting away from rails and what not and starting over. Grover ( oneeyeopn) also switched his upper to a bad mamajamma USMC one. Check it out Indeed the journey of building up the gun was a fun one, now I know what I want exactly.
I actually sold my M&P last week, a guy made me an offer I couldnt refuse. Waiting on a new Colt LE6920 now. I'm getting away from rails and what not and starting over
. Grover ( oneeyeopn) also switched his upper to a bad mamajamma USMC one. Check it out Indeed the journey of building up the gun was a fun one, now I know what I want exactly.
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Yep I have made the switch, I did it myself and it took less than an hour. I agree that the forward assist serves no purpose, also the dust cover although in the fine powder dust of the middle east may find a use, I also dont see where it serves that much purpose, it is not hermetically sealed so the fine dust will go right past it also. I did it mostly because I got a heck of a deal on an M4 upper with "Marines" laser engraved on it, but I have already started to assemble another using my left over upper. I was part of the aggressor battalion at 29 palms for 2 years. The dust cover helps some but it is just another poor bandaid but a neccessary one in combat. If you think you are going to be taking your sport to the middle east or north africa it becomes a necessary item, if not then it just a nice item not a requirement. Do what makes you feel happy, I have a dust cover now, do I keep it closed? Nah maybe when I think about it. I do like the smaller rear sight but it could be that I am selling Matechs, I do not like the plastic magpuls. The aperture window is not crisp and well defined. This is all just my opinion, do what makes you happy, my new upper reciever with all the little parts and pieces was less than $50.
p.s. SplittieBus I have my fingers crossed for you that you get one with reasonable accuracy, your colt that is.
p.s. SplittieBus I have my fingers crossed for you that you get one with reasonable accuracy, your colt that is.
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BillyJack2012
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Oohhhhhhhh... That's a dust cover on my M&P15 OR. I thought it was for me to close when I'm shooting my 15-22 to keep .22 brass from ejecting and falling into the chamber when I lay it down and the bolt is still held back. Good to know. Guess I could just lay it the other way so the chamber is facing down. That must be what Sport guys do.
I'm still looking for a Sport by the way.
I'm still looking for a Sport by the way.
cyphertext
US Veteran
Why has this man's account not been cancelled?
Good luck with the Colt. Post pics when you get it. And in the meantime, how 'bout a pic or two of the vehicle from your username?
Mustang5L5
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One day I might switch my upper out. I'd do it more as a fun project and a way to get experience building ARs vs really wanting a FA or dust cover
Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk
storeyteller
Member
Just switched a carryhandle to a flattop on a old Clinton-ban RRA rifle last week. Went very well and I learned a lot by doing it. This is in prep for putting together a new 24" bull barrel upper for the M&P lower (I LOVE my trigger). I have the upper which does have a FA/DC. These weren't a requirement just the best cheap upper I could find had 'em. Now I gotta decide on the barrel.
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