SMITH & WESSON M&P15
Posted May 14, 2023
Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Review
For firearm enthusiasts looking for a lightweight and reliable AR-15, Smith & Wesson's M&P 15 is an affordable and well-regarded option. This versatile rifle can be used for everything from home defense to target shooting to competition. It's reliable, accurate, and relatively easy to use, making it a great choice for anyone looking to get into the AR-15 platform.
Appearance
Visually, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 is unmistakeable. The rifle has a classic look with a black finish, rubberized pistol grip, and adjustable buttstock. The standard models come with a flat-top Picatinny rail, allowing users to easily mount optics and other accessories.
Construction
The M&P 15 is built to last. It features a tough polymer receiver, hard-coat anodized aluminum upper and lower receivers, and a steel barrel. The rifle has a six-position collapsible stock and an A2-style birdcage flash suppressor. All M&Ps also come with a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel, which helps to ensure a longer service life.
Ergonomics
The M&P 15 is comfortable to shoot, with its A2-style pistol grip and adjustable buttstock. Its free-floating handguard allows users to better control the rifle while it is firing, while the adjustable buttstock can be adjusted to fit most shooters. The rifle's rubberized grip also helps to make it easier to handle, especially in wet or humid conditions.
Reliability
The M&P 15 is a very reliable firearm. Its chrome-lined barrel is designed to minimize corrosion and fouling, while its adjustable gas system ensures that the rifle runs properly even when using different types of ammunition. The M&P 15 also features a forged carrier key, which helps to ensure that the bolt stays in place even under extreme conditions.
Accuracy
The M&P 15 is designed to be accurate. Its adjustable stock and ergonomic design can help users find a comfortable shooting position, while its chrome-lined barrel and A2 birdcage flash suppressor help to ensure a consistent muzzle velocity. This, combined with its overall balance and weight, makes the M&P 15 one of the most accurate AR-15s available.
Price
The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 is fairly affordable when compared to other AR-15s on the market. The rifle retails for around $1,000, depending on which model and features are desired. While this is more expensive than some other budget AR-15s, the M&P 15 is a high-quality, reliable gun with plenty of features that make it a great investment for any shooter.
Overall
The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 is an excellent and reliable AR-15 for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable rifle. The rifle is well-constructed, with a chrome-lined barrel and adjustable buttstock, and it is extremely accurate. The adjustable gas system and A2-style muzzle device also make it adaptable to different types of ammunition and environments. When it comes to value for money, the M&P 15 is hard to beat.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Lightweight and reliable AR-15 platform
-High quality, accurate and dependable firearms
-Multiple variant options such as long-range, close-quarters, and Sporterized variants, giving shooters lots of customization options
-Affordable pricing and numerous accessories available
-Compatible with many magazines, ammunition and fire control components
Cons:
-Trigger pull can be a bit stiff
-High capacity magazines can be expensive
-Some buyers might find it intimidating or difficult to use without proper training
Who Should Buy
Anyone who needs a reliable, combat-proven rifle for personal defense, varmint hunting, or competitive shooting sports should consider buying a Smith & Wesson M&P 15. This is a high-quality, accurate, reliable rifle that offers top-grade components and performance.
However, those who are not familiar with the operation of a semi-automatic rifle, are not comfortable with firearms in general, or are unwilling to invest the necessary time in practicing with the M&P 15 should not buy this rifle. It is important to understand how to properly, safely operate and maintain a semi-automatic rifle before purchasing one.
Comparisons
| Caliber | Capacity | Barrel Length | Overall Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.56 NATO/.223 | 30+1 | 16” | 34.75” |
| 5.56 NATO/.223 | 30+1 | 16” | 32.75” |
| 5.56 NATO/.223 | 30+1 | 16” | 35.75” |
| 5.56 NATO/.223 | 30+1 | 16.1” | 32.5” |
| Caliber | Capacity | Barrel Length | Overall Length |
| 5.56 NATO/ .223 | 30+1 | 16” | 32.5” |
| 5.56 NATO/.223 | 30+1 | 16” | 34.75” |
| 5.56 NATO/.223 | 30+1 | 16” | 32.75” |
| 5.56 NATO/.223 | 30+1 | 16” | 35.75” |
| 5.56 NATO/.223 | 30+1 | 16.1” | 32.5” |
Features / Specs
- Chambered in 5.56×45 NATO
- Direct Impingement Gas Operating System
- 16” 1:9” Right Hand 6 Groove Rifling
- 6 Position Collapsible Stock
- Polymer Receiver with Integral Trigger Guard
- Removable Carry Handle with Adjustable A2 Front and Rear Sight
- 30 Round Magazine
- Magpul Polymer Magazine Release
- Overall Length 36.25” Fully Extended/ 32.67" Collapsed
- Barrel Length 16"
- Twist Rate 1 in 9"
- Weight 6.45 lbs (empty)
Popular Accessories
-22?
- Magpul M-Lok Rail System
- Magpul MOE Stock
- Red Dot Sights
- Forward Grips
- Flashlight
- Angled Foregrip
- Scopes
- Magazines
- Extended Magazine Releases
- Extended Charging Handles
Accuracy
SMITH & WESSON M&P 15 rifles are known to be highly accurate and reliable. When tested, they have consistently been rated to be able to hit a target with pinpoint accuracy. This is thanks to its mil-spec forged 7075T6 aluminum upper and lower receiver design. The M&P 15 also features a chrome-lined 16-inch barrel that offers the gun accuracy and durability. Furthermore, the gun is equipped with a 6-position collapsible stock and adjustable trigger that further enhances its accuracy. All these features combine to make it a great choice for serious shooters looking for an accurate and reliable rifle.
