Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II 5.56 NATO
Model: 10202
Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II 5.56 NATO
Model: 10202
Full Specifications
Threaded 1/2x28 barrel: compare 5.56 / .223 suppressor prices.
About This Firearm
The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II is an entry-level semi-automatic AR-15 in 5.56 NATO built for range shooting and home defense. Smith & Wesson no longer makes it, so it is a used buy. It came with sights fitted, an adjustable A2 front post and a folding Magpul MBUS rear, which the Sport III that replaced it does not have.
One 30-round PMAG was in the box and the stock has six positions. The handguard is two-piece polymer with no rail and no slots, so a light means replacing it, and Smith & Wesson states the rifle takes most standard AR-15 components and accessories, so that replacement is ordinary shopping. The barrel is threaded with no pitch marked and no muzzle device fitted, which at least leaves the threads exposed to measure.
If you're cross-shopping, a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III has an MSRP of $799 and replaces the Sport II's 1:9 twist and polymer handguard with a 1:8 twist and a free-floating M-LOK handguard, at 0.07 lbs heavier, but it comes with no sights. A Ruger AR-556 is out of production too, weighs 0.05 lbs more, and came with a 1:8 barrel and folding sights of its own. The Sport II's 1:9 twist gives up the heavy end of the match bullet range.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The barrel is 4140 chrome moly with an Armornite finish, and the firing pin is chromed.
- The trigger guard is forged as part of the lower, so there is no separate guard held in by a roll pin and no gap behind it.
- The upper has both a forward assist and a dust cover, on 7075 aluminum receivers.
- The polymer handguard rests on the barrel, so a tight sling or a bipod pressed against it loads the barrel.
- The Sport III has replaced it, so parts specific to the Sport II, such as its handguard halves, are no longer current.
- The gas system is carbine length, where the Sport III moved to mid-length, so the cycle is the sharper of the two.
Category Rankings
How the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II 5.56 NATO ranks among full-size 5.56 NATO rifles.
Compatible Ammunition
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5.56 NATO Ballistics →Alternatives to Consider
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Sport III different?
It moves to a 1:8 twist with 5R rifling, a mid-length gas system and a free-floating M-LOK handguard with a full-length top rail. It gives up the sights, though, because it ships with none.
What does the Armornite finish do?
It is a surface treatment on the barrel, not a chrome lining, so the bore is treated steel and wants cleaning like one.
What bullet weights suit the 1:9 twist?
The light and middle weights. A 1:9 barrel stabilizes 55- and 62-grain bullets without trouble, and Smith & Wesson moved to 1:8 on the Sport III to take the heavier match bullets.
Does it take standard magazines?
Yes. Any AR-15 magazine feeds it.
