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Smith & Wesson M&P15 Semi-Auto Rifle
 

I had a Millet DMS-1 scope sitting on the shelf.  Since it wasn't on anything, it seemed a likely candidate for the M&P15.  The DMS-1 is a 1-4x24 power variable scope that employs a dot in a donut reticle.  For low light level situations, a CR2032 battery powers a red reticle with ten brightness levels.  Forget the illuminate reticle for normal daylight use as it is not bright enough (not that it is really needed).   The Millet has two drawbacks and so its home is not guaranteed on the M&P15 just yet.  First, it weighs 18 ounces.  Second, it has a fairly narrow eye relief range.  On the positive side, I do like the 1 to 4 range.  It is as close to a true 1 power as I've ever seen, which makes shooting with both eyes open during close combat distances much easier.  As I work more with it at the range, I'll make the decision to leave it on or replace it with something better. 
 

Since the Millet DMS-1 is just under 12" in length, I opted for a Burris PEPR 30mm mount.  The PEPR stands for Proper Eye Position Ready and provides a 2" forward position for the scope.  Burris makes it for both 1" and 30mm scope tubes.  This aluminum alloy mount weighs just over 8 ounces and uses 6 screws per ring to securely hold the scope in place.  A nice touch is the top of the rings which offer a hookup for any other Picatinny railed device you may wish to mount. 
 

The M&P15's 7075 T6 aluminum lower receiver is about like any other.  I tossed the factory grip into the spare parts bin and installed Magpul's MOE polymer pistol grip.  It is a bit larger in diameter, which I prefer, and it also provides more grip up under the receiver's rear.  Magpul offers several different special inserts that fit up into the hollow pistol grip.  If I remember correctly, one of the will hold a spare AR-15 bolt and firing pin while another is designed to secure a pair of CR123A lithium batteries.  Yet another insert holds a pair of AAA or AA batteries. 

As I mentioned on the previous page, I had some trigger work done by Bill Springfield at TriggerWork.net.  The factory trigger had some creep in it and felt a little gritty.  I had the 4 lb. trigger job applied and it was great.  Not too light and a nice clean break.  Well worth the $39 investment.  You can ship him your parts or buy the parts from him.  Either way, a good deal, in my opinion. 
 

So that is pretty much how I have my M&P15 setup.  At this point, it is probably still a work in progress as I tweak a thing or two here and there.  The biggest change may be the scope, depending on how the next several practice sessions turn out. 

As I get more trigger time with the M&P, I'll update this write-up.  Next on the list is to put together some reloads and see what loading gives adequate range practice performance. 
 

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