M&P15 Pistol: Smith & Wesson Unveils 5.56 AR Pistol With 7.5-Inch Barrel

Pretty much goes without saying that 2020 is one of the worst years in recent history. But it looks as if 2021 might be a little brighter, as Smith & Wesson is charging into the new year. On Tuesday, Smith & Wesson decided to bring back its M&P15-22 Pistol—a new and improved version, at that. If that wasn’t enough, Smith & Wesson also just quietly unveiled its brand-new M&P15 Pistol in 5.56mm NATO/223 REM.

First Look at the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Pistol

Given the climate of 2020, AR pistols are all the rage. Compact is king and shooters want truck guns that are easy to grab and go should a true SHTF situation arise. To close out 2020, we get one that certainly passes the eye test with Smith & Wesson’s new M&P15 Pistol.

The new pistol is a gas-operated semi-auto with a 30+1 capacity. It comes with a 30-round PMAG, but five- and 10-round mags are also available for those of you who live in the “unfree” states.

The pistol features a 7.5-inch barrel with a 1:7-inch twist. Smith & Wesson made the barrel from 4140 steel. The interior and exterior of the barrel is finished in Armornite. The pistol has an overall length of 26 inches extended and 23.5 inches collapsed. Meanwhile, the overall height comes in at 7 inches with the width at 2 inches. As for weight, the pistol weighs just 5.5 pounds empty.

The Other Features

The size is nice, but the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Pistol comes with a bunch of solid components. Firstly, as a pistol, it features an adjustable arm brace with a securing strap. The arm brace includes a one-point QD sling swivel attachment point. The pistol also has a free-floating M-LOK handguard with M-LOK slots and then a Full length Picatinny-style rail. So for those looking to add optics and other goodies, there’s plenty of real estate. The rail leads to a threaded barrel with a blast diverter, which directs muzzle blast away from the shooter.

Smith & Wesson M&P15 Pistol, AR Pistol, left

Moving to the trigger, the pistol uses a Smith & Wesson Flat Face Trigger with a forged, internal trigger guard. As far as the grip goes, modularity is also a factor; Smith & Wesson includes four interchangeable palm swell grip inserts with the pistol. Other features include a chromed firing pin, a forward assist button, and a dust cover.

Lastly is MSRP. Smith & Wesson put the pistol up for $896. With all of that, we’re looking at quite the package here. For more info, please visit Smith-Wesson.com.