M&P 15 sport upgrade questions - NEWB

[ktap46]

Hey every one, I just got a M&P 15 sport. I haven't made any mods to it yet. what I would like to do is make it into a "sniper" looking rifle. I want to install a floating fore grip from Hogue. and eliminate the iron sights and install a sniper scope. Does any one have any experience with changing these to a floating fore grip? this is my first AR so I am pretty clueless as to what parts I need or what I can do to this model. I would like the fore grip to be longer than the standard carbine length that comes on the Sport model M&P. I know I will have to change out the gas block but I am not sure if the mini blocks will fit under the Hogue Fore grip.

Below is a photo of apprx what I am looking to do. the green one is what I am looking to do.

AR-15.jpg

[ktap46]

Does any one at all know what additional parts I would need to install a longer length floating fore grip?

[soada101]

im also interested!

[Injunbro]

Brownells has a catalogue specific to AR-15 parts & tools, Midway is another good source. Changing a forearm is pretty simple, it covers removal in the owners manual. I'd add a bipod & mil-dot scope, buy the best scope you can afford if you're going to do any long-range shooting & a spotting scope to see where you're hitting (works best w/ a spotter to call your shots). A riser to bring the scope up to eye level is needed unless you're going to mount your scope on a carry handle like in your picture.

[WoodsDweller]

Howdy, I'm pretty new to these guns too---just got mine in January...

And I don't want to rain on your parade--- but ---one piece of advice the sales guy (manager too) at the store I bought it told me, was that these sporters are a great buy for what they are.

BUT, if you want to get into accesorizing them, you could/would be MUCH better off starting with one of S&W's a (or even other brands) a bit further up the line that already have the parts on them.

Says the price for buying those toys outpaces the cost difference from one model to the next.
Now that may have only been true for the toys HE sells, and not what you can find on the internet and elsewhere.
I'm just saying, you "might" be better off leaving the sporter be and plinking with it the way it is, and making your sniper out of one already further down that road.

[Injunbro]

If you're going to add quad rails & change stocks, etc. you'll spend about the same as if you just bought one already set up. However, the scope will cost the same no matter which model you put it on, so will the bipod, riser, etc. The integrated rail I bolted to my existing forearm cost less than $10 (the riser was $15). The only real difference between the S&W M&P Sport model & the more exspensive models is the lack of a forward assist & unless you're wearing gloves you can do that w/ your finger... however, w/ a forward assist you can take a jammed round & really plug things up. It depends on what you're going to do w/ it... which is the beauty of the AR15 - it has about a qwazillion variations depending on your wants & needs.

[Mdauben]

I agree with what was said. The Sport is a great gun and a great deal in a simple AR. I bought one last year and other than mounting a red-dot sight (darned eyes are getting too old for iron sights) I did nothing to it and love it just like it is.

You could certainly perform the mods you discussed on the Sport, but it would have been cheaper and easier to start with a different model that was closer to what you wanted in the first place.

[storeyteller]

Change that crunchy trigger first! I put in a Rock River Arms National Match 2 stage trigger (about $100). Made all the difference in the world.

[jhershman27]

Please expand a little bit on the Stage 2 trigger from RRA. How many lbs of pull is it before the hammer comes down?

[storeyteller]

4 1/2 to 5 lbs. Mine averages closer to 5. They are not adjustable. In my opinion trigger pull weight is not as important as a clean break. I love this trigger! One problem: I started outshooting that bulk ammo and have gotten into reloading. Get this trigger at your own risk.