New AR-15! Pics inside...

[Deaj]

I sold my last AR (a Colt A2 HBAR) about 20 years ago and I've regretted doing so since. I've been considering getting another the last few years and finally made the decision to scratch the itch. After some research I decided to go with a Smith & Wesson tactical carbine, a M&P15T. I've added a few goodies too! I've put 200 rounds through it so far and, as expected, there have been no failures. The iron sights and red dot sight are zero'd, I haven't had a chance to zero the scope though (this weekend). Of all the firearms I've owned or used through the years AR's have always been my favorite to shoot - they're just plain fun! I'm pretty jazzed!

Here are a few pics (image quality is pretty poor, my digital camera isn't much to write home about):

 

[Kman]

looks Tacticool for sure! enjoy

 

[PT1911]

pretty sweet... and why the hell is everything that has a black stock, pistol grip, and other accessory options considered tactiCOOL? I dont see that as a good thing.. perhaps that is the issue...


Nice gun, I actually just picked up another AR as well.. may post some pics when i get the chance to take some...

 

[possum]

great looking ar, congrats, and welcome to thr.

 

[weet]

what type scope ? and mount ? dot
?
looks great !

 

[Deaj]

Thanks everyone! Very pleased with it so far.

The optics are both from a company named Primary Arms. They're both manufactured in China with Japanese glass. I was looking for an affordable way to familiarize myself with a red dot type sight and magnified optics as I've never owned or used either. I found some discussion about the Primary Arms stuff on the AR15.com forum and there's a lot of positive feedback on them, nothing negative so far.

The red dot is a M4 style. It's lightweight and weather resistant with paralax free coated glass, nitrogen purged, four selectable reticles including a 2 MOA dot, 7 brightness settings, integrated tool-less rail mount allowing iron sights to co-witness in the lower 1/3rd, and runs on a single AA for what some users have verified as 400+ hours continuous use. I've only had limited limited time at the range with it so far but, once zero'd, I placed 25 rounds in a 6.5" group centered on a target at 100 yards in less than 30 seconds. Target acquisition and follow-up shots are FAST!! If this sight doesn't hold up I'll invest in an Aimpoint. PA claims this is a weapons grade optic that should hold up with regular use, not airsoft junk. Time and use will tell. This sight cost $90.

The scope and mount are also Primary Arms products. The mount is tool-less and should return to zero pretty well according to others experience. Specs are similar to the red dot. This is a 1-4X with a crosshair / center dot reticle. The center dot can be illuminated for low light use (11 brightness settings). Windage and elevation adjustments are 1/2 MOA per click. I haven't had this one out to the range yet - that'll be this weekend. I'm pretty impressed with the glass. I'm hoping it works out as well as the red dot has so far. The scope and mount cost $140.

 

[weet]

thanks for the information. im saving up for a aimpoint myselfe...
gotta make tractor payment, then we'll see about a dot for my ''colt clone model 605''
your rifle looks great.

weet

 

[PandaBearBG]

Nice looking rifle Deaj, I've been looking for a new AR and wanted to try red dot myself. I think I may try out those Primary Arms products you got. Very nice setup. Kudos

 

[Deaj]

PT1911 - I'll watch for a post with pics of your AR.

Is your user name taken from the Taurus PT1911 and, if so, do you own one? Like it?

 

[PT1911]

Affirmative... I like the Pt1911...I think it is one of the best values in 1911's available right now... I actually own a Springfield 1911 as well and though it is quite well put together, it doesnt function any better or more reliably than the Taurus.. Recently traded my origina PT1911 for the new Railed version they came out with... I LIKE IT A LOT...

Posted some pics of my new AR

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=477922

 

[dscottw88]

Looks sexy! Congrats!

 

[Deaj]

Very nice! What type of stockk are you using?

 

[Deaj]

Good to hear more positive feedback about the PT1911. I've been considering one for some time now. Are the stock magazines reliable?

 

[PT1911]

thanks man...It is an Ace fixed position skelton stock (ARFX)

http://riflestocks.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=75_77&products_id=189

I really like the overall feel of it...and it is extremely lightweight.. though, with the forend and bull barrel on mine... the wieght isnt much of a consideration...it is,however, just about the most comfortable AR stock I have ever felt.

as to the PT1911 mags, I havent had the first mis-step with any of mine. Neither of the guns missed a beat with any of the ammo I tried through them using factory or aftermarket mags.

 

[Deaj]

I have been kicking around the idea of getting a modern combat type pistol (polymer lower, hi-cap, striker fired, etc) and while I like the ergo's on several of them I just don't like the triggers on these guns. In truth I have no real world application for this type of pistol, nothing at least that can't be accomplished as well or better with my S&W 4506 or a 1911. I used to own a Glock 17 many years ago. I shot very well with it but hated the trigger - eventually sold it for this reason. So whenever I start to consider one of these guns I remember trying to get to like the G17 and this stops me from going further. If I'm considering spending $500+ on a polymer gun then I come to the decision that for a little more I can buy a 1911, something I know I love to shoot with!

I'm leaning very heavily towards a PT1911 at this point. Are there any 3-dot aftermarket sights for the PT1911 yet? As I understand it the stock sights use a non standard dovetil slot.

 

[LiquidTension]

Nice looking rifle. One thing though - what's wrong with the muzzle?




Oh wait, it doesn't have a can on it. Silly me

 

[PT1911]

Originally the pt1911 came with the straight 8 sights but they are now coming from the factory with the three dots... I actually like the stacking dots over the three but that is just my preference.

 

[1987rx7guy]

To the OP S&W has a coupon for 5 extra Magpul sp? magazines on their website. Takes a couple of months to get them but heck 5 30rd mags for a few cents in postage not a bad deal at all!

 

[Deaj]

I saw that and, if I understand correctly, My purchase was outside of the promotion window. I'm going to give S&W a call tomorrow to verify. It'd be great to have another 5 magazines. No such thing as too many.

 

[Deaj]

I'll have to stop by a local Taurus dealer next week and handle a new PT1911. I'm glad to hear 3-dot sights are part of the package.

 

[Deaj]

To date I've added a bunch of upgrades and accessories to my very recently purchased M&P15T:
* Condor Tactical 36" rifle bag
* Magpul 20 & 30 rd. magazines
* Magpul CTR stock
* Magpul XTM rail covers
* Ergo ladder type rail protectors
* Hogue ergonomic grip
* CAA BVG vertical grip
* Troy Industries low profile QD front sling mount
* Blackhawk V-TAC two point w/QD swivels
* Harris lightweight swivel bipod & GG&G rail mount adapter
* Streamlight PolyTac tactical light and offset rail mount
* Primary Arms M4 red dot sight & rail mount
* Primary Arms 1-4X illuminated scope & rail mount
* #7 O-rinng around upper receiver hinge post to tighten upper / lower fit
* GI type cleaning kit
* Laser bore sight

I ordered a few new upgrades this weekend:
* KNS .034 round ultra fine front siight post
* Spike's Tactical ST-T2 heavy buffer
* BCM / VLTOR Gunfighter Mod 4 charging handle
* Tango Down PR-4 buffer tube mounted QD sling mount
* Magpul aluminum Enhanced Trigger Guard

The Standard AR front sight post is sufficient for battle use but provides a less than ideal sight picture. I find I'm getting on target more quickly and reacquiring targets more quickly with this new front post. Long range accuracy with with BUIS has improved as well. $6 improvement - sweet!

The Spike's buffer is filled with high density tungsten powder rather than sliding weights. Aside from quieter operation users have noted smoother cycling and less felt recoil. At $30 it seemed like a no brainer.

The Gunfighter charging handle wasn't a must-have but reliable one handed operation without having to move off target seemed like a worthwhile upgrade. The latch has been enlarged and reinforced and the charging handle is stronger as well.

I wanted to add a QD sling mount near the back of the receiver where the buffer tube castle nut is located. The Tango Down by all reports is rock solid, lightweight, and provides, left, right, & back QD sockets.

I had always intended to install a Magpul enhanced trigger guard - just hadn't gotten around to it until today. Works as intended providing trigger access to a gloved shooting hand. Looks good too!

The only thing left to mess with is the trigger. I've corresponded with Bill Springfield about purchasing a worked 4# trigger group from him and I may do this down the road a ways. The stock trigger in my M&P, while heavier, is so good (no creep, crisp and consistent break) that I've no desire to mess with it - even for a lighter trigger.

I need to stop buying parts and start buying target ammo.

It's perhaps a little over the top for a target / plinking gun but it's definitely enjoyable to shoot! Here are some new pics: