M&P 15 sport upper switch?

[Vic 103]

I did mine. Glad I did it. Rifle is still as accurate as hell.

Check out my posts:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifle/250084-more-sweetness.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifle/250554-new-upper-had-hell-time.html

Make sure you check out the link in the one post about barrel shims and you won't have a hell of a time like me.

Also I was able to change the upper without removeing my front sight/gas block. If your careful you can just remove your gas tube, it will come off the rifle with a little manipulation. Then you just unscrew the barrel nut and it stays with the barrel, slide the barrel into the new upper and screw the barrel nut back on to the new upper.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Are you guys checking headspace after as a precaution?


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[Martimus]

I think if I ever get the bug to change out uppers, I'll build a second upper for my M&P15. That would give me options when I take it out hunting and to the range... and since uppers aren't serialized I can ultimately have more than one!

 

[oneyeopn]

Are you guys checking headspace after as a precaution?


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According to my nephew (one of the USMC shooting teams armorers) you only have to check headspace if you replace your barrel extension. As to what he has told me these are built to be a plug and play operation. I have seen .223 headspace gauges and I am sure you can buy them. I didnt check headspace and I had him look at it while he was here and he told me that they dont check headspace the way they are built you dont need to. I have fired over 500 rounds through mine since I changed it with no problems. Also according to Pedersons Rifle Shooters if you are changing the upper reciever only and using the same barrel and bolt it has no effect on headspace at all. Headspace is the distance between the head of the bolt and the face of the chamber which are a function of the bolt and barrel extension. So no worries it is less technical than almost any other type of firearm.

Here is the thread of me replacing my upper with pictures:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifle/249422-my-extreme-latest-edition-my-sport.html

 

[storeyteller]

Are you guys checking headspace after as a precaution?


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Some say no need while others say you gotta. I didn't. I just tightened the barrel nut to 50ftlbs with torque wrench then tightened til the gas tube lined up then shot it. Again this is just what I did, not saying it is the right or only way to do it. I did research it extensively before deciding on a course of action.

 

[oneyeopn]

I think if I ever get the bug to change out uppers, I'll build a second upper for my M&P15. That would give me options when I take it out hunting and to the range... and since uppers aren't serialized I can ultimately have more than one!

At this point that is what I have done, when my friends just want to go blow up ammo and targets with iron sights I just switch uppers, but.....someday I will acquire a lower so my wife can have her own AR but it will have pink camo furniture (thats what she wants) LOL. I used my original Sport upper for the basis of the build. try to use up all the parts in the extra parts box LMAO

 

[Martimus]

At this point that is what I have done, when my friends just want to go blow up ammo and targets with iron sights I just switch uppers, but.....someday I will acquire a lower so my wife can have her own AR but it will have pink camo furniture (thats what she wants) LOL. I used my original Sport upper for the basis of the build. try to use up all the parts in the extra parts box LMAO

Excellent plan! Makes the wife happy and keeps her from using your favorite guns!

 

[Reeldoh]

got my striped upper on monday looking forward puting together today

 

[Reeldoh]

it took longer then I thought and 30bucks to brake free the barrel nut rest was cake