Smith & Wesson is launching an improved version of one of their best-sellers, the M&P 15. The new M&P 15T II is a do-all AR-15-pattern rifle, suitable for recreational shooting, competition use, small game hunting, varminting, self-defense and duty.
The M&P 15T II sports a 16-inch free-floating barrel and full-length, modular 15-inch handguard. The barrel is machined from 4140 steel with a mid-length gas system and 1-in-8 5R rifling. A 1-in-8 twist is capable of stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights and 5R rifling is often preferred for its accuracy. And it’s tipped with an extended birdcage M4E flash hider.
The handguard features M-Lok slots along the sides and underneath with a full-length Picatinny rail on top for mounting accessories. The rifle comes ready to shoot right out of the box with factory Magpul MBUS adjustable flip-up sights, too.
The M&P 15T II is built to fit a wide range of shooters with an adjustable Magpul CTR stock, M&P grip with four interchangeable palmswell grips, an ambidextrous safety selector, and an ambidextrous Radian Raptor-LT charging handle. It also comes with a modern flat-faced trigger.
And while the upper receiver is pretty standard, with a dust cover, brass deflector and forward assist, Smith & Wesson made a couple of welcome tweaks to the lower, including an integral trigger guard and set of internal buffers. The buffers provide tighter tolerances in the lower and help promote accuracy.
See Also: Smith & Wesson Rolling Out Limited Edition M&P Spec Series
“With the M&P15T II, we set out to include some of the latest features that consumers demand on a high-end MSR – a full-length handguard, flat face trigger, ambidextrous controls, and more,” said Vince Perreault. “The M&P15T II delivers premium enhancements in a high-performance modern sporting rifle.”
With a sticker price of $1,372 the M&P 15T II is priced in line with other enhanced, premium and semi-custom versions of stock ARs. Pricing in stores and online is often less than MSRP, although today’s market can be hard to predict. The M&P 15T II ships with a cable lock and 30-round Magpul Pmag where available.
For anyone shopping for a complete gun, whether they’re a new shooter or just want a nice rifle that’s good to go from the factory, the M&P 15T II looks like it’s a great package. More information about this rifle and the rest of the Smith & Wesson catalog is right here.
Bless you for your continued focus on newly released firearms. Your reviews are factual and concise.
Thank you also for updating your photo. On my small screen, the previous looked like you were wearing a deep V-neck cocktail dress. I was never able to unsee this.
Heh, no, that’s me in a fitted suit, with a scout sling pack, carrying a rifle.
It is a teeny amount of photo to deal with.
Lemme know if you want to see me in something specific; if you send me enough whisky, I may be able to entertain it.
I have owned the original M&P15 Tactical since 2011. Great do-all carbine. I don’t necessarily see the need to upgrade to this version, but I am sure it works fine and lasts a long time. The biggest mod to mine was replacing/upgrading the original 10″ quad rail handguard with a STNGR 15″ M-Lok rail, different grips and optics as well. Mine has never had a feeding or loading issue, and has never failed to go bang when asked to.