The ever-increasing demand for AR-style rifles in the U.S. has fostered a unique line of hunting rifles from Smith & Wesson. The M&P10 model, the latest of the company’s AR-style designs, features a .308 Winchester chambering, giving hunters added power in the field over the M&P15’s .223 Remington/5.56mm cartridge. “This is good news for hunters who prefer a heavier-caliber version of an already familiar small-bore pattern,” wrote Denis Prisbrey, who reviewed the M&P10’s capabilities for the 2014 Gun Buyer’s Annual.

With AR variants flooding the marketplace, Prisbey came away impressed with Smith & Wesson’s overall design for the M&P10. According to Prisbrey, “S&W didn’t just upsize the AR package—they added a bell here and a whistle there.” A lighter weight than other AR-style rifles (8 pounds) was one of many features that piqued Prisbey’s interest in the M&P10. “Another bonus is a spring-loaded firing pin, not normally found in an AR variant, which prevents the possibility of a slamfire.”

On the range, the gas-operated M&P10 delivered reliable accuracy downrange and presented positive handling characteristics. “The single-stage trigger had relatively short travel and minor creep before breaking at slightly over 6.5 pounds, with no overtravel,” Prisbrey noted in his review. “The rifle was very easy on the shoulder with its gas-operated action, even with the hard-checkered buttplate.”

For the full review, check out the 2014 Gun Buyer’s Annual, available on newsstands and digitally November 19, 2013. To purchase, go to /.