Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

6

6.5mmman

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Feb 1, 2011
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#1
I just got into 3 gun, and I have almost everything I need to get started competing, except a suitable AR. My range is looking into building a 3 gun/ tactical course setup, so that gives me time to practice and get into shape for competing, all I need is a rifle.

I dont have unlimited cash unfortunately and its looking like im going to be doing my first few competitions with an off the shelf gun and with iron sights. I've been seeing the S&W M&P 15's on gunbroker for ~900 and that seems like a great deal. Are they high quality rifles? With a pair of troy BUIS, and the M&P 15 ORC model, will i be ready to practice and run competitions until I learn which parts to change out and can afford to put a nice optic on it?

I know alot of competitors are building AR rifles just for 3 gun, with greatly different features than the M&P 15 has, but this will be my general purpose AR rifle, for plinking, practicing, competing (just for fun), and maybe even varmint hunting around the land we have. I have a 6.5mm grendel AR for varmint hunting and targets, its just WAYYYY to heavy to three gun with.
 
#2
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

Don't know anything about a 3 gun but I have a S&W MP15 and I like it. I have a Eotech on it with BUIS. Shoots real good and is light. I run PMAGS as I feel they are real dependable. Good Luck on Your Choice.
 
#3
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

Just about any AR can work for 3 gun, it just depends on how competitive you get into it and how much you want to spend. If it doesn't come with it, a good compensator and decent trigger will make just about any AR15 competitive. Running irons will probably be your biggest factor holding you back, unless your range has a division for irons only. You will have fun regardless. 3 gun is great. I compete with my shorty 10.5" entry gun just so I'm training with what I carry and I am usually still able to hang with the custom set up 3 guns locally.
 
#4
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

I own a M&P15 T and a M&P15 VTAC.
I am thinking about the M&P15TS as well.
I've had no issues at all with either gun.
PMags are the way to go. They just work all the time.
The M&P15OR will get you off to a good start for 3 gun.
 
#9
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chainring</div><div class="ubbcode-body">M&p15 VTac is nearly perfect for 3gun. </div></div>
We just went from 900 to 1600

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MM1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're trying to save pennies for upgrades, it may be worth looking at something used... You may be able to save enough for a good trigger
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=247823177 </div></div>
If i buy the rifle brand new for 900, it wont be long before I can put a nice competition trigger in. It will be a couple months however, before I can afford an Eotech or aimpoint to put on top. Which gives me time to practice with irons and improve my skills, as well as work out what i want to change about the rifle besides trigger

Do i want to go with the RRA NM 2 stage trigger?
 
#10
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

STI makes a rifle for 3 gun you can pick up for around $1100. I use one as my backup 3 gun and it shoots just about as well as my $2000 custom. The only thing I don't like is I tend to short stroke the trigger on it but that's user error from not using it much.
 
#12
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chainring</div><div class="ubbcode-body">M&p15 VTac is nearly perfect for 3gun. </div></div>
We just went from 900 to 1600

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MM1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're trying to save pennies for upgrades, it may be worth looking at something used... You may be able to save enough for a good trigger
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=247823177 </div></div>
If i buy the rifle brand new for 900, it wont be long before I can put a nice competition trigger in. It will be a couple months however, before I can afford an Eotech or aimpoint to put on top. Which gives me time to practice with irons and improve my skills, as well as work out what i want to change about the rifle besides trigger

Do i want to go with the RRA NM 2 stage trigger? </div></div>


Yep...although it's closer to $1400 if you shop, and less if you find a used one. And if you notice, the VTac already has most of what you would want for 3gun - including that trigger you just mentioned. Actually, a vastly BETTER trigger than the one you just mentioned. You get what you pay for with the VTac. Buy the $900 version and add a trigger, handguard, and stock of your choosing...not to mention a muzzle device. Add it up.
 
#13
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chainring</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chainring</div><div class="ubbcode-body">M&p15 VTac is nearly perfect for 3gun. </div></div>
We just went from 900 to 1600

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MM1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're trying to save pennies for upgrades, it may be worth looking at something used... You may be able to save enough for a good trigger
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=247823177 </div></div>
If i buy the rifle brand new for 900, it wont be long before I can put a nice competition trigger in. It will be a couple months however, before I can afford an Eotech or aimpoint to put on top. Which gives me time to practice with irons and improve my skills, as well as work out what i want to change about the rifle besides trigger

Do i want to go with the RRA NM 2 stage trigger? </div></div>


Yep...although it's closer to $1400 if you shop, and less if you find a used one. And if you notice, the VTac already has most of what you would want for 3gun - including that trigger you just mentioned. Actually, a vastly BETTER trigger than the one you just mentioned. You get what you pay for with the VTac. Buy the $900 version and add a trigger, handguard, and stock of your choosing...not to mention a muzzle device. Add it up. </div></div>

I agree with what your saying man, and i always subscribe to the "buy once/cry once" mantra, but buying the m&p as it comes gives me the opportunity to practice and then modify exactly as i like after i learn what i want in a 3 gun rifle/tactical carbine.
 
#15
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

I ran with a M&P 15T for a while and honestly I think it is one of the best deals out there. I sold it and built my own but not even close to how cheap the M&P comes with all the goodies.
Light and shot great. Even after 5,000 rounds the gun never had a hickup.
 
#16
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

I do not shoot 3 gun competition, but I do have extensive time on an M&P 15, so I thought I would add my input, if that's ok...

I bought a base model M&P 15 back in 2007. I believe it's the "A" model, came with the plastic handguards and the removable sight rail... I bought this as a base line AR, that I could use as a "loaner" in our carbine classes. It had the 1:9 barrel, 16" length with the A2 flash hider. The MILSPEC trigger was just what I expected, stiff and gritty... but the rifle shot, and it shot well. The carbine lenth gas tube never gave me issues, and the rifle ran fine.

I immediately added an EOTech (Model 512) and a Daniel Defense Omega 7 drop in type front rail system in the carbine lengh, and ran the gun this way for a long time. Again, the rifle never gave a single issue, and just ran and ran and ran. I never shot for accuracy, since all of our classes that we run are for SWAT and deal with mostly entry techniques, and CQB. But, the base line S&W MP-15 never let me down.

A while back, I decided to add a Geissele SSA trigger, and throw on a TROY 13" tube. I cut down the front sight block and made a low profile gas block out of it, and added the Troy tube, added a Magpul MIAD grip, and switched over to an ACOG TA31F to allow me to show the ACOG and it's capabilities in a CQB environment to my students. I'm also running a PWS Triad muzzel device on the rifle. I really like it!

So far, this rifle as it sits, has over 22K rounds through it. I have had no stoppages, nothing has broken, and it runs as well as it did the day I bought it, or better. In fact, hard to believe but I am still running the stock gas rings that came with the rifle. Since day one, I have only used Amsoil 10w-40 to lube it, and the bolt is as shiny as it can be.

Bottom line... I feel the MP-15 line is a SOLID buy. I've had my eyes on the VTAC rifle with the 1:7 barrel for a while... but, I have so many AR's now that I can not justify the expense. One day, I may re-barrel my old workhorse MP-15 and call it a day, but until then, if it ain't broke... why mess with it?

I'd buy that VTAC and never think twice. Just keep it lubed properly, show it some love, and shoot the piss out of it.

Here's how my MP-15 looks right now... still one of my favorite rifles... even though my PWS rifles get all of my attention these days.

MP15.jpg


This is the bolt out of the MP-15... worn, but works very well.

SWBolt1.jpg


Cheers!!!
 
#20
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

All of the 16" barrel 1:9 twist MP-15's are the same, except the furniture. The MOE is ok if you wish to run MOE stuff. I would seriously look at the VTAC rifle. You get the 1:7 barrel, the JP trigger (if memory serves correctly) along with the Troy tube. It's a serious rifle... Just add optics and ammo.

If budget is an issue, do the MOE and upgrade as desire and budget allows. The FSB cuts down easily and you can add a tube or rails as needed. The 1:9 barrels handle 55-62 grain and some 69 grain accurately.

The VTAC is the best bargain in my opinion. They are solid... Out of the box.
 
#23
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

A dpms 3G1 is worth looking into. Reasonable price and a few of the options you would upgrade to. For irons I would recommend a longer light weight barrel, 20". I would also look at putting the front sight out as far as you can.
 
#24
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

It's not until you actually use the rifle and try various parts that you will "know" what features you want on it. A VTAC might work well for some guys while others hate it, same with a high end quad rail.

So, starting with something basic and going from there would probably be the most prudent course of action.
 
#25
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

Yes but I didnt realize the VTAC was a 16" barrel. I thought for some reason it was much longer. So i can still use it is a light weight general purpose AR, then it also doubles as a good competition rifle with the trigger, etc.

I think i may get one.
 
#26
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

As far as the MP-15 line goes (carbine line)... The VTAC rifle is spec'd the best. You are paying for the barrel and trigger. It's a very solid rifle for the money. But... For around the same money... You could build a very capable 16" mid-length gas tube with your own specs from Bravo Company.

Still... You won't be disappointed with the VTAC.
 
#27
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

Dammit, i want the VTAC after reading reviews and watching videos, also the guys at my local gun shop corroborated all the claims of accuracy and general badassery. Im ready to pull the trigger, only to find out there are two versions of the rifle. Do i want the VLTOR version with the 1 in 7 barrel or the Troy version with the 1 in 8 barrel?
 
#28
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

The rifle is in stock at CDNN. They have it for 1399 with the rifle, hard case, VTAC padded sling, rail sections, sling studs, surefire g2 flashlight. Plus CDNN only charges 17 bucks for shipping, AND as a promotion, they are going to throw in a free set of BUIS and 10 (ten) free 20 round magazines

My FFL charges me 15 for a transfer and CDNN is in Texas with me so I have to pay sales tax. Should I duit?

This is the VLTOR stock version with thr JP tube.
 
#29
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

I have the VTAC. It's been a great rifle that I've used in 3 gun and other similar types of competitions. It's been very reliable and accurate.
 
#30
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

Well i "pulled the trigger" so to speak and ordered the VTAC.

It came with way too many goodies at way too good a price to pass it up. I can take possession of it thursday or friday hopefully. I cant wait. Full range report will follow.

Do i need to break the barrel in?
 
#32
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Well i "pulled the trigger" so to speak and ordered the VTAC.

It came with way too many goodies at way too good a price to pass it up. I can take possession of it thursday or friday hopefully. I cant wait. Full range report will follow.

Do i need to break the barrel in? </div></div>

No Sir. Just shoot it.
 
#33
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

You did good!!!! Just pick up some irons or MBUS and start loading mags - you are going to love that little rifle. So sweet.
 
#34
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chainring</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You did good!!!! Just pick up some irons or MBUS and start loading mags - you are going to love that little rifle. So sweet. </div></div>

Comes with a set of BUIS that the salesman said were real nice. He is a salesman so we'll see. They'll get me started till my Ttoy set gets here, and im planning an Eotech real soon

What should I feed it? does ammo matter? 5.56 or .223 Rem?
 
#35
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

That rifle will eat anything you put in it. The heavier bullets seem to fly better... But it will shoot anything well. Just feed it a steady diet of ammo and lube and it will serve you well.

You can run 5.56 or .223 without worries. You will be happy with that rifle. No doubt.
 
#37
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

I have an M&P15 and it is a great gun. Mine has a 1/9 twist. My favorite AR is my Colt6940 (they have a 1/7 twist), it comes with flip up iron sights and a quad rail. It's a flat top AR15. I just dropped a Giselle trigger in it. I know it's not in the $900 range, I have seen some new ones go for $1200 but maybe you can find a good used one on the internet.
 
#38
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FX44</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have an M&P15 and it is a great gun. Mine has a 1/9 twist. My favorite AR is my Colt6940 (they have a 1/7 twist), it comes with flip up iron sights and a quad rail. It's a flat top AR15. I just dropped a Giselle trigger in it. I know it's not in the $900 range, I have seen some new ones go for $1200 but maybe you can find a good used one on the internet. </div></div>
Does anyone read the threads before posting anymore? HE already ordered a gun!
 
#39
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Well i "pulled the trigger" so to speak and ordered the VTAC.

It came with way too many goodies at way too good a price to pass it up. I can take possession of it thursday or friday hopefully. I cant wait. Full range report will follow.

Do i need to break the barrel in? </div></div>

How do you like it?
Give us a review.
 
#40
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Well i "pulled the trigger" so to speak and ordered the VTAC.

It came with way too many goodies at way too good a price to pass it up. I can take possession of it thursday or friday hopefully. I cant wait. Full range report will follow.

Do i need to break the barrel in? </div></div>

How do you like it?
Give us a review.
</div></div>

I dont like it.


I LOVE IT. This rifle is the shit so far, i will have a full range report tuesday after i make it to the range. I went ahead and added an Eotech 512 to it.
 
#41
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Well i "pulled the trigger" so to speak and ordered the VTAC.

It came with way too many goodies at way too good a price to pass it up. I can take possession of it thursday or friday hopefully. I cant wait. Full range report will follow.

Do i need to break the barrel in? </div></div>

How do you like it?
Give us a review.
</div></div>

I dont like it.


I LOVE IT. This rifle is the shit so far, i will have a full range report tuesday after i make it to the range. I went ahead and added an Eotech 512 to it. </div></div>

Now that is a the kind of attitude it will take to dig us out of the Malaise we are in. Way to stimulate the economy.
 
#42
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Well i "pulled the trigger" so to speak and ordered the VTAC.

It came with way too many goodies at way too good a price to pass it up. I can take possession of it thursday or friday hopefully. I cant wait. Full range report will follow.

Do i need to break the barrel in? </div></div>

How do you like it?
Give us a review.
</div></div>

I dont like it.


I LOVE IT. This rifle is the shit so far, i will have a full range report tuesday after i make it to the range. I went ahead and added an Eotech 512 to it. </div></div>

That's good to hear. It's a SWEET little package.
 
#43
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's going to be just my luck and the prices of ARs are going to shoot up while I'm saving up a little more for the vtac </div></div>

I dont think so bud, during the "Obama scare" everybody and their cousines bought Ar's and AR stuff so the market is flooded and will be for a while.
 
#44
Re: Smith and Wesson M&P15 for 3 gun?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NickG.</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's going to be just my luck and the prices of ARs are going to shoot up while I'm saving up a little more for the vtac </div></div>

I dont think so bud, during the "Obama scare" everybody and their cousines bought Ar's and AR stuff so the market is flooded and will be for a while. </div></div>

Well i already bought a rifle, so now you guys are just waiting on my slow ass to make it to the range now.
 
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