The Smith & Wesson Sport series of rifles has embedded itself as one of the go-to budget AR-15 rifles. However, it has been quite some time since Big Blue has updated the series. Its plastic clamshell forend, carbine-length gas system, and fixed front sight (or sometimes a gaudy gas block with Picatinny rail) show the rifle’s age. Unfortunately for Smith, The AR market is flooded with options. There are a ton of manufacturers vying for position in every price bracket, with the budget price point being the most hotly contested. So finally, in 2024, Smith & Wesson has updated the Sport to a GEN III incarnation. But is it too late? I think the most apt question is why it has taken so long.

M&P-15 Sport III

The third generation of Sport rifles from Smith & Wesson finally gives its base model AR a modern update. Its most obvious update is its forend. Smith & Wesson has finally modernized the Sport III to a 15” free-float M-lok handguard (no more terrible plastic handguards!). With M-lok slots wrapped around the handguard and a continuous Picatinny rail on top, the end-user now can adapt the rifle to a wide-ranging mission set (i.e. casual plinking, law enforcement, competition, etc.). This is something that has become standard across most rifles for years, even basic ones. Underneath the handguard is a mid-length gas system. Traditionally, the Sport has used a shorter carbine length system. The mid-length gas system smooths the recoil impulse by dropping pressure which, incidentally, improves the life span of various small parts. As for the barrel, it measures 16” in length, is chambered in 5.56 NATO, and possesses a 1/8 twist barrel that uses 5R rifling. The 1/8 twist is an upgrade over the previous 1/9 and just gives the weapon greater versatility over a wider range of bullet weights. As for 5R rifling, that’s cool, but I’m not sure it'll be the draw that Smith was hoping for. To help with corrosion and extend the barrel’s service life, it is finished in Armornite, another positive. Everything else is standard, except for the forged trigger guard, which is new to this rifle (so yes, the rifle has a forward assist and dust cover).

While the stock, pistol grip, and trigger are basic, these parts are easily updatable. The consumer has the option to configure the rifle how they choose to. This is the main reason many go with the AR-15 platform—modularity. Finally, the price. The price is the most important aspect of a budget rifle. The MSRP is $799.99, but the street price will be down to $699.99.

Final Thoughts

700 bucks is respectable, albeit a touch high when compared to options from Anderson MFG and Palmetto State Armory—that is who this rifle is competing against (right)? However, Smith & Wesson does have a large and proud fan base, so it will generate plenty of sales. I also see Smith & Wesson marketing this rifle to law enforcement agencies, especially smaller ones without a lot of funding. This is a basic rifle that could benefit patrol officers with outdated rifles from the 1990s (my local sheriff’s office for instance). The M&P-15 Sport III is a solid entry-level rifle that gives shooters the ability to grow with a rifle. The M&P-15 Sport III will be hitting dealer’s shelves immediately.