M&P15 T w/ M-LOK BCG chrome lined?

[antigravlemon]

Hi all.

I'm getting frustrated trying to pick the next addition to the AR collection. I already have the M&P 15 Sport II which I love. But I want that to be my plinker and to have an upgraded M&P 15 for self-defense.

A lot of my frustration is coming from the fact that I "want it all". What do I mean? A 4150 barrel with 5R rifling (ideally 1:8 twist) and Armornite inside and out; chrome lined BCG and gas key; a mid-length gas system; and a free floated hand guard.

The M&P 15 MOE MID gives me everything but the free floated hand guard. And I'm not a huge fan of the A2 front sight. But I'm kind of leaning towards getting that one, since the free floated hand guard is not really essential.

However... And I'm finally getting to the point... I'm not sure what to think of the M&P 15 T Tactical w/M-LOK. It has the preferred hand guard. But I'm not sure if the bolt carrier and gas key are chrome lined. (They're not advertised as such on the S&W website, but isn't chrome lining in these places pretty much an industry standard?) If the M&P 15 T w/ M-LOK has the chrome lining in the BCG, I would take the less-preferred 4140 barrel in exchange for the free floated hand guard.

Any info on this aspect of the M&P 15 T Tactical w/ M-LOK would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[cyphertext]

If the M&P 15 T w/ M-LOK has the chrome lining in the BCG, I would take the less-preferred 4140 barrel in exchange for the free floated hand guard.

4140 vs 4150 doesn't make a hill of beans difference for a civilian semi auto rifle. Those same folks who prefer the 4150 also prefer the full auto style carrier over the semi auto carrier that S&W uses. I don't believe the 15T is going to give you the mid length gas system either.

But in answer to your question, yes, the the BCG and gas key are chrome lined.

 

[Luger9x19]

I don't believe the 15T is going to give you the mid length gas system either.

But in answer to your question, yes, the the BCG and gas key are chrome lined.

According to the youtube video embedded on Smith & Wesson's website for the M&P 15T with M-Lok does come with a mid-length gas system.

M&P(R)15T Tactical with M-LOK(R) | Smith & Wesson

That sure is a sweet looking rifle!

 

[cyphertext]

According to the youtube video embedded on Smith & Wesson's website for the M&P 15T with M-Lok does come with a mid-length gas system.

M&P(R)15T Tactical with M-LOK(R) | Smith & Wesson

That sure is a sweet looking rifle!

Looks like you are correct... guess they changed to midlength gas when they went to M-lok over quad rail.

That is one thing about S&W... they change specs so check what you get to make sure it is what you thought you were getting!

 

[antigravlemon]

4140 vs 4150 doesn't make a hill of beans difference for a civilian semi auto rifle. Those same folks who prefer the 4150 also prefer the full auto style carrier over the semi auto carrier that S&W uses. I don't believe the 15T is going to give you the mid length gas system either.

But in answer to your question, yes, the the BCG and gas key are chrome lined.

Much appreciated input, cyphertext. I agree that the barrel material is really not important. The one is technically better than the other but only marginally, and you're right - not for my applications. The chrome lining on the BCG however is important, so I'm glad to hear S&W do it on this rifle. It's a little confusing that they specifically advertise it on the MOE MID page, meh, probably just trying to sell it.

All that said, my next rifle is meant to be sturdy, for self-defense purposes. Any input from y'all as to whether the Magpul hand guard or the aluminum free float serves better in this role? A related question I have here is about the sturdiness of the free float hard guard... Is it 6000 series aluminum? Maybe I'll just call S&W and ask. If anyone has any experiences about it deforming on a drop or something, I'd like to hear about it though.

 

[cyphertext]

A related question I have here is about the sturdiness of the free float hard guard... Is it 6000 series aluminum? Maybe I'll just call S&W and ask. If anyone has any experiences about it deforming on a drop or something, I'd like to hear about it though.

Good luck getting S&W to divulge much info on materials... they have a history of not being very forthcoming on specifications and claiming that it is proprietary info.

My bet would be either handguard would work, but I don't have any hands on experience with the S&W rail.

 

[antigravlemon]

I hear you cyphertext. It seems a pretty safe bet that the free float hand guard is sturdy, and probably 6000 series aluminum, which is pretty standard in my understanding. Also... it could easily and affordably be replaced if it isn't. Now I'm leaning more towards the T than the MOE MID.

Again, I appreciate everyone's input! Thanks!

 

[cyphertext]

I like where they have gone with the T with M-lok. I thought the second generation T was a step down when they replaced the Troy addons with a UTG rail and Magpul sights. Seems like they are making a correction to make that more of a premium rifle now.

 

[mobiless2]

What will the 15T do that your Sport II can't?

Why not get an upper from someone else built the way you want? Or an entire rifle? Don't get me wrong, I love my Sport II, but many options out there.

DDM4(R)V7(R) Upper Receiver Group | Daniel Defense

LaRue Ultimate AR-15 Upper Kit
- LaRue Tactical

M4E1 16" 5.56 Mid-Length Complete Upper Receiver | Aero Precision | Aero Precision

BCM BFH 16" Mid Length (ENHANCED Light Weight) Upper Receiver Group w/ BCM MCMR-15 Handguard

 

[antigravlemon]

There's a lot I can say about that mobiless2, I'll try to be quick.

First of all, I got the Sport II as a plinker and a trainer, something to run into the ground. (Putting at least a couple hundred rounds downrange a month, so it'll last me a few years, but not forever!) I wouldn't want to put that in a defensive role just because it's getting used and abused so darn much. Now that I'm thinking of getting a self-defense AR-15, I'd like what I get to be very very close to the Sport II, so as much training as possible transfers over. I like the idea of another S&W because it'll have the same (distinctive, non-mil-specy) trigger as my trainer, similar accuracy and reliability, etc.

Why go for the Tactical model over another Sport II? Number one reason: because it's cooler! I really like the 5R rifled barrel (for easier field maintenance and durability), and the mid-length gas system for longer gun life (in addition to slightly smoother shooting). In a high-rate-of-fire situation I'd rather have the free floated hand guard over the A2, one issue I have with the Sport II is it doesn't take much to make the hand guard hot (having such a thin barrel). Also, I'll take the slight upgrade in muzzle device, the BUIS over the A2 front sight... Little things. I don't think the Tactical is more *capable* than the Sport II, just something that is slightly preferable in minor ways, way cooler (!!), but also very similar in key ways.

I could just get a replacement upper for my current gun, but I'd prefer to have a pile of guns than a pile of parts. It may cost a little more but I think it's worth it. It's not a bad idea to have a good little stash of complete ARs laying around, never know when they may become illegal or hard to obtain.

That said, I see no need to spend several hundred dollars more on a DD or something fancy, when a thousand dollar S&W will make me feel proud and safe!

But I do genuinely appreciate your suggestions here. Maybe I should change my approach still, curious what you have to say about what I just said.

 

[mobiless2]

There's a lot I can say about that mobiless2, I'll try to be quick.

First of all, I got the Sport II as a plinker and a trainer, something to run into the ground. (Putting at least a couple hundred rounds downrange a month, so it'll last me a few years, but not forever!) I wouldn't want to put that in a defensive role just because it's getting used and abused so darn much. Now that I'm thinking of getting a self-defense AR-15, I'd like what I get to be very very close to the Sport II, so as much training as possible transfers over. I like the idea of another S&W because it'll have the same (distinctive, non-mil-specy) trigger as my trainer, similar accuracy and reliability, etc.

Why go for the Tactical model over another Sport II? Number one reason: because it's cooler! I really like the 5R rifled barrel (for easier field maintenance and durability), and the mid-length gas system for longer gun life (in addition to slightly smoother shooting). In a high-rate-of-fire situation I'd rather have the free floated hand guard over the A2, one issue I have with the Sport II is it doesn't take much to make the hand guard hot (having such a thin barrel). Also, I'll take the slight upgrade in muzzle device, the BUIS over the A2 front sight... Little things. I don't think the Tactical is more *capable* than the Sport II, just something that is slightly preferable in minor ways, way cooler (!!), but also very similar in key ways.

I could just get a replacement upper for my current gun, but I'd prefer to have a pile of guns than a pile of parts. It may cost a little more but I think it's worth it. It's not a bad idea to have a good little stash of complete ARs laying around, never know when they may become illegal or hard to obtain.

That said, I see no need to spend several hundred dollars more on a DD or something fancy, when a thousand dollar S&W will make me feel proud and safe!

But I do genuinely appreciate your suggestions here. Maybe I should change my approach still, curious what you have to say about what I just said.

Ok, first the Sport II does not have a thin barrel, the reason the plastic hand guard gets hot is S&W went cheap on the Sport II and did not use a heat shield under the plastic, easy correction by swapping to a set with heat shield.

A few hundred rounds a month will not wear out the barrel, unless your using Steel Case ammo, and even then a barrel swap and your good to go. I do have an extra barrel, Gas Tube, & BCG just in case.

I agree the 15T looks cooler, but I won't buy another S&W for a few items I already swapped on my Sport II. Muzzle device is an easy swap, I have the vg6precision.com/vg6-gamma-556ex , remember it may look cooler, but it will also be louder. I swap to a H2 buffer to slow the BCG slightly, I can't stand the A2 stock that comes with most rifles, swapped to a Magpul CTR, I like the secondary locking tab. Hand guard right now is Magpul SL, I also like the MFT stock. Trigger has been swapped out for PSA Enhance Nickel Teflon with Kaw reduced springs.

I have over 3k rounds without any issues. No issues plinkering with it or defending with it.

It Legos for adults, swap till your happy. Or build it how you want.

 

[antigravlemon]

Ok, first the Sport II does not have a thin barrel, the reason the plastic hand guard gets hot is S&W went cheap on the Sport II and did not use a heat shield under the plastic, easy correction by swapping to a set with heat shield.

A few hundred rounds a month will not wear out the barrel, unless your using Steel Case ammo, and even then a barrel swap and your good to go. I do have an extra barrel, Gas Tube, & BCG just in case.

I agree the 15T looks cooler, but I won't buy another S&W for a few items I already swapped on my Sport II. Muzzle device is an easy swap, I have the vg6precision.com/vg6-gamma-556ex , remember it may look cooler, but it will also be louder. I swap to a H2 buffer to slow the BCG slightly, I can't stand the A2 stock that comes with most rifles, swapped to a Magpul CTR, I like the secondary locking tab. Hand guard right now is Magpul SL, I also like the MFT stock. Trigger has been swapped out for PSA Enhance Nickel Teflon with Kaw reduced springs.

I have over 3k rounds without any issues. No issues plinkering with it or defending with it.

It Legos for adults, swap till your happy. Or build it how you want.

Ah you're right, the hand guard is the reason the Sport II gets hot.

But to get the same barrel, a similar muzzle device, and a nice hand guard, in addition to the cost of a new Sport II, will already put me in the territory of the 15T price. (I do plan on installing a few pieces of Magpul furniture on whatever AR I get next.)

Plus, I just prefer to have a BUIS as my front sight. Don't mind the A2 sight too much, but I do prefer my red dot to have an unobstructed field of vision.

If I were on a really tight budget I might just convert my current Sport II to a tactical/defensive role. I agree with you, I would feel confident in it if I did. I also already have an AR10 nicely outfitted for that role, bulky as it is. But at the end of the day I want to have a few AR-15s and a few AR-10s. I'm just getting the collection underway!

That said, your points are taken. A Sport II is a great foundation for a more custom AR build. I'm still amazed by the upper-lower receiver fit, the very usable trigger, and the overall barrel quality/accuracy. If I get a 15T, it will partly just be that I think it's cool, and want to change things up ever so slightly from what I already have. Not a bad gun either!