SMITH & WESSON M&P15T
Posted May 25, 2023
Smith & Wesson, one of the most recognizable names in the world of firearms, is well known for its quality firearm products. Their newest rifle model, the M&P15T, has become a go-to choice for gun enthusiasts and is a reliable and accurate weapon that will last through many seasons of hunting, target shooting, or competition.
The M&P15T is a tactical style rifle manufactured by Smith and Wesson. Based on the original AR15 platform, the M&P15T incorporates many features designed for use in tactical applications, making it a great rifle for home defense or even law enforcement use.
The M&P15T is built on a rugged and reliable forged-lower receiver and is made from 7075-T6 aluminum. The barrel is constructed from 4140 chrome-moly-vanadium steel and has a 1-in-9 inch twist rate. This twist rate is perfect for stabilizing lighter ammo such as 5.56 NATO or .223 cartridges. The barrel features a 1/2-28 thread, allowing for use of common muzzle attachments such as a suppressor, flashhider, or muzzle break. The rifle also features a fully adjustable stock that can be adjusted to fit shooters of almost any size. Combined with its 16-inch free-floating barrel, the M&P15T is accurate and has an above-average accurate range of up to a couple of hundred yards.
The safety and function of the M&P15T are impressive, with an intuitive design and the ability to go single-stroke with the charging handle. The safety is both ambidextrous, and also oversized, making it easy to feel and find with the shooter's thumb and index finger. The charging handle is relatively low profile compared to some other rifles, which helps for better clearance when shouldering the rifle.
The M&P15T comes with a M-LOK compatible handguard and quad rails. This allows for versatile accessory mounting with the popular M-LOK system. The handguard also has a magnesium alloy-coated, heat-resistant finish that will protect it from corrosion and harsh conditions. The M&P15T also comes with a two-point Sling attachment. The ambidextrous points are located just forward of the buffer tube, allowing the user to mount a variety of slings.
The M&P15T also comes with a detachable box magazine that holds either 10 or 30 rounds. The magazine holds the rounds securely and provides a consistent feed of ammo into the gun. There is also a loading port on the side of the receiver that allows the user to manually feed rounds if needed. Smith & Wesson also offers 10-round mags for states and areas with magazine restrictions.
The biggest draw to the M&P15T is its versatility. It’s a great rifle for target shooting, hunting, self-defense, and could easily be used for tactical applications as well. The Picatinny rail system on the top of the receiver makes mountings optics easy. The rail system can also be used to attach any type of accessories such as bipods, lasers, scopes, etc. The stock can also be adjusted to yield perfect fit and comfort to the shooter.
When it comes to reliability there is no denying that the M&P15T lives up to its name. Smith & Wesson has been making reliable firearms for decades and the M&P15T is no different. The simply designed direct-impingement system has proven to be extremely reliable in the M&P15T. They have also put a lot of effort into ensuring the gun is properly broken-in while ensuring a long life span with routine maintenance.
The M&P15T is an excellent rifle that would be beneficial for anyone looking for a reliable and customizable semi-automatic AR-style rifle. It is incredibly accurate and offers great features and accessories. The M&P15T is built tough with a sturdy construction that can withstand the elements and the abuse of tough usage. It is a great rifle for competition shooting, target shooting, hunting, and tactical needs. With its reliable build and appealing price tag, the M&P15T is a great alternative to more expensive AR-15 style rifles.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight design makes for easy handling and maneuverability.
- Reliable and quality construction for performance and longevity.
- Versatility to handle multiple roles, from target shooting to hunting to personal defense.
- Adjustable stock for better fit and comfort.
- Tactical features like rail systems for mounting optics and accessories.
Cons:
- Relatively expensive for budget-minded buyers.
- Longer barrel can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Not ideal for quick target acquisition due to its longer barrel.
- Heavy trigger pull can cause accuracy issues when shooting more accurately.
- Lack of some features found on other AR-15 models, such as a collapsible stock or out-of-the-box ambidextrous controls.
Who Should Buy
The SMITH & WESSON M&P15T should be bought by those who require an outstanding tactical rifle, have the legal ability to own any firearms, and the knowledge and discipline to handle firearms safely. This rifle is ideal for home protection, competitive shooting, and recreational shooting.
The SMITH & WESSON M&P15T should not be bought by someone with limited firearms knowledge, as this is an advanced rifle. Nor should it be bought by anyone who does not have the legal ability to own a firearm in their locality. Additionally, anyone below the age of 18 should not purchase this rifle.
Comparisons
| Product | Weight | Length | Barrel Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMITH & WESSON M&P15T | 7.2 lbs | 32.3" | 16" | $1,079.99 |
| WALTHER 18" KeyMod Pistol | 6.25 lbs | 28" | 18" | $949.00 |
| CMMG MK4 PDW | 5.3 lbs | 26.1" | 8" | $1,507.00 |
| ODIN Works Atlas 9 OEM | 7.3 lbs | 31.3" | 9.5" | $999.99 |
| BUSHMASTER BA50 | 20.3 lbs | 54" | 29" | $2,524.99 |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington
•Barrel Length: 16" 4140 Steel Barrel
•Twist Rate: 1:9"
•Upper Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
•Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
•Handguard: M&P Slim 13.5" Free Float
•Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
•Sight: Magpul MBUS Pro Flip-Up Iron Sights
•Trigger: Standard M&P Trigger
•Stock: 6 Position Collapsible
•Grip: Polymer A2 Grip
•Magazine: (1) 30 round magazine
Popular Accessories
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- Sights – iron sights, optic sights, and laser sights
- Magazine Extensions and MagPads – increase magazine capacity
- Grips – spacers and angled grips for more control
- Stocks and Buffer Kits – adjustable stocks and recoil buffer systems
- Slings and Mounts – scabbard and single/dual-point styles
- Rails and Handguards – quad rails and M-LOK compatible handguards
- Flashlights and Light Mounts – weapons lights and light mounts
- Cases – soft cases for transport and carry
- Triggers – drop-in and adjustable triggers
- Bipods – for more stability in the field
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson M&P15T features a 16-inch stainless steel barrel and adjustable front and rear sights, giving you a great platform that allows for precision accuracy. From 7 yards, users can expect a group size of 1” with M193 ammunition. When shooting more powerful rounds such as 7.62x39hp, users can achieve a group size of 1.5” at the same distance. With the more powerful rounds, expect a drop off in accuracy at extended distances. The M&P15T also features a gas-impingement system and direct-impingement gas system, allowing for reliable cycling with both standard and low-recoil ammunition. All in all, the M&P15T can achieve great accuracy when using the right ammunition and at the right distances and has proven itself as an effective and accurate firearm.
