Eye-Opening Differences S&W M&P 15 vs. Sport

Introduction

Time to read: 7 minutes

Date: May 30, 2023

Are you trying to decide between Smith & Wesson’s M&P 15 and M&P 15 Sport models? If so, this blog post is here to help. 

Smith and Wesson is a well-established manufacturer of semi-automatic rifles, including the M&P 15 and M&P 15 Sport II. These rifles are known for their reliability and versatility, making them suitable for various activities such as recreational shooting, sports, and professional shooting. The M&P15 rifles are also considered beginner-friendly due to their ease of use and accessory options.

In 2006, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P 15 Sport, a basic M4-style rifle with a sixteen-inch pencil barrel and no dust cover or forward assist. While this rifle was suitable for casual shooters, many customers requested a more comprehensive AR model. In response, Smith & Wesson released the M&P 15 Sport II in 2016, which has since become a top-selling rifle in the United States. Despite its affordable price, the M&P 15 Sport II boasts a range of features that appeal to a wider audience.

This post will provide an overview of each model, compare features, and present pros and cons to consider. We’ll also cover price comparisons and provide helpful resources and FAQs. So let’s get started by taking a look at the Smith & Wesson M&P 15.

Overview of the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 

The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 is a popular rifle used for competition shooting and personal defense. It features a 16-inch barrel and a 6-position adjustable stock, making it an ideal choice for shooters of all sizes. 

The M&P 15 also has many aftermarket adjustable drop-in triggers, allowing you to customize the pull weight to your preference. 

Additionally, it has an ambidextrous safety selector and magazine release, making it easy to use for both left and right-handed shooters. It is chambered in 5.56mm NATO or .223 Remington, which makes it compatible with a variety of ammunition types. 

With its lightweight design and reliable performance, the M&P 15 is an excellent choice for competition shooting and home defense.

Overview of the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport 

The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington. It has a 16-inch barrel, an adjustable stock, and comes stocked with an adjustable A2 style front sight and a Magpul MBUS rear sight. 

The Sport model also features an enhanced trigger guard, forward assist, dust cover, and an Armornite finish on the barrel for increased durability. It is designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for competition shooting or recreational shooting. 

The M&P 15 Sport is also compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories, such as optics, lights, and laser sights. With its reliable performance and high-quality components, the M&P 15 Sport is an excellent choice for shooters looking for an affordable yet reliable rifle.

Key Differences Between the Two

The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 and its Sport version are both popular semi-automatic rifles that are designed for sports shooting and tactical use. Here are the main differences between the two models:

Price

While the original M&P 15 has an MSRP of $1269, the sport can be purchased for as little as $752. That’s a significant price difference that’s hard to ignore.

Many people are wondering why there’s such a big difference in price between the two rifles. Some speculate that the Sport is made with cheaper materials or has fewer features. However, there’s no evidence to support these claims. It’s more likely that Smith and Wesson simply wanted to make a more affordable option for those who love shooting but don’t want to break the bank.

Twist rate

Debates rage on about the twist rate difference between the M&P 15 and the M&P Sport. The original M&P 15 boasts a 1 in 7′′ barrel twist, while the M&P Sport has a 1 in 9′′ barrel twist. But what does this mean for you? 

The length of the barrel twist is crucial for accuracy, particularly with heavier ammunition like bullets weighing between 50 to 77 grains. The shorter the twist, the better the accuracy. This is where the controversy lies with the M&P 15 Sport’s 1 in 9′′ twist. 

You don’t have to take anyone’s word for it, though. You can test out the Sport rifle yourself and see how much of a difference it makes for you. While a 1 in 7′′ twist is preferred, the 1 in 9′′ barrel twist is still sufficient. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Heat shield

When it comes to the M&P 15, the handguards in the front are heat shielded. However, the S&W M&P 15 Sport doesn’t have this feature. But is that really a big deal? Well, not really. You see, most people who own a Sport won’t be using it continuously to the point where the handguard becomes super hot. 

Plus, the handguard is carbine length, so your hands will mostly be touching the front post assembly, which will definitely get hot. But don’t worry, you can easily avoid discomfort by using tactical shooting gloves.

Weight

The Sport version is generally lighter than the standard M&P 15 due to its thinner barrel and lack of certain features.

Accessories 

The standard M&P 15 comes with more accessories, such as a dust cover and forward assist, whereas the Sport version does not.

Finish 

The standard M&P 15 has a melonite finish, which is more durable and resistant to wear and tear than the Sport version’s black oxide finish.

Overall, the standard M&P 15 is a more feature-rich and durable rifle, while the Sport version is a more budget-friendly option that sacrifices some features for a lower price point.

Pros and Cons of the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 

The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 is a popular rifle choice among shooters due to its accuracy, reliability, and range. It is also known for its ability to be reloaded on the move. Additionally, it can be dropped and stowed without losing any rounds, making it more practical for quick reloading. 

Additionally, its sight picture is not as good as some other rifles due to its SRO. For those looking for an all-around gun for competition shooting, the M&P 15 may be a good option but it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a purchase.

Pros and Cons of the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport 

The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport is a great option for those looking for an AR-15-style rifle. 

Both M&P 15 and M&P 15 Sport series are high-quality rifles. Which one you go with depends on your personal preference. Smith and Wesson have made many changes with the sport series to make it more affordable. So, if the price is a consideration for you, then S&W M&P 15 sport may fit your budget. Also, the Sport series is easy and cheap to accessorize.  All the major brands make compatible accessories for the M&P 15 series rifles.

The S&W M&P 15 vs Sport debate is one that is largely dependent on personal preference. 

Need to learn about the benefits of sighting a rifle equipped with a red dot sight? Learn more about that here!

Conclusion

The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 and the M&P 15 Sport are two popular AR-15-style rifles. Both rifles offer quality construction, reliability, and accuracy. However, there are some differences between these two rifles that must be considered when making a purchase. 

The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 and the M&P 15 Sport are two great choices for those looking for an AR-15-style rifle. The M&P 15 offers a more robust feature set with longer barrels and more stock options available, while the M&P 15 Sport is more lightweight and offers a lower price point. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and budget when deciding which rifle is right for you. If you need help deciding, reach out to an expert in your area who can provide guidance on which rifle best meets your needs.

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