{"id":201251,"date":"2024-04-21T13:58:15","date_gmt":"2024-04-21T18:58:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=201251"},"modified":"2024-04-21T13:58:23","modified_gmt":"2024-04-21T18:58:23","slug":"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\/","title":{"rendered":"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-002-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"M&amp;P Sport III rifle with Hornady Varmint Express ammunition.\" class=\"wp-image-201254\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-002-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-002-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-002-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-002-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-002.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Big improvements in the M&amp;P 15 Sport III include a mid-length gas system and a free-floated M-Lok handguard.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time:  <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">11<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smith-wesson.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\">Smith &amp; Wesson<\/a> M&amp;P 15 Sport rifle has long been a popular choice as an entry-level AR-15 due to its pricing, reliability and S&amp;W\u2019s lifetime service policy. It has also been favored by those who want to purchase an affordable AR-15 and upgrade components to a desired configuration. Whether or not this saves money over ARs that already have upgraded components is debatable, but that matters little to those who embrace ARs as Tinkertoys for adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-upgraded-but-still-affordable\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\" data-level=\"2\">Upgraded, But Still Affordable<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-return-to-5r-rifling\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\" data-level=\"2\">Return to 5R Rifling<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-good-overall-accuracy-on-the-sport-iii\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\" data-level=\"2\">Good Overall Accuracy On the Sport III<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-range-testing-chart\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\" data-level=\"2\">Range Testing Chart<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-functional-not-fancy\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\" data-level=\"2\">Functional, Not Fancy<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-really-great-features-on-the-sport-iii\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\" data-level=\"2\">Really Great Features on the Sport III<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-one-notable-issue\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\" data-level=\"2\">One Notable Issue<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-specifications-to-the-sport-iii\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\" data-level=\"2\">Specifications to the Sport III<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The newest version of the rifle, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smith-wesson.com\/products\/mp-15-sport-iii\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\">M&amp;P 15 Sport III<\/a>, remains affordable and has some long-overdue upgrades over earlier versions that increase its versatility and reduce the need for post-purchase upgrades. Some changes were undoubtedly spurred by the fact that the M&amp;P 15 now has a lot of competition in its category with some well-appointed, affordable competing guns gaining popularity. The Sport III is, arguably, the gun that S&amp;W should have been making years ago. It gives shooters more of what they want, but there are still some significant shortcomings with the Sport III, as you might expect of many ARs in this price category. First, here are the positives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-013-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Author shooting M&amp;P 15 Sport II with Caldwell Precision Turret rest.\" class=\"wp-image-201255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-013-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-013-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-013-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-013-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-013.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author tested the Sport III&#8217;s accuracy using a Caldwell Precision Turret rest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-upgraded-but-still-affordable\">Upgraded, But Still Affordable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On the plus side of the ledger, S&amp;W has switched to use of a mid-length gas system versus the carbine-length gas system used on earlier versions of this 5.56 NATO chambered rifle. This change is long overdue. The mid-length gas system has been the consensus choice for ARs with 16-inch barrels for years, as carbine-length systems can lead to over-gassing of the gun, sharper recoil and a number of other evil things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>S&amp;W has also finally replaced the old polymer GI-style handguard with a free-floated, 15-inch lightweight aluminum handguard. The new handguard has a full-length Picatinny rail on top and a multitude of M-Lok attachment points at the 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11 o\u2019clock positions. You can hang enough accessories on the gun to turn it into an anchor, if you wish. The old Sport II came with an adjustable A2-style post front sight and folding MBUS rear sight, but if you want iron sights on the Sport III, you\u2019ll have to add them yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-003-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"M&amp;P 15 Sport III with Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 riflescope.\" class=\"wp-image-201256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-003-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-003-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-003-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-003-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-003.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Unlike original Sport rifles, the Sport III has a forward assist and dust cover.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-return-to-5r-rifling\">Return to 5R Rifling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In another change, S&amp;W has gone full circle with the 16-inch barrels used in the Sport III.&nbsp; Sport II rifle barrels had traditional six-groove rifling and a 1:9 twist rate, but Sport III rifles have reverted to barrels with 5R rifling with a 1:8 twist like those used in the original Sport rifle. Many claims have been made for 5R rifling, including better accuracy, but I\u2019ve never found 5R barrels to be any more or less accurate than guns with traditional rifling. The chief advantage of 5R barrels is that they generally don\u2019t accumulate copper fouling as quickly and are easier to clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-005-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"M&amp;P 15 Sport III rifle showing flash hider and M-Lok handguard.\" class=\"wp-image-201257\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-005-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-005-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-005-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-005-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-005.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Sport III uses a 16-inch barrel with 5R rifling and a 1:8 rate of twist.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The barrel, made of 4140 chrome moly steel, is protected with an Armonite finish and sports a somewhat slender profile to help reduce weight. Armonite is essentially a nitride treatment that provides improved corrosion and wear resistance, with the added advantages of decreased surface roughness, reduced light reflection and increased lubricity. And A2-style flash hider tops the muzzle. The slightly faster 1:8 twist used in the Sport III\u2019s barrel should, theoretically, better stabilize heavier bullets and shoot them more accurately, but in testing all three Sport variants, I haven\u2019t seen much difference reflected in holes in paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-good-overall-accuracy-on-the-sport-iii\">Good Overall Accuracy On the Sport III<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Accuracy testing produced mixed results, with the rifle showing some clear ammo preferences. Overall average group size for all five tested factory loads was 1.49 inches. That\u2019s slightly larger than overall group size (1.34 inches) I shot when testing the Sport II when it was first introduced, but that tells only part of the story. This Sport III purely loved Hornady\u2019s 55-gr. Varmint Express load. Despite the rifle\u2019s mediocre trigger, the Hornady load printed 0.88-inch average groups and a 0.60-inch best group. Those are the best groups I\u2019ve ever shot with any version of the M&amp;P 15 Sport rifle. Winchester\u2019s 60-gr. PDX-1 Defender load also turned in a good performance with 1.11-inch average groups and a 0.67-inch best group. Three other tested loads produced average groups ranging from 1.40 inches to 2.22 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-III-014-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Hornady Varmint Express ammunition.\" class=\"wp-image-201258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-III-014-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-III-014-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-III-014-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-III-014-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-III-014.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Sport III delivered very good accuracy with ammo it liked.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All things considered, that\u2019s very good accuracy for an entry-level AR, but I couldn\u2019t help wondering how much groups might improve if the rifle had a better trigger. Like the Mil-Spec triggers that come with many entry-level ARs, the Sport III\u2019s trigger is functional but far from good. It has some grittiness to it and a lot of creep to go along with a heavy average pull weight of 5 lbs., 9 ounces. My test groups would have been larger had I not tested the rifle using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caldwellshooting.com\/rests\/shooting-rests\/precision-turret-shooting-rest\/821400.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\">Caldwell Precision Turret<\/a> rest, which clamps down on and provides a rock-solid rest for shooting ARs at the bench. The trigger is the first thing I would replace on the rifle, but not the last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-006-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"M&amp;P 15 Sport III trigger.\" class=\"wp-image-201259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-006-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-006-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-006-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-006-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-006.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author would replace the Sport III&#8217;s less-than-impressive trigger with a good aftermarket trigger.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-range-testing-chart\">Range Testing Chart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Load<\/td><td>Avg Velocity FPS<\/td><td>Avg Group In.<\/td><td>Best Group In.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Black Hills 77 gr&nbsp; OTM<\/td><td>2,696<\/td><td>1.88<\/td><td>1.13<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Federal Fusion 62 gr.<\/td><td>2,837<\/td><td>1.40<\/td><td>1.20<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hornady Black 62 gr.<\/td><td>2,753<\/td><td>2.22<\/td><td>1.59<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hornady Varmint Express 55 gr.<\/td><td>2,774<\/td><td>0.88<\/td><td>0.60<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Winchester PDX-1 60 gr.<\/td><td>2,731<\/td><td>1.11<\/td><td>0.67<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Note: Velocities measured with Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph. All 3-shot, 100-yard groups fired in wind 6-13 mph.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-008-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"M&amp;P 15 Sport III M4-style buttstock.\" class=\"wp-image-201260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-008-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-008-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-008-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-008-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-008.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The M4-style buttstock is a candidate for replacement. It has a fair amount of wobble and no QD sling attachment point. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-functional-not-fancy\">Functional, Not Fancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Furniture on this rifle doesn&#8217;t score high marks. The M4-style buttstock wobbles like a drunken penguin, and produces an annoying plastic rattle. It also has no QD sling attachment points, which have become standard on better ARs these days. I would likely replace it with a B5 Systems <a href=\"https:\/\/b5systems.com\/enhanced-sopmod-stock\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\">SOPMOD Bravo<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/magpul.com\/ctr-carbine-stock-mil-spec.html?mp_global_color=118\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\">Magpul CTR buttstock<\/a>. With the stock fully extended, the rifle has an overall length of 35 inches, and a collapsed length of 32 inches. Empty weight is a trim 6.5 pounds. I would also change out the smallish charging handle, especially if you plan to put a LPVO on the rifle like the excellent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trijicon.com\/products\/product-family\/trijicon-credo-1-10x28-riflescope\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\">Trijicon Credo 1-10&#215;28<\/a> I used for range testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My test rifle also had some wobble between the upper and lower receivers, which isn\u2019t entirely surprising for a rifle in this price category (MSRP is $799, but you can easily find it for $100 less). That wobble is easily fixed with a cheap <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leapers.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\">Leapers, Inc<\/a>. receiver wedge, rubber o-rings or even foam earplugs stuffed below the rear takedown pin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-001-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"M&amp;P 15 Sport III rifle\" class=\"wp-image-201261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-001-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-001-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-001-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-001-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-001.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Sport III measures 35 inches overall and weighs just 6.5 pounds empty.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-really-great-features-on-the-sport-iii\">Really Great Features on the Sport III<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Upper and lower receivers, made of 7075 T6 aluminum, are hard coat black anodized. An integral trigger guard is forged into the lower receiver. It\u2019s large, with plenty of room for a gloved finger. Controls are in their usual locations, and all have grooved surfaces to assist with sure operation in any weather. The magazine release dropped magazines cleanly. The safety selector lever operated with just the right amount of resistance. The bottom of the magazine well is beveled to speed magazine insertion. Unlike the original Sport rifles, the Sport III comes with a forward assist and dust cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-011-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"M&amp;P 15 Sport III magazine well.\" class=\"wp-image-201262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-011-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-011-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-011-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-011-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-011.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The bottom of the magazine well is beveled to ease magazine insertion.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most guns ship with a single 30-round Gen M2 PMAG. Guns destined for states with magazine-capacity restrictions ship with a 10-round magazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bolt carrier group is, according to Smith &amp; Wesson, the same as that used in the Sport II. This means it is HP and MPI tested, and individual BCG components are designed to be durable and reliable. Each is made of time-proven materials, and the carrier key is properly staked. The chrome-plated firing pin is made of AISI 8640 steel, and the bolt is made of Carpenter 158 steel. The bolt carrier is formed from 8620 steel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-012-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"M&amp;P 15 Sport III bolt carrier group.\" class=\"wp-image-201263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-012-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-012-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-012-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-012-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-012.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Sport III&#8217;s BCG is HP and MPI tested, and individual components are designed to be durable and reliable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-one-notable-issue\">One Notable Issue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>M&amp;P Sport rifles have earned a reputation for being highly reliable. That proved to be the case with this test rifle, with one glaring exception. The rifle fed, fired, extracted and ejected without issue, but the bolt consistently failed to lock back after firing the last round from the magazine with two tested loads. The failure happened repeatedly while shooting Federal\u2019s 62-gr. Fusion load and Winchester\u2019s PDX-1 60-gr. load. Oddly, the rifle had no issue with three other loads using 77-gr., 62-gr. and 55-gr. bullets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/savage-arms-new-timber-series-of-rimfire-rifles\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\">Savage Arms: New TIMBER Series of Rimfi&#8230;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can happen for several reasons, but I didn\u2019t have the time or inclination to attempt to diagnose the problem. Smith &amp; Wesson\u2019s response, when questioned, was \u201cThat should not happen.\u201d The gun is heading back for S&amp;W engineers to examine. I suspect the problem will prove to be limited to this particular test rifle. In any event, I\u2019m confident S&amp;W will find and fix the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-015-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"30-round Gen M2 PMAG with 223 Rem ammunition.\" class=\"wp-image-201264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-015-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-015-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-015-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-015-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-015.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The rifle ships with one 30-round Gen M2 PMAG.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One reason M&amp;P Sport rifles have enjoyed such popularity is the Smith &amp; Wesson warranty and lifetime service policy. Just be aware that any modifications that prevent you from restoring the rifle to its factory configuration before sending it in for repair, such as Cerakoting it or cutting on it with any tool, could void the warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-004-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"M&amp;P 15 Sport III with Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 LPVO.\" class=\"wp-image-201265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-004-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-004-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-004-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-004-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-004.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author tested the Sport III with the new Trijicon Credo 1-10&#215;28 LPVO.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-specifications-to-the-sport-iii\">Specifications to the Sport III<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P Sport III Rifle 5.56 NATO<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Action: Gas-operated, direct impingement semi-auto<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Caliber: 5.56 NATO<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Capacity: 30 + 1 with supplied magazine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Barrel: 16<em> <\/em>in., threaded, 5R rifling, Armonite finish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Twist Rate: 1:8<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Receiver Material: 7075 T6 aluminum<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Receiver Finish: Hard coat black anodized<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sights: None<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Handguard: 15-inch free-floated M-Lok<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall Length: 35 in. extended, 32 in. collapsed<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weight: 6.5 lbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furniture: Polymer handguard &amp; pistol grip<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MSRP: $799<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\" title=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Sport III is, arguably, the gun that S&#038;W should have been making years ago. It gives shooters more of what they want, but there are still some significant shortcomings with the Sport III, as you might expect of many ARs in this price category. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":102,"featured_media":201255,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7,694,1379,37],"tags":[102,563,3999,609,60],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-201251","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gunsamerica-authors","8":"category-gun-reviews","9":"category-mike-dickerson","10":"category-gun-reviews-rifles","11":"tag-feature-articles","12":"tag-mp","13":"tag-mp-15-sport-iii","14":"tag-reviews-rifles","15":"tag-smith-wesson"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hits and Misses: The New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The New Smith and Wesson handgun the Sport III has some hits and misses and we&#039;re here to break down what you should expect.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P 15 Sport III\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Sport III is, arguably, the gun that S&amp;W should have been making years ago. It gives shooters more of what they want, but there are still some significant shortcomings with the Sport III, as you might expect of many ARs in this price category.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-04-21T18:58:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-04-21T18:58:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sport-3-013.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mike Dickerson\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mike Dickerson\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/hits-and-misses-with-the-new-smith-amp-wesson-mampp-15-sport-iii\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Mike Dickerson\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a1d46d6ce7221855270013957852fac7\"},\"headline\":\"Hits and Misses with the New Smith &amp; 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