M&P 15x Rails?

[Jmack3d]

Hello all, recently I bought my first AR, an M&P 15x. I have been saving for about 3 years for one and finally got it. Im an active duty Marine so I am familiar with the AR platform, and even next to the colt at the shop I still just loved the M&P 15's quality over the others.

I am upgrading the **** out of the weapon, hence why I have been saving. Already ordered tango down vfg, magpul ctr stock, magpul pistol grip, just bought an EOtech 512 and still looking for other goodies.

To the point...

I thought the rail that came with it would be good to go. It is a Troy drop-in 2 piece rail, (non free float). I am extremely unhappy right now since the rail system has some play in it. I figured since it was a Troy it would be good, but maybe because its manufactured to S&W's specs thats why it has play?

Either way I want a rock solid rifle, so any suggestions? Is it possible to tighten the rails system? Or would a direct-from-troy rail be better? Is a free floating rail really much better?

Any suggestions at all would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks

 

[Shoo2tr]

There are lots of goodies available to enhance the AR-15 platform so yes, priorities are in order. My approach has always been that the highest priorities for me always have to do with improving the performance of the rifle first. If I can improve on accuracy from the factory then in my case that's where I'll start. First thing I did on my OR model was the free float barrel conversion because yes, it does make a very worthwhile difference as you should not have to worry that your rifle may string some rounds here and there, especially as it heats up. I'll bet you even have a Marine buddy who can help you DIY and save some $. Next I'd upgrade the trigger with a better drop in trigger and you'll have a ridiculously accurate and sweet shooting M&P-15. Then I'd say you could start with the furniture bits such as stock and grips and whatever if any tactical accessories such as a tac light, bi-pod, ect.

Now, if you don't have a quality optic yet then that may need to take precedence over the free float barrel conversion as the first major accessory/upgrade. You'll have to give that one some thought and decide where you stand and how much you will want to spend on an optic. Just remember, there are no right or wrong answers here but I think you should consider items first that directly effect the performance of the rifle then those that may do the same but to a much lesser extent if even at all such as stock, grips, light, ect.

In my case I did the bigger ticket performance/shootability items first then worried about the plethora of stuff that hangs off the rails.

 

[Hoss0432]

Thank you for your service!! Sounds like you will need to upgrade to a free floating qr. nothing you can do to tighten up the stock one. Troy has a rail that looks just like the stock rails but is free floating and uses stock barrel nut.


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[Jmack3d]

Welp, I gave in and bought the troy drop in rails (non ff). They're the same ones that came with the rifle but from what I've read are much better in terms of being solid with no play. They can be tightened and have an extra clamp or something. So hopefully that resolves the issue. I put the stock rails on eBay for $85 if anyone wants em.

So any other suggestions as far as upgrades? I simply want to make my m&p 15x as bad*** as possible both internally and externally. Lovin my new eotech though! Thinking about getting the magnifier for it but dunno which one would be the best for the price...

 

[kingwood]

went with the troy bravo 9 inch free float on my 6920 removed sight post went with bcm low profile block and magpul mbus sights and larue index clips and so far im loving it. had the m&p ordered but got tired of waiting but the m&p i had ordered had the UTG rail on it not the troy it was on the older version of the gun so make sure you do have the troy on yours. but as far as free float rails troy, larue and knights all make very nice products if your wanting to go with quad rails. good luck

 

[kennyb]

i have the 15x...great gun..congrats!

 

[Chuckiebob]

I tried the tape trickSeen Here.
Instead of tape I used a rubber bath tub drain washer. Cut it to fit and worked like a charm. Solid rails now. Hope this helps.

 

[shawn mccarver]

No need to get a new rail. Mount optics and the folding rear sight on the receiver rail and leave the forward rails for other stuff such as a flashlight.