Im new to the AR15 world and semi-new to shooting overall. After months of research, I recently purchased a new S&W M&P15 (standard model). RRA, Stag, and DPMS also made the cut, but my local shop had the S&W in stock.
My first trip to the range is this weekend, and Im wondering if there is anything I should pay special attention to in regard to the functionality of the rifle.
Also, Im looking to put a sling on the rifle. I’ve become perplexed and overwhelmed by all the options. I know I want a double-point and I want to use the stock swivels (At some point I would like to replace the front/stock swivel with a side mounted one), but it seems like most slings require additional hooks, mounts, etc.
Of those brands listed, you made the best choice, by far.
As far as a sling, I’d highly recommend the Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Application Sling (BFG VCAS).
You can use the standard sling attachment points on your standard buttstock, but to get the most out of the sling, you might want to get a Blue Force Gear Universal Wire Loop that you can use for your front sling attachment point.
The info on this site is great and many times you can answer your question by using the search button here. I typed in “slings, m4carbine.net” in the search window and got pages of info.
Of your choices listed, you ended up with the best one by far. The S&W is a good, solid, middle-of-the-pack rifle.
Slings…probably the most-popular are either the VTAC or the VCAS. Consider getting them with the sling adapters so you have some degree of quick-detachability.
After months of research, I recently purchased a new S&W M&P15 (standard model). RRA, Stag, and DPMS also made the cut, but my local shop had the S&W in stock.
Good thing you chose the Smith, if you stick around here and read up you will throw DPMS out of your vocabulary.
Welcome to the site and congrats on your purchase. You’ll find a ridiculous amount of good information on this site, to the point where I don’t post much because there are usually multiple threads tackling whatever questions I have!
I would suggest a Basic Carbine class from TigerSwan, Dave Harrington, Paul Howe, LAV, EAG, or another quality instructor. This is a great way to learn.
Welcome and good choice. If you stick around you will find that there is more than enough information here to make your head spin. But if you stick with it you will learn a lot of very good information. Be sure to let us know what you think when you get out and put some rounds through it.
As for the sling, I recently picked up a VCAS for mine as suggested above and I’m very happy with it.
