M&P 15 immediate upgrades?

dvdcrr · February 23, 2023, 11:48 PM

picking up a MP-15T 16" free float 223. What upgrades would you do right away? I plan to swap out the trigger to a LaRue. Would you automatically swap in a H buffer as well? What else? it is midlength gas. Do you typically run a H buffer with that.

veprdude · February 24, 2023, 12:50 AM

I think a flat wire buffer spring is a great cheap upgrade. For the rattle noise alone. They are about $20.

Next up would be a nicer buttstock and maybe grip.

DubC-Hicks · February 24, 2023, 01:16 AM

H buffer is a nice upgrade, ST-T2 or H2 would even likely be fine. New stock and new grip. I like the BCM gunfighter furniture a lot, and the MOE SL stocks. But there are tons of options out there these days.

As far as trigger, Larue currently only offers two stage. If you're familiar with single vs two stage triggers and do like two stage, Larue is a solid option, especially for the price.

My biggest advice is shoot it as is, and figure out what you like and what you don't like about how it's currently configured. Change parts accordingly.

taylorce1 · February 24, 2023, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DubC-Hicks

My biggest advice is shoot it as is, and figure out what you like and what you don't like about how it's currently configured. Change parts accordingly.

I was typing the exact same thing when I looked up and saw this paragraph. There always needs to be some sort of basline with a factory configured rifle. So I'd just add an optic of your choice if you plan on using one, and spend time with the rifle going through the paces.

How the rifle feels and shoots should tell you what you'll need. My guess is you won't need to change out much of anything. I've shot a lot of M-16A2 and M-4 rifles over the years, and even with milspec parts most shoot better than the people pulling the trigger.

jetinteriorguy · February 24, 2023, 07:20 AM

I’d say determine your intended use and equip accordingly.

MarkCO · February 24, 2023, 10:10 AM

Quote:

picking up a MP-15T 16" free float 223. What upgrades would you do right away?

Nothing. Just shoot it.

If you want a better AR15, buy one with the better parts, or build one from parts. Once you start tinkering with a stock AR, you remove a good chunk of resale value.

Learn it, take a class.

stagpanther · February 24, 2023, 10:35 AM

The very first thing I'd do is field strip clean the bore and carrier and lubricate as recommended.

dvdcrr · February 24, 2023, 11:13 AM

what do you like for single stage triggers

603Country · February 24, 2023, 05:07 PM

The grandson’s Grendel has a single stage Geiselle, whereas my 223 has a 2 stage LaRue. I prefer the LaRue and just ordered one for my Grendel.

Shadow9mm · February 24, 2023, 08:50 PM

First thing to do is clean and lubricate.

Second thing to do, shoot the gun and make sure it operates properly and zero the iron sights

Third thing to do is buy an optic then mount and zero that.

While you were doing those things, thats the time decided what you feel you want, or that the gun needs.

I like the magpul ctr stock as it reduces the rattle of the stock on the tube and makes it feel more stable.

I also like the magpul moe and k2 grips. But you just need to find what feels good to your hand.

As far as a trigger goes. I generally keep the factory trigger and put in a JP enhanced reliability spring kit. Drops the pull weight, cleans up the pull, all for $10.40. If you want a really nice trigger the larue mbt 2s gets my vote.

For a defense gun i feel a light is necessary.

I prefer vertical grips mounted farther out. I can grab them, or use them as a hand stop. Not a fan of angled forgrips. But thats personal preference.

As far as the buffer goes, that is individual to each gun. Brass should eject at the 3 to 4 o'clock position. Basically straight sudeways, or back just a little. If its going forward in any kind of way, you need a heavier buffer. They also make extra power springs. Generally rule of thumb, you want the heaviest buffer your gun will lock open on. Bur again you need to assess your brass ejection while performing the function check and zeroing the gun.

Far too many people buy a gun, mod it, and wonder why it does not work. Shoot it. Make sure it works. Change one thing at a time, so if things stop working, you know why and you dont have to take everything off the gun.

Scorch · February 24, 2023, 08:52 PM

Funny you should ask. I am currently upgrading 4 M&P-15 rifles for a customer. All dead stock, A-2 style handguards, A2 style birdcage muzzle device, standard S&W collapsible buttstock. Moved the customer up to a thinner free-float rail, new grip for comfort, new buttstock with a rubbery buttplate so it stays in place when shooting, new muzzle device to tame the flash, low-pro gas block. I left the triggers alone because they were fine at about 4 lbs, left the buffer alone because it worked fine when it left the factory. Already had optics on, so I left that alone as well.

Now if this is going to be about going all Barbie-Doll and dressing it up, that's a whole new thread.

PatientWolf · February 24, 2023, 09:40 PM

I would add a Magpul BAD lever.

veprdude · February 25, 2023, 01:36 AM

Keep all your stock parts. If you decide to sell this off, you can put it back to stock and keep the expensive goodies that won't bring much in resale value if left on the gun.

bamaranger · February 25, 2023, 09:48 PM

I recently bought a M&P15 Sport, an early one with the 5R barrel. First addition was an LPV scope, and I've added a fixed buttstock. What it really needs is a good trigger, but the optic and stock were cheaper!

To quote Jeff Cooper, ..."your trigger is your connection to the target". Not sure what after market trigger I will select just yet. Simple is better for me, some type of upgraded GI number would likely suit just fine.

Shadow9mm · February 25, 2023, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamaranger

I recently bought a M&P15 Sport, an early one with the 5R barrel. First addition was an LPV scope, and I've added a fixed buttstock. What it really needs is a good trigger, but the optic and stock were cheaper!

To quote Jeff Cooper, ..."your trigger is your connection to the target". Not sure what after market trigger I will select just yet. Simple is better for me, some type of upgraded GI number would likely suit just fine.

I would highly reccomended the jp enhanced reliability spring kit. Its $10.40 off midway. Takes about a pound and a half off the pull weight but it still runs 100% with all primers. Just swap the springs and your done. I have used the kit several times, never regretted it. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1003366096

bamaranger · February 25, 2023, 11:12 PM

Thanks Shadow.

Affordable is always an option with me!

mikejonestkd · February 26, 2023, 10:57 AM

I have used the same JP spring kit on several ARs and it makes a difference.
Otherwise, I'd leave the smith AR alone until you have a decent amount of range time with it

JustJake · February 27, 2023, 04:15 PM

Quote:

M&P 15 immediate upgrades?

Immediately trade it in on a 5.56 Colt, ... or one of the Teir 1 level clones. Last I looked S&W M&Ps ain't T-1s.

A brief use of Google-fu will reveal the current makes of ARs that qualify for Teir 1 status. No need to chase down a Navy SEAL and ask.

Shadow9mm · February 27, 2023, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJake

Immediately trade it in on a 5.56 Colt, ... or one of the Teir 1 level clones. Last I looked S&W M&Ps ain't T-1s.

A brief use of Google-fu will reveal the current makes of ARs that qualify for Teir 1 status. No need to chase down a Navy SEAL and ask.

The M&P 15s are just fine. Don't forget, mil spec is the lowest bidder....

MarkCO · February 27, 2023, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow9mm

The M&P 15s are just fine. Don't forget, mil spec is the lowest bidder....

Bingo. Amazes me that folks still get wrapped up in the "Colt" or nothing thing.

Shadow9mm · February 27, 2023, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkCO

Bingo. Amazes me that folks still get wrapped up in the "Colt" or nothing thing.

I mean IMHO colt is cool, I have one, but I cant tell any difference between it and the other 4 I have built over the years. Its like a LOT of things, just a name. Most receivers are forged in 1 of 3 plants and have the logo of whichever company they are going to marked on them. You can buy many a gun that is better quality than a colt, and you can certainly build one.

MarkCO · February 27, 2023, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow9mm

I mean IMHO colt is cool, I have one, but I cant tell any difference between it and the other 4 I have built over the years. Its like a LOT of things, just a name. Most receivers are forged in 1 of 3 plants and have the logo of whichever company they are going to marked on them. You can buy many a gun that is better quality than a colt, and you can certainly build one.

100%

stagpanther · February 28, 2023, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Bingo. Amazes me that folks still get wrapped up in the "Colt" or nothing thing.

I dunno--a commander 1911 with a dancing pony on it is almost an icon.

veprdude · February 28, 2023, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stagpanther

I dunno--a commander 1911 with a dancing pony on it is almost an icon.

Old Colt vs new Colt- there is a difference, especially pre-MIM 1911s.

CNC created spaceguns, maybe not so much.

Fishbed77 · March 2, 2023, 05:45 PM

Immediate upgrades? Is something not working properly?

Start with ammo, mags, and a sling.

Perhaps a quality optic & mount if those fit in with your intended use. When you have established the carbine is reliable, and if you intend to use it for defense purposes, get a quality white light.

I wouldn’t mess with the buffer unless you have reliability issues. And frankly, I wouldn’t mess with the trigger on a carbine like that. Shoot it and the stock trigger will likely break in and improve. If it is still really bad, then I suppose you could upgrade, but you aren’t likely to see any great accuracy improvement.

February 23, 2023, 11:48 PM	#1
dvdcrr Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2010 Posts: 665	M&P 15 immediate upgrades? picking up a MP-15T 16" free float 223. What upgrades would you do right away? I plan to swap out the trigger to a LaRue. Would you automatically swap in a H buffer as well? What else? it is midlength gas. Do you typically run a H buffer with that. __________________ "All warfare is based on deception. Hence when we are able to attack we must seem unable....when using our forces we must appear inactive. When we are near we must make the enemy believe we are far away."Sun Tzu The Art of War.

February 24, 2023, 01:16 AM	#3
DubC-Hicks Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Backwoods, Northern MI Posts: 1,024	H buffer is a nice upgrade, ST-T2 or H2 would even likely be fine. New stock and new grip. I like the BCM gunfighter furniture a lot, and the MOE SL stocks. But there are tons of options out there these days. As far as trigger, Larue currently only offers two stage. If you're familiar with single vs two stage triggers and do like two stage, Larue is a solid option, especially for the price. My biggest advice is shoot it as is, and figure out what you like and what you don't like about how it's currently configured. Change parts accordingly. __________________ ”Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars.” ~Unknown

February 24, 2023, 10:35 AM	#7
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 10,911	The very first thing I'd do is field strip clean the bore and carrier and lubricate as recommended. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

February 24, 2023, 11:13 AM	#8
dvdcrr Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2010 Posts: 665	what do you like for single stage triggers __________________ "All warfare is based on deception. Hence when we are able to attack we must seem unable....when using our forces we must appear inactive. When we are near we must make the enemy believe we are far away."Sun Tzu The Art of War.

February 24, 2023, 08:50 PM	#10
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,612	First thing to do is clean and lubricate. Second thing to do, shoot the gun and make sure it operates properly and zero the iron sights Third thing to do is buy an optic then mount and zero that. While you were doing those things, thats the time decided what you feel you want, or that the gun needs. I like the magpul ctr stock as it reduces the rattle of the stock on the tube and makes it feel more stable. I also like the magpul moe and k2 grips. But you just need to find what feels good to your hand. As far as a trigger goes. I generally keep the factory trigger and put in a JP enhanced reliability spring kit. Drops the pull weight, cleans up the pull, all for $10.40. If you want a really nice trigger the larue mbt 2s gets my vote. For a defense gun i feel a light is necessary. I prefer vertical grips mounted farther out. I can grab them, or use them as a hand stop. Not a fan of angled forgrips. But thats personal preference. As far as the buffer goes, that is individual to each gun. Brass should eject at the 3 to 4 o'clock position. Basically straight sudeways, or back just a little. If its going forward in any kind of way, you need a heavier buffer. They also make extra power springs. Generally rule of thumb, you want the heaviest buffer your gun will lock open on. Bur again you need to assess your brass ejection while performing the function check and zeroing the gun. Far too many people buy a gun, mod it, and wonder why it does not work. Shoot it. Make sure it works. Change one thing at a time, so if things stop working, you know why and you dont have to take everything off the gun. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload. Last edited by Shadow9mm; February 24, 2023 at 08:59 PM.

February 24, 2023, 12:50 AM	#2
veprdude Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 351	I think a flat wire buffer spring is a great cheap upgrade. For the rattle noise alone. They are about $20. Next up would be a nicer buttstock and maybe grip.

February 24, 2023, 07:20 AM	#5
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 2,878	I’d say determine your intended use and equip accordingly.

February 24, 2023, 05:07 PM	#9
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,952	The grandson’s Grendel has a single stage Geiselle, whereas my 223 has a 2 stage LaRue. I prefer the LaRue and just ordered one for my Grendel.

February 24, 2023, 08:52 PM	#11
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,210	Funny you should ask. I am currently upgrading 4 M&P-15 rifles for a customer. All dead stock, A-2 style handguards, A2 style birdcage muzzle device, standard S&W collapsible buttstock. Moved the customer up to a thinner free-float rail, new grip for comfort, new buttstock with a rubbery buttplate so it stays in place when shooting, new muzzle device to tame the flash, low-pro gas block. I left the triggers alone because they were fine at about 4 lbs, left the buffer alone because it worked fine when it left the factory. Already had optics on, so I left that alone as well. Now if this is going to be about going all Barbie-Doll and dressing it up, that's a whole new thread. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

February 24, 2023, 09:40 PM	#12
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 932	I would add a Magpul BAD lever.

February 25, 2023, 01:36 AM	#13
veprdude Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 351	Keep all your stock parts. If you decide to sell this off, you can put it back to stock and keep the expensive goodies that won't bring much in resale value if left on the gun.

February 25, 2023, 09:48 PM	#14
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 7,947	trigger I recently bought a M&P15 Sport, an early one with the 5R barrel. First addition was an LPV scope, and I've added a fixed buttstock. What it really needs is a good trigger, but the optic and stock were cheaper! To quote Jeff Cooper, ..."your trigger is your connection to the target". Not sure what after market trigger I will select just yet. Simple is better for me, some type of upgraded GI number would likely suit just fine.

February 25, 2023, 11:12 PM	#16
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 7,947	duly noted Thanks Shadow. Affordable is always an option with me!

February 26, 2023, 10:57 AM	#17
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,691	I have used the same JP spring kit on several ARs and it makes a difference. Otherwise, I'd leave the smith AR alone until you have a decent amount of range time with it __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

March 2, 2023, 05:45 PM	#25
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,854	Immediate upgrades? Is something not working properly? Start with ammo, mags, and a sling. Perhaps a quality optic & mount if those fit in with your intended use. When you have established the carbine is reliable, and if you intend to use it for defense purposes, get a quality white light. I wouldn’t mess with the buffer unless you have reliability issues. And frankly, I wouldn’t mess with the trigger on a carbine like that. Shoot it and the stock trigger will likely break in and improve. If it is still really bad, then I suppose you could upgrade, but you aren’t likely to see any great accuracy improvement.

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