Newb AR Question

[Guyon]

Here's the platform, a S&W M&P 15 that is optics ready.

My questions have to do with a sling and a light.

I was a little surprised there was no sling swivel on the front of the rifle, and S&W told me that I'd have to get one aftermarket. I have a few questions.

(1) The S&W rep said that the threads are mil spec on the smaller opening shown below. What is that thread measure?

(2) What is the large hole for (most commonly)?

(3) Is there any easy way to mount both a light and a sling swivel off the gas block, given the shown configuration? The light's not that big of a deal, but I'm wondering if/how it can be done.

 

[spyderdude]

I'm no expert on slings or swivels, but my guess is you could get a screw in swivel stud, and it should fit in the threaded hole. As for a light, I would recommend replacing the factory hand guards with a quad rail setup. It might be a good idea to have folding iron sights too.

 

[MisterPX]

There's no sling tab because you have the railed gas block instead of standard sight base. THe threaded hole is for a swivel stud.

 

[Nemsis]

personally I like single point slings, so I would just get an end plate for your reciever and a rail adapter for the the bottom of your forearm to mount a light, and a nice set of sights.

try http://www.gggaz.com they have everything you need

 

[CDH]

The simplest way to do it is to get a Harris sling mount that will install into the first outboard hole on the bottom of the forearm grip. That way you'd have a way to easily attach a Harris bipod.

If all you want is a sling stud, look in this page and you'll see a couple different types offered:
http://www.bushmaster.com/products.asp?cat=10