SMITH & WESSON M&P 12
Posted May 25, 2023
GA
Introduction
Smith & Wesson (S&W) has long established itself as one of the most reliable and established gun makers in the market. Founded in 1852, S&W has become a staple gun maker for many of today’s shooters. With a vast catalog of firearms, S&W has something for every shooter, from the newbie to the most experienced.
The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 GA is one of the most popular shotguns on the market and is well known for its performance in home defense and 3-gun shooting competitions. With its 5+1 capacity, adjustable stock, and included sling, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a reliable, trusted shotgun. Here, we’ll review the various features the Smith & Wesson M&P 12 GA has to offer, as well as providing our opinion on its performance and overall quality.
Design and Quality of Materials
The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 GA’s design is simple yet effective. The gun itself is rather lightweight and made of a sturdy polymer. All other areas are made of steel, including the barrel, action, and trigger mechanism. The stainless steel barrel is 18” in length and comes with a 5+1 round capacity. The polymer frame is ergonomic and has some texturing added to enhance grip, which proves helpful on muddy days in the field.
The overall size of the weapon is compact which makes it easy to carry and maneuver around tight spaces. The M&P 12 GA also comes with an adjustable stock, which can extend to make it more comfortable for taller shooters. The adjustable stock also features a slot for mounting a sling, which is included with purchase.
Performance
The M&P 12 GA is well known for its performance when it comes to shooting sports and home defense. It’s fast and responsive in the field, and its Beretta-style action combined with its steel barrel provides great accuracy and reliability. The gas-operated system also helps to reduce recoil, allowing for quick and accurate follow-up shots.
In terms of home defense, the M&P 12 GA is more than capable of providing the necessary protection. Its 5+1 capacity, combined with its compact size, make it perfect for maneuvering around tight spaces, and the overall size and weight make it easy to store in a hard-to-reach location if you’re limited on space. Its lighter weight also makes it excellent for quick movement and deployment in home defense scenarios.
Price
The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 GA is priced at around $619.99, which is a typical price point for its performance and quality. Although reasonably priced, some shooters may find the M&P 12 GA to be a bit expensive when compared to other shotguns in its class. Nevertheless, its reputable name and quality construction make it an acceptable price for most.
Conclusion
Overall, the Smith & Wesson M&P 12 GA is an excellent shotgun option for any shooter looking for an all-around great weapon for shooting sports and home defense. Sporting a Beretta-style action and a stainless steel barrel, the M&P 12 GA is reliable, fast, and accurate. Its adjustable stock and included sling make it comfortable to carry and easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Considering its quality and performance, the M&P 12 GA is fairly priced at $619.99, making it a great option for shooters on a budget looking for a reliable, trusted shotgun. All in all, the M&P 12 GA is an excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable, budget-friendly shotgun for competition and home defense.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Reliable, easy to clean and maintain, and built with strong metal alloys
-Inexpensive compared to other firearms
-Light weight for easy carrying
-Ergonomic grip ensures a strong and comfortable hold
-Interchangeable back straps for a custom fit
-Backed by Smith & Wesson’s lifetime service policy
Cons:
-Limited to only firing .22LR ammunition
-Limited magazine capacity
-Plastic magazine release and slide locks can be difficult to manipulate, especially with gloves on
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 should be purchased by experienced firearm enthusiasts and experienced gun owners who are looking for a dependable firearm that is accurate, reliable, and intended for self-defense. The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 is not recommended for novice gun owners. It is a powerful weapon and requires a strong knowledge of firearm safety.
Comparisons
| Similar 1 | Similar 2 | Similar 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-auto | Semi-auto | Semi-auto |
| 5.56 NATO | 5.56 NATO | 5.45x39mm |
| 16" | 16" | 16.5" |
| 6.8 lbs | 6.9 lbs | 7.45 lbs |
| 30 Rounds | 30 Rounds | 20 Rounds |
| A2-Style | A2-Style | Fixed |
| $999.99 | $869.99 | $299.99 |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington
• Barrel Length: 16"
• Capacity: 30+1
• Overall Length: 35.25"
• Weight Unloaded: 6.8 lbs
• Stock: Collapsible Synthetic
• Sight/Base: Adjustable A2-Style
• Twist: 1:7"
• Finish: Matte Black/Anodized
Popular Accessories
/17 pistols?
- Magazines
- Slides
- Triggers
- Laser Sights
- Grips
- Holsters
- Flashlights
- Recoil Springs
- Mag Release
- Magazine Wells
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 is revered for its accuracy when used in competition or for home defense. The gun features an ergonomic grip with beveled controls and tight tolerances which offer little to no movement between internal components. This translates into a gun that is responsive with minimal wobble and recoil. In addition, the mechanical engagement of the link components working together benefits overall accuracy. Also, the 4.5inch barrel length produces best-in-class accuracy. On average tests have found the gun to be capable of effectively hitting targets at a minimum of 25 yards. Tests have also shown that the gun can shoot up to 13 shots into 2 inch groups from 50 feet. All in all, accuracy is one of the M&P 12’s key features.
