What are the common improvements/upgrades for a M&P15

I picked up my Sport 2 (std model) last year; my first AR.
For me, it feels good and shoots well out of the box. So my goal is to get more rounds thru it and learn the platform better, then decide if I feel it needs anything that would improve my experience with it. Only item besides mags and ammo I have ordered for it is a magpul handguard. So if i choose to add something I can.
I see my Sport 2 like getting a Mustang gt. Straight off the lot thats a heckuva nice car. Can it be improved on? Sure. Is it needed, wouldn't know until i have some miles on it. But no knock to those who do mod their rides.

Just my .02
 
Sometimes just doing something different is fun. As long as safety and reliability isn’t compromised, it’s all good.
I’m into minimal modifications. I installed an MFT Minimalist stock, with a Magpul grip and handguards, because they make the rifle more comfortable for ME.
When the urge strikes, I may swap for an A2-style carry handle, red dot or LPVO.
 
Best accessory to buy right now are magazines. They have not been caught up in the pandemic yet so they are available at msrp or below if you catch them on sale on the Internet.

Based on past gun ban law pushes magazines disappear from shelves and Internet dealers quickly with the prices going through the ceiling. Old Joe hasn’t dropped the shoe on us yet but his DOJ and BATF will not be our friends.
 
Best accessory to buy right now are magazines. They have not been caught up in the pandemic yet so they are available at msrp or below if you catch them on sale on the Internet.

Based on past gun ban law pushes magazines disappear from shelves and Internet dealers quickly with the prices going through the ceiling. Old Joe hasn’t dropped the shoe on us yet but his DOJ and BATF will not be our friends.

I actually picked up a few extra 10 rounders, as that shorter mag works better for me when shooting from a bench and only 10 rounds at a time may help preserve ammo lol. I figure if I wanted any then now is the time. Before any potential changes make those the hot ticket.
 
I built up a pretty good magazine stash before things went nuts. I'd like to get some more GI 20-rd ones, though.
 
LaRue trigger came yesterday, I haven't shot it yet but there is no doubt that it was worth the 9 week wait. It's silky smooth and predictable.
 
Why does every one here want to bash each other. We should suggest what we use and let others try what they want. Lets try to help each other, not bash each other!
 
I just put a charging handle on it that facilitates left hand charging without shifting the rifle away from my shoulder or changing my grip on it.... My son put a low profile gas block and a free-floating hand guard on it.... the rifle is 10 times more accurate than me!! lol
 
Before making any recommendations, I would ask what you are building it for? For instance, it looks like a mid-range target shooter, maybe longer, and I think you have it fairly nicely set up.

If this is for in-home or in yard self defense, I would consider dropping the scope and add a rifle red dot with a matching three power scope that could be folded over out of the way when the scope isn't needed. Vortex and Holosun make some nice combo red dot and matching magnifiers or scopes. And add a light. Because of size, I really like the inforce light. Small, not a flamethrower, and wide beam with a good hotspot. And if you want something else, I'm a big fan of KISS - no strobe, and no multiple brightness settings. On or off, and momentary on are all you need. Complexity adds training requirements as well as a major opportunity to get it completely wrong and maybe then lose focus on the threat at the worst time.

For SHTF, a mil-spec 16" barrel, your scope, and a sling so that you can access a pistol, water, food or take a break. Really look hard at an M4 from the sandbox for goodies.

And for a long distance shooter, a really good scope, a really light trigger a bipod and a 20" barrel.

Because I imagine various scenarios, on both of my pistols and both of my carbines I have added ambi charging handles, ambi safeties, and with Magpul's BAD lever, ambi bolt releases. The long distance rifle doesn't need all of that, but add what you wish depending on how you envision using the rifle.

Basic advice for anybody thinking about a build is to thing really hard about how you intend to use the pistol or rifle, research the parts you think you will need/like and can afford, then make sure all is compatible and build away.

Another thought kinda discussed in a bunch of earlier replies, and that is mil-spec is good enough for the military, so that is all you need. Yes, I agree, but I don't think most of us are going to put the rounds downrange like a sandbox M4 will. So, while I recommend good quality parts, going off the mil-spec reservation is ok as long as the new part enhances the function of the pistol or rifle in regards to the purpose of the gun.

Last thought and I'm done. Try to avoid the latest and greatest gimmick unless you can really convince yourself that it enhances the purpose of the gun. Avoid complexity, and really ask yourself if the new part might increase your chances of fumbling the mission. For example, a 2lb trigger might not be best for your in home/yard self defense gun when you are experiencing tunnel vision and compromised fine motor skills due to adrenaline and whatever else.

And train exactly for your mission. Good luck!
 
My Sport II had OEM soft case, M-lock hand guard, and vertical grip/flashlight. I added a single point sling, nothing else. Then I started adding ARs and AR pistols. Each with a special purpose and items for those purposes. Nothing more than requirements. Some have scopes, some reflex sites, most cowitness open sites. A couple have flashlights.
Joe couldn't EO, congress wouldn't pass so ATF proposed new rules today. If you are going to build~~ now would be a great time as they propose even PARTS KITS and UPPERS to have a serial #.
 
My Sport II had OEM soft case, M-lock hand guard, and vertical grip/flashlight. I added a single point sling, nothing else. Then I started adding ARs and AR pistols. Each with a special purpose and items for those purposes. Nothing more than requirements. Some have scopes, some reflex sites, most cowitness open sites. A couple have flashlights.
Joe couldn't EO, congress wouldn't pass so ATF proposed new rules today. If you are going to build~~ now would be a great time as they propose even PARTS KITS and UPPERS to have a serial #.
Administrative rules are not law; they are subject to court action.
 
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My M&P15 has a MagPul MOE carbine front guard, so I could add connectors for a one-two point sling, a slanted offhand front grip, and a bipod for fun at the range. Tried a scope on it, didn't like it, decided to not use it. Instead, a Romeo5 is fine for what it is used for - target and occasional varmit hunting. Folding front and rear sights for co-witness, and I'm happy with it.
 
As a 'Why Not' modification, I kick around the idea of putting a quad rail on my rifle, just because...
 
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