I am looking to purchase my first AR and have pretty much decided on a S&W M&P 15. I have been on this forum for a few weeks trying to read a little of what everyone has to say about their AR’s and from what I have read the M&P 15 seems to be a good choice, not perfect but a sound piece of hardware nonetheless. The only thing I have not been able to get a good grasp on is all the different models of M&P 15’s that there are. When I say all the models, I am referring to the the M&P 15 MOE, the VTAC, the FT, etc. I assume the MOE referred to the optional hand grip, Polymer Magazine, and sights. I am not sure on the differences on the VTAC, FT, and any others that I am missing. Also, I have seen several of them with numbers i.e. 811004, etc.
I am not looking for top-of-the-line because I would rather have the option to add the attachments of my choosing, I just need a good base to build on.
I have looked on this site for a thread that may be able to answer my questions however I have been unable to locate any such thread, sorry if this is listed elsewhere. Any insight you M&P 15 owners (or anyone else for that matter) may have would be greatly appreciated.

