Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson M&P 10

Published on May 19, 2013
Duration: 2:44

This review of the Smith & Wesson M&P 10, presented by Ed Friedman of Shooting Illustrated, highlights its construction from aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel, with key components made in Springfield, MA. The rifle features advanced safety mechanisms like a firing pin spring and an enhanced flash hider, alongside fully ambidextrous controls. Its 18-inch barrel and sub-8-pound weight offer a balance of maneuverability and performance for a .308 Winchester platform.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P 10 is a .308 Winchester / 7.62 NATO rifle weighing under 8 lbs, comparable to many 5.56 NATO AR-15s. It features receivers made from aircraft-grade aluminum, stainless steel barrels, and an 18-inch barrel for balanced performance. The rifle includes a firing pin spring for safety, an enhanced flash hider, and fully ambidextrous controls for versatile operation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Shooting Demo
  2. 00:19Construction & Materials
  3. 00:42Safety & Flash Hider
  4. 01:08Ambidextrous Controls
  5. 01:18Barrel Length Compromise
  6. 01:49Weight & Caliber Comparison
  7. 02:19Magazines & Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key construction materials of the Smith & Wesson M&P 10?

The Smith & Wesson M&P 10 features receivers constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and barrels made of stainless steel. Many of its metal components are manufactured domestically in Springfield, Massachusetts, ensuring quality and reliability.

How does the Smith & Wesson M&P 10 handle ambidextrous operation?

The M&P 10 is designed for ambidextrous use, incorporating safety selectors, magazine releases, and bolt releases that can be operated by both left and right-handed shooters, enhancing its versatility.

What is the significance of the 18-inch barrel on the M&P 10?

The 18-inch barrel on the M&P 10 is a deliberate design choice, offering a balance between the maneuverability of shorter barrels and the accuracy potential of longer barrels, making it suitable for a variety of shooting applications.

What is the weight and caliber of the Smith & Wesson M&P 10?

The Smith & Wesson M&P 10 is chambered in .308 Winchester / 7.62 NATO and weighs under 8 pounds. This makes it notably light for its caliber, comparable to many 5.56 NATO AR-15 platforms.

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