Smith & Wesson rolled out the first M&P15 Sport rifle way back in 2010. It was a well-appointed, budget-priced “starter” AR-15 that just about everyone could afford. Seven years later they updated it with the M&P15 Sport II. The deuce got a forward assist and they changed the rifling from 1:8 from the 1:7 twist of the original.
Now, another seven years later, it’s time for another upgrade with the M&P15 Sport III. The trey replaces the A2-style handguard and sights with a low profile gas block to fit under a full-length M-LOK handguard. And the price is still very reasonable.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces today the release of the new M&P15 Sport III rifle.
Designed to perform under various conditions, the Smith & Wesson Sport Series is as versatile as it is reliable. Building on the proven Sport II platform, the next iteration comes equipped with enhancements to increase performance while being offered at a lower price. The Sport III is a gas-operated semi-auto MSR chambered in 5.56 NATO/223 REM, and is offered in 30+1 and 10+1 capacities. Upgrades to this platform include a 16-inch Armornite coated barrel with a threaded muzzle, 5R rifling, and a 1:8-inch twist that allows for a wider variety of ammo to be used. The barrel, housed in a free-floating 15-inch M-LOK handguard with a full-length Picatinny-style rail, offers more options to accessorize than previous generations. The Sport III utilizes a mid-length gas system to help mitigate felt recoil when shooting and it also ships with a 6-position adjustable stock, polymer grip, bolt forward assist, and chromed firing pin.
If you’re looking for your first rifle, or just want to expand the collection, the M&P15 Sport III is a reliable platform for a great price. The new M&P15 Sport III rifle has an MSRP of $799 and is available now at authorized dealers.
For more information on the M&P15 Sport III, visit www.smith-wesson.com.
Specifications: Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II rifle
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Weight: 6.5 pounds
Width: 2.5 inches
Overall Length: 35 inches
Height: 8 inches
MSRP: $799
I bought my Sport II model on a whim for around $500 plus tax, after watching IV8888’s meltdown video. He put the complete upper onto a full auto lower and shot it at full auto as quickly as he could change mags, including a couple 100 round mags. It went something like 800 rounds before it plugged up–I think the gas tube failed. It’s not as refined as a lot of others on the market, but that was impressive and I found it on sale at The Fin. Got me started with ARs.
I remember that one, the gas tube was *orange*…