The Weekly Shot: Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport III Series

This is your Weekly Shot, where we break down a standout firearm or accessory: what makes it tick, how it performs at the range (or in training), and why it deserves a permanent slot in your kit.

This week we’re zeroing in on a value-forward AR that brings practical upgrades instead of hype: the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport III.

Free-float M-LOK handguard. Mid-length gas that soaks up recoil and calms the action. A workmanlike barrel with a versatile 1:8 twist. The Sport III isn’t trying to be boutique — it’s built to be used. If you want an AR that runs, accepts upgrades without fuss, and gives you modern ergonomics without the boutique price tag, this is your rifle.

Let’s break down why this rifle belongs in your safe.

Why the M&P15 Sport III Belongs in Your Collection

Built for real work
This is an AR that expects to be shot. Mid-length gas and a properly free-floated M-LOK handguard tame recoil and protect accuracy when you mount lights, rails, or grips. It’s not flash — it’s functional.

Shooter-first handling
Balanced, predictable recoil and a 6-position stock mean it points well and shoulders cleanly. It’s comfortable for long range sessions and stable enough for fast follow-ups when you need them.

Trigger and barrel that get the job done
A 1:8, 5-R style rifling twist handles a wide spread of bullet weights; paired with a decent factory trigger you get repeatable groups without needing an immediate upgrade. That’s useful — because the best rifle is the one you actually use, not the one you spend months tuning.

Built to be upgraded — or left alone
Want to add a red dot, better trigger, or a match barrel? Go ahead. The Sport III is a standard AR platform with sensible parts compatibility. But it’s also perfectly serviceable straight out of the box — no apologies, no gimmicks.

Range performance that matters
Add an optic and the Sport III shines: its long sight radius, predictable recoil impulse, and rock-steady cycling make it a rifle that trains well and performs in the real world. It ships without a sighting system, but adding a red dot or low-power optic is easy — once sighted in, it’s ready for class, the range, or the field.

Why Buy Your M&P15 Sport III from Fort Thompson Sporting Goods?

We keep it practical

We stock sensible configurations — the ones that actually serve shooters. Come handle one, feel the balance, rack it, and stop guessing at photos online.

Range-tested, no-BS advice
We’ll tell you what ammo runs best, what optic setups make sense, and which upgrades actually improve real-world performance — not what sounds cool in a forum post.

Local knowledge, straight talk
You’ll get advice from people who shoot and use stuff daily. We’ll tell you when the Sport III is the right tool and when you should spend up for something different.

Practical purchase
If you want an AR that’s reliable, upgrade-friendly, and ready to work without a boutique price tag, the M&P15 Sport III earns its place. It’s a rifle that does the job — and does it consistently.

Bottom line: If you want an honest, capable AR that points well, shoots soft, and won’t make you feel bad for paying for performance over flash — pick up an M&P15 Sport III. 

Stop by the Fort and we’ll show you why it deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.