M&P 15 Out of Spec?

[hatchetbearer]

Greetings High roaders

After I stupidly sold my AR a week before Sandy Hook, I'd been scrambling to get another. The PX got a surprise shipment last week of M&P 15's with a flat top and a detachable carry handle for 1079. Not terrible after the rebate.

However, I was a little less than impressed with S&W's build once I got it home and gave it a more thorough look over. There were numerous metal shavings around the Front sight and under the handguards, the rear sight only goes to 6/3 +1, but the thing that concerned me the most was the fit of the upper to lower receivers. I had to drive the rear takedown pin out with a punch, and when I got them apart, I discovered the holes don't line up just quite right. Normally, a tight fit on a firearm is better than a sloppy one, but if you can't field strip using your hands, that is an issue.

does anybody know what the measurements are from each takedown pin so I can see what is out of spec? Should I send it back, or let it work it's self apart? Haven't had a chance to shoot it for accuracy due to the great ammo shortage of '13.

 

[ugaarguy]

I'd send it back to S&W. That sounds like a rifle they normally wouldn't let out, but might may have slipped through QA/QC with production volume undoubtedly as high as ever.

 

[Shifty]

My AR was the same regarding the tight fit and takedown. Needed a punch as well. Loosened up nicely over time. Just oiled, polished the takedown pin holes, and worked them in and out a bunch. Still snug, but can now use a bullet tip to get them moving. Expect with more rounds through it it will loosen even more.

 

[Reloadron]

A Google of "ar 15 dimensional drawings" will bring up plenty of links to the drawings. I doubt they will do you much good.

Per Shifty's post I wouldn't overly worry about the fit. After several take downs and shooting the rifle it will loosen up. Be happy in that you managed a new rifle and thank the PX Gods, Chesty Puller is smiling down on you.

Semper Fi
Ron

 

[OhioChief]

Just finishing a build, using an M&P lower for the first time, and an ASA Upper for the first time. Fit together nice when they were both raw, but after the build out, with the pins installed, they're not happy together. Could go either way on which one is isn't happy, but they are both making me unhappy. I know, has little to do with your original post, but I needed to vent. )

 

[mtrmn]

Get some GOOD ammo (yeah right) and see how it does, if OK I'd run it unless it's so terrible you just can't stand it. Are there any other visible flaws after cleaning it up? Basically it boils down to what you're willing to put up with, but I'm sure it will loosen a bit with use.

 

[ny32182]

I've never owned an M&P AR15, but both my factory Colts came with metal shavings of some sort around the FSB, and I've never seen a new AR of any make that didn't come with a snug to "tight" fit of the rear takedown pin. As others said a few hundred rounds will likely loosen it right up.

Overall, sounds fine/normal to me. Does it run well? That is what matters.