New member and M&P15 Owner from MI

[GianniG83]

Hello everyone, new member and M&P15OR owner from Southeast Michigan here. As I had mentioned in a previous post, I have to admit, I lucked out big time last Saturday. Friday I started calling my local range/FFL dealer's. Everyone was out of stock and some were even put a temporary stoppage on all new orders. I couldn't even find lowers and upper kits as I was considering building a custom AR with one of my friends. The last dealer I called put me on a waiting list for a S&W M&P15OR. Three hours later they called me back and said I have been bumped up on their list (the person ahead of made an online purchase) and they found one hiding in their stock room. I slept on it overnight and walked out of their building on Saturday with a brand new M&P15OR for under $1,000. It came with one PMag. Also purchased 5 boxes of 5.56 ammo (they limited their sales to 5 per customer).

So anyway, I am new to the AR platform. I have a couple guns in my fathers vault that he is passing down to me and a few of my own that include a H&R 12ga Superslug for hunting (shotgun only in lower Michigan) and my H&K P30 (looking to pick up the Springfield XDS for a new conceal carry). Just ordered a bunch items for my AR this past week:

- Troy DOA and M4 tritium battlesights
- Magpul MIAD
- Magpul AFG2
- Magpul MOE (cheap upgrade/solution until I find a quad rail that I really like)
- Magpul PMAGS (found some on a website available for order)

I really didn't want to purchase all of these items within one week, but with some of the potential legislation that may come through and the recommendations being presented next week, I took a cautionary route. I really am not going to go all out crazy on accessories either. Besides eventually buying a Trijicon, the only other attachment I am going to buy is a flashlight. I want to try and keep my AR fairly light in terms of weight.

I still need to find a sling and case to storage and range. Looking for a single point or a 2 point sling; so any suggestions would be appreciated. Since I am new to this, I do have a couple of questions regarding a few particular upgrades.

- For those that have the Magpul B.A.D, what are your thoughts? Does it get in the way of getting to the trigger at all? Are you happy with the upgrade or would you look into something else?
- Those who have the Magpul AFG, what are your thoughts compared to a traditional vertical grip? Does it really improve control, maneuverability, and recoil control?
- What tools and cleaning products should I consider purchasing? Again, I'm a new AR owner.
- I am looking to get a new quad rail. I actually do not mind the gasblock on the OR, so for now, I'll stick with carbine rails. I've heard some people on here using the Daniel Defense Omega rail.
- Again, looking to get a sling. Any suggestions? Does anyone have any experience with Blue Force Gear and their Vickers sling?
- Magpul ACS or VLTOR EMOD stock?

I know I posted a lot of random questions here. I greatly appreciate any feedback I receive from you guys; even if I don't receive suggestions on all of my questions.

 

[oneyeopn]

Welcome to the forum,
The B.A.D. Lever after getting accustomed to using it rocks. I really appreciate the ambidextrous control I have over the bolt lock.
As far as a quad rail there are plenty out there but you can buy an Omega Tactical for a still really affordable price and they are good. The quality of it doesnt show in its price. UTG pro makes another one for just a little more than the Omega.
Under Notable threads there is one "Tools I use to clean" by Japes, It is full of information. Also the Otis kit for 5.56/.223 is realy good to have, I also have a Hoppes Boresnake and a bottle of good old Hoppes #9 solvent.
I hope this is a start on your questions. Others may have more to say.

 

[Maddmax]

The last dealer I called put me on a waiting list for a S&W M&P15OR. Three hours later they called me back and said I have been bumped up on their list (the person ahead of made an online purchase) and they found one hiding in their stock room. I slept on it overnight and walked out of their building on Saturday with a brand new M&P15OR for under $1,000. It came with one PMag. Also purchased 5 boxes of 5.56 ammo (they limited their sales to 5 per customer).

I would have been out the door before the phone was completely hung up and on my way. Or (if the time was too late to get there),I'd been sitting at the door waiting for them to open the next day

NICE Sporting Rifle and you are at the right place for any help.

Welcome to the club. Grover gave you a good start.

 

[GianniG83]

I would have been out the door before the phone was completely hung up and on my way. Or (if the time was too late to get there),I'd been sitting at the door waiting for them to open the next day

NICE Sporting Rifle and you are at the right place for any help.

Welcome to the club. Grover gave you a good start.

Trust me, I wanted to, but I rarely make a blind buy, plus this was in the evening and I wouldn't have made it there in time with a check from one of my accounts. Really didn't have the money and my account is going to be reimbursed with my tax refund.

The sales person was great, they kept it under my name, confirmed with them in the morning over the phone, and I arrived there a couple hours after they opened.

 

[GianniG83]

Thank you for the feedback Grover. It seems like a great concept and it does make a lot of sense. Heck, I might buy it this week.

 

[JaPes]

Hello everyone, new member and M&P15OR owner from Southeast Michigan here.

Welcome aboard!

- For those that have the Magpul B.A.D, what are your thoughts? Does it get in the way of getting to the trigger at all? Are you happy with the upgrade or would you look into something else?

I equipped it on my AR15's & my M&P 15-22. Love it. It does not get in the way of the trigger at all. Just be sure to practice using the bolt paddle. In an emergency, you'll still have to be proficient with any AR on hand.

- Those who have the Magpul AFG, what are your thoughts compared to a traditional vertical grip? Does it really improve control, maneuverability, and recoil control?

The AFG is really just a hand stop. Gripping the AFG itself, the angle is not ergonomically compatible with my wrist. The truth about an AFG is that you will either love it or absolutely hate it.

Any improvement in control and maneuverability an AFG or VFG will give is entirely dependent on your shooting style. Neither of these will mitigate recoil.

- What tools and cleaning products should I consider purchasing? Again, I'm a new AR owner.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...8269-new-ars-here-some-tools-i-use-clean.html

^ Tools are all in there.

Cleaning solution & lube is your choice. Hoppes No.9 and Mobil 1 0W30 are the least expensive, and work rather well. I use Ballistol. There really is no wrong combo.

- I am looking to get a new quad rail. I actually do not mind the gasblock on the OR, so for now, I'll stick with carbine rails. I've heard some people on here using the Daniel Defense Omega rail.

I have installed an Omega tactical drop in, carbine length rail. I didn't like the weight it added to the fore-end of the rifle. I use a Magpul MOE handguard with MOE furniture on it. I affixed the scout mount for a light, the MOE VFG, and section of rails where needed.

- Again, looking to get a sling. Any suggestions?

I'm a sling simpleton. Give me a simple two point sling and I'm good to go.

I know it's en vogue to have a single point sling set up. One word of warning, from experience. A single point sling turns an AR into a nut-busting pendulum. If you're not careful, you'll smack the boys.

I used a friend's rifle equipped with a single point sling. I don't remember what happened exactly. I do remember the safety was engaged (thank god). I just remember being curled up on the ground in pain, and my friend laughing his tuckus off.

- Magpul ACS or VLTOR EMOD stock

Sorry. Stock simpleton too. I like a good old Magpul MOE.

 

[glen_farmer]

single point sling

That type sling is best when taking classes. Because you are tired of hearing ready - up, your trigger finger couldn't squeeze one more time, your feet are dog tired, your arms are sore from holding that lightweight carbine at low or high ready, your thirsty and hungry, then.... the instructor says .... let em hang. At that very moment a single point sling is gold.

Don't get me wrong. I still like carbine classes. It's just that at my age, a nap somewhere in the middle would be nice.

Keep an eye out for Grover, he is a bad influence. : )

 

[GianniG83]

Thanks for the helpful hints JaPes. I'll take your personal experience with a single point sling as a word of caution. Knowing my luck, same thing would happen to me.

 

[Maddmax]

I do like the 3 point sling (for the same reason as glen_farmer),but JaPes also has a VERY valid point about the "boys". They can end up taking a beating if you aren't careful. I use mine more as a two point for regular carry,but the single is handy for two gun shooting.

Myself,I like these cases. Plenty of room for about everything you need and VERY well padded for protection. I have four of them. I don't like putting more than one rifle in a case (you "could" put two in,there is a devider),but all my rifles have scopes.

I don't recommend storing your rifle in any case. It can be a problem with moisture and can cause a rust issue.

ModGear Ultimate Carbine Case Black 36x12x4" Outside Pockets for Weapons Ammo Magazines and other Gear

Manufacturer: Condor Outdoor Products, Inc. MOLLE206 (I have the black ones) They also come in different colors.

Rifle case and range bag all in one! Filled with features and plenty of pockets to carry your weapons, ammo, magazines, and other gear in one easy to carry case.

The heavy duty zippered main compartment is 36” long and features two hook and loop straps to secure any rifle, heavy 3/4” padding and padded corner pockets to protect your muzzle and or stock.

The front zippered pocket is 26" x 11” with two padded 12” x 10” internal padded pockets perfect for pistols, optics or other accessories.

The front of the bag features 4 rows by 9 columns of PALS webbing allowing for the attachment of any MOLLE compatible holsters, pouches and other accessories, as well as the three included pouches.

Includes one large 8” x 8” x 2.5” utility pouch that will hold up to six 30rd M16 or AR15 magazines. The pouch features a flap closure with hook & loop, and two side-release buckles as well as a front 3" x 2" loop material panel for ID badge, nametapes or morale patches. It has three MOLLE compatible attachment straps and requires 4 rows by three columns of PALS webbing.

Includes two medium 9” x 6” x 2.5” utility pouches that feature a flap closure with hook & loop backed up by a side release buckle. They have two MOLLE compatible attachment straps and require 4 rows by two columns of PALS webbing each.

The shoulder strap is fully adjustable and removable and features a removable pad. The bag has separate options for carrying using the shoulder straps or the padded wrap around handles.

Measures 36" x 12" x 4". You can also find it in 42" x 12" x 4".