NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson M&P15T Rifle

Published on April 28, 2017
Duration: 3:16

This expert guide provides an overview of the Smith & Wesson M&P15T rifle's tactical features, as presented by Brian Sheetz of American Rifleman. Key elements discussed include its free-floated quad-rail handguard with numbered sections, Magpul MBUS sights, adjustable stock, and 5R rifled barrel with a 1:8 twist rate, highlighting its adaptability for roles like home defense.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P15T is a tactical AR-style rifle featuring a 16-inch, 5.56 NATO barrel with 5R rifling and a 1:8 twist rate for optimal bullet stabilization. Its key features include a free-floated quad-rail handguard with numbered sections, a six-position adjustable stock, and Magpul MBUS folding sights, making it versatile for home defense and other applications.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction M&P15T Rifle
  2. 00:23Caliber and Barrel Length
  3. 00:29Tactical Configuration Features
  4. 00:45Free-Floated Barrel System
  5. 00:59Numbered Rails for Consistency
  6. 01:17Barrel Rifling and Accuracy
  7. 01:32Optimal Twist Rate for Calibers
  8. 01:52Integrated Trigger Guard
  9. 02:11Conventional AR Controls
  10. 02:34Rifle Application Summary
  11. 02:44Information Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key tactical features of the Smith & Wesson M&P15T?

The M&P15T features a quad-rail free-float handguard with numbered sections for accessory mounting, a six-position adjustable buttstock, and Magpul MBUS folding sights. It is chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 16-inch barrel.

What is the significance of the 1:8 twist rate on the M&P15T barrel?

The 1:8 inch twist rate is considered optimal for stabilizing a wide variety of bullet weights in both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO calibers, contributing to improved accuracy and performance with different ammunition loads.

How does the free-floated barrel system benefit the M&P15T's accuracy?

The free-floated barrel is not in contact with the handguard, allowing it to vibrate more consistently during firing. This isolation minimizes external influences, leading to enhanced shot-to-shot accuracy and reliability.

What are the recommended uses for the Smith & Wesson M&P15T?

The M&P15T is presented as a highly adaptable AR-style rifle suitable for roles such as home defense, as a general-purpose carbine, or as a "truck gun" due to its robust tactical features and potential for customization.

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