Smith & Wesson M&P15
Smith & Wesson, Inc. · Carbine · In Production · 2006
Also known as: M&P15, S&W M&P 15, Military & Police 15
Overview
The Smith & Wesson M&P15 is a semi-automatic carbine built on the AR-15 platform, introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2006 as part of its Military & Police (M&P) line. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO (also accepting .223 Remington), it uses a direct-impingement gas system, a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel, a 7075-T6 aluminum flat-top receiver with a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail, and a collapsible stock. Marketed to law enforcement, sport shooters, and civilian defense users, it became one of the most widely sold modern sporting rifles in the United States.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2980 g (105.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 889 mm (35.00") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 31 N (7.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 930 m/s (3051 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1767 J (1303 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington (chamber compatible)
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Direct Impingement Gas System, Flat Top Picatinny Rail, Collapsible Stock, A2 Flash Hider, Chrome Lined Barrel, Armornite Finish
Variants
- Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II — Budget Sport
- Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Sport — Rimfire Trainer
Service history
Operators
- United States law enforcement agencies
Production
Production years: 2006-present
One of the best-selling AR-15-pattern rifles in the U.S. civilian and law-enforcement market.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Smith & Wesson
Notes
The M&P15 family spans many configurations including the cost-reduced Sport and Sport II models, the Optics Ready (OR) variants, and the .22 LR M&P15-22 rimfire trainer. Twist rate and barrel profile vary by configuration (commonly 1:8 or 1:9).
Background
Smith & Wesson, long known for revolvers and pistols, entered the modern sporting rifle market in 2006 with the M&P15, capitalizing on the surge in AR-15 popularity after the 2004 expiration of the U.S. federal Assault Weapons Ban.