Are their any details that I can give him (aside from directing him to this site:D ) to make sure he has a 100% reliable out of the box gun?
Example: With a Bushmaster owner, I’d tell them to buy an extractor upgrade kit, H1 buffer, etc.
He just ordered it through his FFL, so it is brand new from S&W. He is supposed to pick it up tomorrow.
Is there a laundry list of checks to go over for a new MP? (I know he is thinking about Pmags, what needs to be done to make sure he has a drop free lower?)
He apparently has gotten a carry handle to go with it as well, and has talked about getting an optic rail for the carry handle, I tried to explain him using the Troy BUIS would be a better option, considering the A3 receiver on his gun.
I know about the tech threads on “Oh noes!111 I bought XYZ before I knew better…” but are there really relevant parts on a new MP15A that need to be addressed out of box? I know there are different issues with different dates of manufacture, and would like to know the deal with the very latest ones coming from S&W.
Check the mag well on the 15a to make sure it will take PMAG’s. The front lower edge on mine didn’t have the proper bevel and wouldn’t allow a stock pmag to seat. Other folks have had tight mag wells that are a bigger issue. The only other thing I’ve done to mine is adding a side swivel under the FSB and staked the castle nut. Other than that mine has been more reliable (punching paper) and more accurate than I could have ever hoped for…
If its a newer made AR and not one sitting around the distributor the magwell will be GTG. MY M&PT is on its way back from S&W as we speak with a brand new upper.
Mine came with the front side swivel, but I removed it since I use a conventional sling.
It also began short-stroking after about the first mag, due to the poorly staked carrier key loosening up. I had it restaked (MOWACKED by Virginia Arms), and it has since run 100% (now ~2K rounds).
+1 on loctiting the BUIS.
I put an Aimpoint ML2 on the receiver rail. Also added a Surefire G3 light via the MI FSB mount. Thinking of adding the Magpul CRT buttstock (no wobble) and the MIAD pistol grip (to carry a back-up bolt and firing pin).
So far running only GI mags. Need to test fit with a friend’s Pmag – if it fits, I’ll stock up on these before Hillussain gets in office.
Mine was an older version and when it was new they screwed up the gas system so they replaced the upper as it was FUBAR. It was still a old model upper that wasnt pinned and used the aluminum gas block so when it heated up trouble began. They replaced and pinned the gas block and were going to send it back. But I told them I wanted it replaced and there you have it. It will just sit in the safe anyhow as I much prefer my LMT’s.
