New to the group.

[RedZen]

How's it going guys? First time posting here, but I've been reading over Stick's reviews and guides for sometime. Never really was in to firearms until after I joined the Military (Air Force Security Forces) and picked up my first AR after initial training. Below is my S&W MP15OR with an EoTech 557 I bought with it - total with the PMags came to about $1650 back when the price hike was at it's worst.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2619/101/25/1221102126/n1221102126_355056_6994304.jpg

First addition to it was an Adam's Arms Piston - Haven't had a single issue with it yet, requires half the cleaning as before and the carrier tilt really isn't that bad - even after 700~800 rounds with it so far. There's a bit more recoil than a DI gun - but the muzzle doesn't jump as much.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs047.snc1/2846_1141266171443_1221102126_418184_4375899_n.jpg

I've ordered quite a bit more for it, but won't be able to work on it seeing as I'm deployed right now until next year. The list of parts:

Magpul MOE stock (FDE)
Magpul MOE grip (FDE)
Magpul Trigger Guard (FDE)
Magpul XTM panels (Black)
Magpul Maglevel PMags (FDE) x5
Daniel Defense Omega X 7" rail (Socom Tan)
Ambi-Catch Magazine Release (Lefty here)

It will be awhile, but once I can assemble all of the new stuff - I'll post some pics, though it might be awhile lol.

[federalist22]

For that piston, you may want to call Daniel Defense to make sure the rail fits over your piston--they make an Omega 7 Piston Rail.

Other than that, good luck. I wrapped up a job I did on my S&W M&P15ORC about three months ago. Used an Ares (Bushmaster) piston and the DD Omega 7 Piston Rail. Will post pics later.

[RedZen]

It should work, the Omega X 7" rail was listed on AA's site as a compatible rail before the 'piston' version came out - though I don't know what the difference is. I do know that I'll have to take the gas block off again and remove the hand guard coupler, which should give it enough room.

[federalist22]

The handguard coupler won't make a difference in fit with the Omega Rail--it's meant to be there, but you could remove it if you want to. What you want to look for is the fit of the piston in the upper part of the rail. The Omega Piston model has a wider channel in the upper rail portion and it has two upper rail portions to it that allows the forward one to detach for cleaning, etc.

The one you have may fit though.

[federalist22]

Ahh, updated pics on my S&W M&P15ORC piston mod. I used the Bushmaster (Ares) Piston Retrofit Kit on this one and the DD Omega 7 Piston Rail. I have put about 900 rounds through this one and had zero problems with the piston, or anything else on the rifle for that matter.

S&W M&P15ORC Receiver Group with Magpul furniture, Aimpoint CompML2 with ADM mount, and Bobro Short Vertical Grip.
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv358/federalist22/SWmp15orc_piston005.jpg

DD Omega 7 Piston Rail - note the two piece upper rail section and the screws to remove the forward section along with the piston hiding up inside the upper rail channel.
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv358/federalist22/SWmp15orc_piston009.jpg

DD Omega 7 Piston Rail opened up exposing Bushmaster (Ares) piston.
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv358/federalist22/SWmp15orc_piston010.jpg

DD Omega 7 Piston Rail top forward section with larger channel to accommodate a piston system
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv358/federalist22/SWmp15orc_piston012.jpg

Bushmaster (Ares) Piston inside DD Omega 7 Piston Rail
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv358/federalist22/SWmp15orc_piston024.jpg

Another shot of the DD Omega 7 Piston Rail forward section detached
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv358/federalist22/SWmp15orc_piston019.jpg

[tracksol]

Ambi-Catch Magazine Release (Lefty here)

Nice arsenal. I'm also currently deployed, waiting to get back to finish my rifle (optic, backup sight and handguards).

I'm righty but shoot lefty and I've never had a problem hitting the mag release with my right thumb. I also use my trigger finger to manipulate the bolt catch/release. Have you ever tried that?

I would prefer an ambi selector switch though.

[federalist22]

BTW, that rifle I posted in the pics above has a Norgon Ambi-catch mag release on it (I'm a righty). I like it and find that it works well to manipulate the mag release and oversized both release/catch with my non-firing hand.

[RedZen]

I've tried to use my left hand thumb to drop magazines, but it's not long enough with out having to move my whole hand around. I do use my trigger finger to operate the bolt catch and figured why not have all three on one side.

I was going to pick up an ambi-safety but Brownell's was out when I placed the order.

[federalist22]

I like having everything on one side. I tried an ambi-safety out and it was not only awkward to operate with my trigger hand (right) from the right side of the gun, but it felt weird where it overlapped the grip and it was under my hand when in the fire position. The standard safety on the left side of the gun was designed for right-handed shooters to use the thumb for operation.

On the over-sized Wilson Combat bolt release/catch and Norgon ambi-catch, I find it easy to work everything with my non-fire control hand on the left of the gun.

[tracksol]

That weird feeling you're talking about with the selector under the grib is something I've come accostomed to since I shoot left handed now that I recently found out I was left eye dominant. I'm still pretty good right handed though, so I'm thinking about puting an ambi selector on my rifle. I'm still unsure though. I'm not at a point where I need to reduce my manual of arms or do speed reloads and I doubt I ever will be.