vfin,
Before you accuse me of ignorance in replacing 'critical' parts and that I think I am smarter than Engineers at S&W let me initially respond to your claims by stating that whatever critical parts that were replaced were done so by a professional gunsmiths and never did I mention that I know better than S&W engineers who actually copied the original design from Eugene Morrison Stoner (with improvements I might add).
Secondly, it really amazes me that you are actually a member of this forum or any other gun enthusiast forum, as you may have notice almost every thread is related to tinkering, customizing that person's M&P 10 and sharing that experience with members. If we were to follow your guidelines there maybe perhaps on thread regarding problems or issues related to stock ..yes stock configuration, and better yet why even discuss them when you can RMA your rifle back to the Geniuses at S&W.
Most Importantly, its my rifle and my $$ if I wish to color it blue that's my choice at least respect that. I have summarized the modifications that I have done to it outlined below, (oh by the way I have modified my other S&W M&P 15 and it is a 40 percent improvement in all aspects and functions reliably 1500 rounds plus). What you fail to understand is S&W business formula of cost vs profit which are unlike mine and other forum members cost vs benefit.
Improvements: Yes, there are: cosmetically and performance wise.
That cheap stock, are you kidding me...replaced with Magpul CTR, more comfortable in every aspect and looks 100 better.
The rifle kicked like a mule, its supposed to be a semi-auto but functioned like bolt action as quick follow-up shots were impossible thru scope, so after replacing that hideous flash hider (some like it and to each his own) with compensator I am able to do so.
The handguard, seriously how much did that cost S&W about 10 cents, now I have the Troy free float that I can add rails to and a bipod without affecting my POI plus looks better and adds slight weight which also benefits in reduced recoil.
Let's not discuss triggers, barrels-not possible (if S&W were not so stingy with their proprietary stuff .. think $$) and other improvements cosmetic or performance related which may or may not have some negative aspects to them, and in this arena is where discussions regarding pros and cons are shared and advise given by knowledgeable members (naturally not S&W PhD holders but they will do).
As for my dilemma, the only issue I had was the bolt not locking back after last round, even if that remains which I highly doubt, I am more than happy with the way it functions and looks. As it turns out, my gas rings were shot according to the gunsmith, matter of fact I have an earlier thread in which I stated so and this was the case prior to any modifications with only 200 rounds through it... hmmm S&W shipped me a brand new rifle with worn-out rings, nooo that can't be. Luckily I had acquired some DPMS gas rings and now have brand new rings and will confirm on my next range outing if it's the fix since I have such a minor gas leak.
Frankly, the majority of us who did purchase this 'battle rifle' will not see one... (Thank God, WAR is not fun ask a veteran specially when you're being shot at), maybe some paper targets and if lucky steel or for recreational hunting, so unlike you the joy is trying to squeeze every ounce of improvement perceived or not out of our toys, lets keep it real.
