Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport Rifle (California Compliant)
January 27, 2011
In mid December 2010, Smith & Wesson made a momentous decision to begin packaging their M&P15 rifles with mag lock devices and captive 10 round magazines so that they may be sold in compliance with California regulations. S&W is not the first manufacturer to make this decision, but they are by far the largest manufacturer to do so. This decision has been debated for some time and there have long been rumors of middle men modifying, packaging and distributing such rifles in our state. So, we are excited to see a company like S&W support California and supply their ever popular rifles to its citizens.
Also, new from Smith & Wesson is the M&P15 Sport line of rifles. This rifle was built for the price conscious user who is looking for a good quality and inexpensive AR15 style rifle for range practice and/or home defense. S&W has priced the models at $709 MSRP (even for their California model). They were able to do so by changing some features that should NOT upset the majority of target shooting users out there. The barrel used is made in house – 16″ without m203 cuts, melanite coated inside and out, 1:8 twist rate, and 5R rifled. The 5R rifled barrel designs have been in use by Thompson Center, a S&W owned company, for a long time in order to produce an inexpensive and very accurate product. Those looking for a milspec rifle, this isn’t the one for you, but melanite has proven itself a durable, corrosion resistant, uniform coating that can be considered more accurate than chrome lining. Other differences on the Sport models include: an upper receiver lacking a dusk cover and forward assist, a lower receiver with integral enhanced trigger guard, LMT style removable rear sight and A2 style front sight, chromed gas key and bolt carrier and other standard A2 styled parts.
For those budget conscious shooters out there looking for a rifle that offers good quality with a low sticker price, the M&P15 Sport rifle may be just what you’re looking for!
Here are the stats:
Model M&P15 Sport™
- Caliber: 5.56 mm NATO
- Capacity: 30 round Magpul Pmag or 10-Round Fixed Magazine for California compliance
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Barrel Length: 16″ / 40.6 cm
- Barrel Twist: 1 in 8″ 5R Rifling
- Front Sight: Adjustable A2 Post
- Rear Sight: Adjustable Dual Aperture
- Overall Length: 35″ Extended / 32″ Collapsed
- Stock: 6 Position Telescopic
- Weight: 6.5 lbs. / 2,948.4 g
- Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
- Barrel Finish: Melonite®
- Receiver Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Receiver Finish: Hard Coat Black Anodized
- Chromed Components: Gas Key, Bolt Carrier
- Other Features: Bullet Button
- MSRP $709
When are they going to start shipping them out? I’ve been looking for them for a while now and nobody has them in stock yet.
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According to Smith and Wesson, the M&P 15 Sport will begin shipping to distributors and dealers in early March.
Jason @ T.A.G.
I just ordered mine today from a place in suburban Atlanta. $634 after taxes. Should be here in 30 days. I can’t wait!
What is the name of the place in Atlanta? I would like to order one.
Does anybody know who locally will be carrying this?
We will be launching our web store shortly and will be able to ship to an FFL dealer near you.
so, will you be able to upgrade the upper in it?
The lower will be compatible with AR-15 type uppers, making it a cheap starter gun that you can upgrade later on.
Jason @ T.A.G.
Jason, where did you find out that SW would be shipping it to dealers in early march? Is that on their website somewhere or do you know somebody there?
I’m just wondering because it’s been 19 days since I ordered mine and called the dealer yesterday and the person there had no idea when it would be coming in. “Hopefully in the next week or two” is what I was told.
Thanks in advance for any update.
Information obtained from Smith and Wesson. Of course as with any release of a new product, production can fall behind and it may take longer to get them out the door. Smith and Wesson tends to be very good about hitting their ship dates though, so it shouldn’t be too far off. We will see. :)
Jason @ T.A.G.
Thank you very much for the update Jason. I feel like a 10-year-old in a perpetual Christmas eve. “Is it here yet? Is it here yet?!”
I know the feeling. I’ve worked in the industry for going on 10 years now, and UPS deliveries are like Christmas morning to me. I love opening the presents. :)
Jason @ T.A.G.
Would i be able to add a dust cover to this rifle later on?
It is made without that function, but I guess with a lot of work you could add your own. If you plan on slopping it through mud or extremely sandy conditions, a different model would be more applicable. For most, I doubt this would be a problem.
I’m in the LA area, If anyone know’s where I can go get me one of this toy’s let me know… (name of the gun shop) Please
Alberto, we are sorry but we do not know of any shops in your area. Google may be a good way to find something. We will be selling firearms in the near future and can ship to a dealer you find or you will be able to make the drive up to Fresno to see us. Thank you for your interest.
Jason
Hi I live in fresno and just wondering what store you work at and where it is located . Thanks
turners outdoors
purchased one today at cabela’s @ rogers, minnesota.
list 699.00 on sale 599.00 coupon for 100.00 off from cabela’s net $499.00 plus tax.
Now that’s a deal!
Dave where did you find the coupon for 100 off?
Smith and Wesson will always announce coupons and discounts of their firearms on their website.
will these shoot .223 as well as 5.56 because i am thinking about purchaseing one but that be a huge selling factor.
It is chambered in 5.56 NATO. The answer is yes, it is capable of shooting both!
Cheers!
Jason
Okay, I’m in the LA area…Can someone please tell me where I can Find me one of this Babies I have been looking for a while now but no one has them Please let me know…
Thank You Very Much…
I am a Firearms dealer in California and this rifle is still very hard to get. I work with a couple of major wholesalers and still that gun isnt available….
Alberto, I just bought one at Turners outdoorsman in norwalk for 699. They have a lot in stock
Do you know where I can get replacement 10 rd fixed length magazine?
Hey Jason or anyone, do you think the lack of a “foreward assist” makes a big difference? I know the dust cover is not an issue because it stays open during firing anyway. Thanks Bravo Co.
if you keep your gun clean forward assist should not matter, or pull back the charging handle and slam it home couple times
Bought one in NH 3 weeks ago. Its a very solid and accurate rifle. Over 200 rds M193 XM 855 and SA mil.556.
No problems at all. A pleasure to shoot. One hole sighters at 50 yds and held 10 ring on 25 yard pistol target at 100 yds. Sights are MOA and responsive predictably. All and all a very good rifle. A keeper.
i live in wisconsin, are there any dealers here?
I bought mine in forida love it really accurate and no malfunctions.
Are the mag-lock devices on these removable like most of the aftermarket add-on types? In case I decide to take it out to the cousins place out in Montana……?
I will pick one up today for $599.00 i have read many reviews and majority of owners gave positive reviews. I held this one and felt good. I have read many reviews regarding forward assist, and dust cover. I will not be using this for any type of heavy duty use, so forward assist and dust cover will not matter imho. Many owners stated they never use the forward assist. I am not a person that likes all decoration on a gun, and that’s me. If this rifle shoots good as many owners say, the only option i would like to add will be a nice scope. I will post an update once i shot at least, 200 rounds with different types of ammo.
Well I I am glad I live in Va but and I bought the sports M&P15 and upgraded the upper reciever, put quad rails and EO tech L3 scope. I bought a STRIP UPPER without coat and just left it that way and just polished it. It looks great for me. My next project is probably change the barrel with 1/7 twist. I will post pix soon. I have to test the upper and run about 300 rounds.
Can these be converted to using a larger capacity magazine? I don’t live in a state that requires this. Thanks, Thomas
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