Smith & Wesson’s Budget Friendly(-er) AR

The AR-15. Beloved gun for many, many Americans. Terrifying bogeyman to anti-2A activists everywhere.

Frankly, the second reason might be a good enough reason to get an AR-15, if you don’t already have one.

For a number of folks, though, many AR-15s are unfortunately out of their budget. If that describes you, today’s article may particularly interest you.

Why? Because if you don’t already have an AR and are in the market for one (or, like many people, you do have one but are (always) on the lookout for another one), we’ll be talking about a relatively recent model from Smith & Wesson that puts the AR-15 more within reach of folks with a tighter budget. Alexander Reville writes,

The main difference in the new [Sport III] platform [versus older models] reflects a shift in design preference around the AR-15 in general. The new M&P 15 Sport III ditches the fixed front sight base, opting for a free-float M-LOK handguard that avoids any unnecessary pressure on the barrel. 

The line has also shifted away from the carbine-length gas system in favor of the smoother operation of the mid-length system, which avoids overtravel of the round.

This redesign reflects the more contemporary aspects of the AR and maximizes the modularity of the platform. At the same time, the design remains simple. No controls are ambidextrous, and the furniture is basic.

Reville continues:

On the range, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III feels like a modern AR. While it is odd to admit, ARs with fixed front sight posts and drop-in handguards have a vintage feel – not that there is anything wrong with that, but this new iteration feels different.

Like anything else, there are plusses and minuses to this particular rifle, depending on your needs and uses for it.

Reville’s conclusions about this gun?

Pros:

– Inexpensive 

– Accurate 

– Modular

– Modern 

– Reliable 

Cons:

– Lacks sling attachment points 

– Outdated furniture 

– No flip-up iron sights out of the box 

You can see this firearm in action in the video below.

With all that said, will this be the AR-15 for everyone? No, it won’t, but, then again, no gun is for everyone.

If you’re looking for a more budget friendly AR from a reputable brand, though, the M&P 15 Sport III may be one to consider.