New to M&P 15 Sport (AR's in general)

[Kadonny]

It is very unlikely that changing the gas block will cause any issues. It's almost impossible to do it wrong.

Almost impossible to hurt/damage the gun when swapping the gas block, but for a n00b you can absolutely install it wrong if you don't know to properly line up the gas holes.

 

[Rastoff]

Yeah, you could line up the holes wrong, but even that will be difficult.

The hole in the gas block is intentionally over sized. There is a stop on the barrel preventing the gas block from being pressed on too far. If a pinned gas block is used, it's impossible to get it misaligned. Even if a non pinned block is used, as long as it's pretty close to straight up, it will work fine.

I have tested this theory with my own gun. I installed a gas block that uses set screws. I moved the block about 2° left and right. I then moved it forward, off the stop, a little. I did all this to see how this misalignment would affect the operation of the gun. To my surprise, the gun worked with the gas block in all these positions.

Can it be misaligned? Sure, but it will have to be obviously out of place to cause a malfunction.

 

[wagostini]

Here is my baby to date.
1)Nikon P-223 3-9x40mm
2)Nikon P-Series mounts
3)Quad rail
4)Bipod

 

[MuttX7]

Changing out the A2 sight/gas block will not void the warranty. If you look at the warranty, you will find this statement:This says that defects or malfunctions caused by modifications are not warranted. It is very unlikely that changing the gas block will cause any issues. It's almost impossible to do it wrong.

Secondly, I don't see the "lifetime" part of this warranty. It clearly says: That sounds like it's only a one year warranty to me. I don't see anywhere where it says it's a lifetime warranty.

Maybe you have an extended warranty from your dealer? I know a couple of gun stores here do that. Even so, it's not a lifetime warranty from S&W.

In the owners manual for my Sport as well as in the downloadable .PDF manual on Smith and Wesson's site, it shows the one year warranty and on page 42, the last paragraph states:


Smith & Wesson's Lifetime Service policy begins after the warranty period has expired. Smith and Wesson will repair, without charge, for the lifetime of the original owner, any Smith & Wesson handgun purchased on or after February 1, 1989, and any M&P series rifle that is found to have a defect in material or workmanship. Eligibility for this Lifetime Service Policy requires returning the product registration card within 30 days of purchase. The Lifetime Service Policy covers functional defects, it does not cover the firearm's finish, grips, magazines, or sights. The Lifetime Service policy is in addition to and not an extension of the Smith & Wesson Warranty.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

AR15 is a modular rifle.
There's nothing that can't be replaced by a zillion different vendors for cheap.
Not operating the rifle as you wish for fear of voiding the warranty is silly IMO.

 

[cyphertext]

AR15 is a modular rifle.
There's nothing that can't be replaced by a zillion different vendors for cheap.
Not operating the rifle as you wish for fear of voiding the warranty is silly IMO.

I was once one of the "but the warranty" guys, until I started putting together a rifle for my son. Phil is right... you can fix many things yourself. Make sure the rifle functions properly before making any changes and after that, you should be good.

 

[Rastoff]

Interesting. I read the one in this manual: https://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/S&W_MP15_Rifle_Manual.pdf

Then I read the one in my M&P pistol manual. That one specifically said the lifetime part is only for pistols. What you posted says both pistols and rifles. Well, good.

It doesn't change the fact that changing the gas block won't void the warranty.

 

[MuttX7]

I was just replying to show that Smith & Wesson has the lifetime warranty, not about what may void the warranty.