New Product Highlight: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III

For years, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport was the go-to carbine for recreational shooters. It was affordable, reliable, and proven in the hands of police departments across the country.

Smith & Wesson just announced a new version of its entry-level AR, the M&P 15 Sport III.

This updated version upholds the value proposition of an affordable AR-15 while adding a few performance upgrades that make it more competitive with other carbines on the market.

Like the M&P 15 Sport II, this new version comes with Smith & Wesson’s six-position adjustable stock and an A2-style pistol grip. The barrel still sports an Armornite protective finish, and the firing pin is chrome-plated for easier cleaning and improved reliability.

Gone is the bargain-basement wraparound plastic handguard. In its place is a 15-inch free-floating M-LOK handguard with a full-length Picatinny rail. You can now go to town customizing your M&P 15 Sport III with optics and accessories.

A mid-length gas system replaces the old carbine-length gas system – a welcome upgrade for the 16-inch barrel. This softens the recoil impulse and helps keep you on target between shots.

The third generation of Smith & Wesson’s sporting rifle also gets a new barrel. This one uses more accurate 5R rifling with a 1:8 twist that performs well with a broader range of bullet weights than the outgoing barrel.

State-compliant versions are available, as well.

Best of all, Smith & Wesson dropped the MSRP of the M&P 15 Sport III down to $799 (compared to $819 for the least expensive M&P 15 Sport II), with the street price being around $699.

Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport III

$735

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$735 at GrabAGun

• GrabAGun (See Price)
• Kygunco (See Price)
• Brownells (See Price)

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

• 25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Considering that the M&P 15 Sport line is the entry point for a huge number of first-time AR-15 owners, it’s encouraging to see Smith & Wesson offer more features for less money.

What do you think of the new Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III? Let us know below. For everything you need to know about buying your first AR, check out our Ultimate Resource for the AR-15 and AR-10.