M&P15 Sport II

M&P15 Sport II

The designers over at Smith & Wesson heard the feedback from their loyal consumers, and they have finally answered the call. The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II, replacing the previous M&P15 Sport now comes with a Forward Assist and a dust cover!

That being said, I will let you in on a little secret for those of you who still have and plan on keeping your Ol’ Sport I. Out of my two Combat Tours to Afghanistan, even with all the fine dry dirt that absolutely consumed the environment (we called it “moondust”) I never once used my forward assist. And the dust cover, it only stayed closed when we were Oscar-Mike or inside the wire, the rest of the time it was wide open and spitting out brass. So if you keep your gun clean and rack it properly, you're gonna be just fine.

As for the Sport II, it is now a fully functional AR just like its VTAC and MOE big brothers. The upper receiver that contains the newly added features also houses a Chromed Firing Pin, Mil-Spec bolt assembly, and flat-top picatinny rail system with Magpul folding MBUS Rear Sight that comes included.

Mounted to the rear is a 6-position Collapsible Stock (where legal! Those of you in states with special restrictions there are Sport II models just for you!), and to the front, of course, is the 16” 4140 Steel Barrel with 6 lands and grooves and 1:9 twist. Covering the Gas Operating Semi-Automatic operating system is a High-Temp Polymer Handguard, giving it that Classic AR look.

The lower receiver has a forged integral Trigger Guard, high temp polymer handguard, and of course comes standard (were legal) with a 30 round Magpul PMAG. To finish it off, the upper and lower receiver are coated in a Corrosion Resistant Black Armornite finish. Not too bad for an economically priced entry-level AR!

What ARE the main differences between the M&P15 Sport II and other high-end models like the VTAC and MOE?

Mainly, it is the type of metals that are used and the accessories that come included with it. While the M&P15 Sport II comes with a 4150 Steel barrel, the VTAC and MOE  both come standard with a 4150 CMV (Chrome-moly Vanadium) Barrel. This Vanadium Steel alloy is considerably stronger and more durable than regular steel which increases accuracy and rifling durability substantially, especially over time. To put it in perspective, Vanadium is a predominant element in alloys that are used to make high integrity parts like gears and crankshafts, and even high-speed drill bits and other manufacturing tools. This is because “regular” steel wares out too fast in relative time.  The other key element that the higher end models include is 5R rifling and in some cases, chrome-lined barrels, which both provide better internal ballistics for competition shooting and accuracy.  Add this on top of the accessories that are included with the higher end models, and you can see where the price differences are.

But like most of us out there (including me), you want to build your own rifle, or,  you’re not about to just drop 2 grand on a gun all at once. That’s why the Smith & Wesson M&P Sport II is such a great product. It gives you the ability to purchase an AR at a great price, and then over time, add on all the goodies you want and actually build your own rifle at your own pace, custom to you. Either way, whether you are an avid shooter, or simply just getting into the sport, you will find that the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II is above par among entry level ARs.

Purchase yours today at Gunbuyer.com (price and availability may vary)

For more information on the Smith & Wesson M&P Sport II click here.