Optics ready M&P 15 question/model suggestion

[LadyShooter1]

Hi everyone, on the base of the gas block on my new M&P I have what appears to be a QD swivel hole and another threaded small hole, is this small hole for a threaded swivel mount for the sling? I'm learning... The dealer sold me model number 12024 and said I could exchange it for model number 10305 both have M-Lok hand guards, I have not fired it yet. Just wondering if I should go with the 10305 considering it does have the A2 post/rear sights? Thanks guys!

 

[cyphertext]

The model you decide on has more to do with how you intend to use the rifle. If you want to use a scope, or some other optic only, get the optics only model. If you want to use iron sights along with an optic such as a red dot, you could get either, but note that some find the A2 style permanent front sight distracting when it is in the sight picture of the optic.

I don't have the same gas block as you, but I don't think the small hole is threaded... just use the quick release block for a sling attachment.

 

[LadyShooter1]

Thanks, a scope was planned and your right the A2 could pose a obstruction vs a set of back up flip sights.

 

[LadyShooter1]

I ordered a Rhino scope, it was decent priced and had good reviews for back yard plinking. I have some more questions; the upper receiver rail and gas block rail appear to be the same height or plane, the m-Lok hand guard seems to set higher than the gas block rail. Was looking into Magpul back up sights which are polymer by what I gather and I've read a few articles about the gas block getting very hot especially after several magazines of rapid fire, so would something like Ozark steel be a better option. My concern is heat and will the flip back up sights fold does against the raised upper hand guard. I appreciate any advice!!! Here is a link to my specific rifle M&P(R)15 SPORT™ II Optics Ready with M-LOK(R) Handguard | Smith & Wesson

 

[cyphertext]

Magpul does not recommend using their polymer sights on the gas block, but many people do anyway. Can't answer your question about the sight fitting with the handguard with 100% confidence since I don't have that setup, but I would assume that you coud mount the sight forward enough that it would not be a problem. However, if the optic you are mounting is a magnified optic and you are not putting it on a quick release base, having sights on the rifle is fairly useless.

 

[LadyShooter1]

Update, I added a Vortex StrikeFire and a set of 45 degree offset fixed iron sights and it's a lot of fun!!

 

[LadyShooter1]

Update, I added a Vortex StrikeFire and a set of 45 degree offset fixed iron sights and it's a lot of fun!! The Vortex seems to be a good Red dot optic and quite accurate!!