Smith and Wesson has blessed us with a number of quality rifles and pistols over the years. One such prime example is the M&P 15, which is available in the standard Sport, Sport II, and Tactical models.
The Sport II is an obvious upgrade from the Sport, but how does it compare to the Tactical version? Well, we identified eight key differences between these two models, and in doing so, also identified what model is best for specific use cases.
You can also modify or improve your M&P exactly to your needs, so you can steer away from common problems that plague the M&P as well as improve your overall shooting experience.
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8 Differences Between Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II vs Tactical
While these two rifles may look very similar, they do have, in fact, eight key differences, which we discuss in detail below.
1. Intended Use Case
The intended use case of the M&P Sport II is more for people like me – recreational shooters who enjoy a good session on the range but also love hunting in harsh conditions. In comparison, the M&P Tactical’s use case is law enforcement, self-defense, and military use, but they also work very well for competition shooting.
2. Gun Size & Weight
When looking at the gun size and weight, we notice the M&P Sport II outperforms the Tactical. The standard Sport II measures 35 inches in length (extended), 32 inches (collapsed), has a 16-inch barrel, and weighs 6.45 lbs (102.72 oz), which is very similar to the original sport model.
In comparison, the Tactical model is also 35 inches in length (extended), 32 inches (collapsed), and also has a 16-inch barrel. However, it weighs 6.85 lbs, making it the less ideal option if you are thinking of hunting with your weapon and are going to do lots of hiking.
3. Stock Iron Sights
The stock iron sights come down to personal preference. The Sport II features an Adjustable A2 Post for the front sight and a Folding polymer Magpul rear sight – it looks like the standard AR-15 we are all used to. However, I prefer the Tactical’s iron sights more. Both the front and rear sights on the Tactical are a Folding polymer Magpul sight – giving me more control of my aiming sights.
4. Barrel Twist Rate
When looking at the barrel twist rate, we generally prefer a faster twist rate as it is more adept at stabilizing the bullet, consequently improving accuracy. That said, the Sport II has a barrel twist rate of 1 in 9″, which is slower than the Tactical’s 1 in 8″ twist rate with 5R rifling.
The Tactical wins this round, providing a shooting platform that can shoot heavier bullets more accurately. However, if you are not using the rifle for competition shooting, the Sport II is more than capable of getting the job done.
5. Barrel Materials & Finish
Both these rifles’ barrels feature the same quality, highly durable 4140 steel, and they both have a durable barrel finish. To be honest, there isn’t much to differentiate between these two in this category.
However, I do like the Sport II’s Armornite barrel finish more than the durable corrosion-resistant finish featured on the Tactical – it looks more aesthetically pleasing and has a reputation for being incredibly corrosion-resistant.
6. Heat Shield
The Sport II does not feature a heat shield attached to the upper receiver, which probably explains the weight difference between these two rifles. In comparison, the Tactical version has a 10-inch free-floating rail, which provides extra grip, improves safety (during rapid fire), and makes the weapon more aesthetic.
7. Price Differences
These two rifles have a noticeable price difference. The M&P Sport II will set you back around $800, depending on where you buy. In comparison, the more feature-rich Tactical version costs, on average, $1,150.
8. Additional Features
Both these two rifles offer value for money in regards to the amount of additional features they have. For instance, the Sport II has forward assist, dust cover, chromed firing pin, and a 6-position collapsible stock.
In addition to this, the Tactical also has a chromed gas key and a free-floating rail, which increases the functionality of the weapon and might make it the better model for your use case.
Which Model Is Best For You?
The best model for you depends on what you want to achieve with the rifle. For casual shooting, hunting, target practice, self-defense, or budget considerations, I’ll lean towards the Sport II being the better option.
If you require more tactical accessories, better quality parts, and performance, the Tactical model will be a better option to go for. However, if you want to start with the basic Sport II, you can always improve it through modifications, and you might still end up a few dollars richer than when buying the Tactical.
How Can You Improve Your M&P 15 Rifle?
As mentioned, you can improve your M&P rifle through modifications. The best part about AR modifications is that you get to decide how you want to upgrade your rifle, whether it is adding a chrome lined bore, a mil-spec handguard and rail system, installing a better stock or grip, etc.
However, the best and easiest way to improve your M&P rifle is through the addition of optics, such as a magnified scope or red dot sight. Not only do they improve your accuracy, but they also help with a faster target acquisition rate and increase your situational awareness.
Can You Add A Magnified Scope On Your M&P 15 Sport ii?
Yes, as mentioned, adding a magnified scope on your M&P Sport II is one of the best modifications you can make.
Adding a quality magnified scope to your Sport II has three major benefits, including increasing your accuracy beyond 50 yards, extending your Sport II’s use case beyond range shooting and self-defense to hunting, and improving your ability to identify targets at distances beyond the capabilities of the naked eye.
Can You Add A Red Dot Sight On Your M&P 15 Sport ii?
Yes, you can add a red dot sight on your Sport II. An M&P15 Sport II red dot sight is a better option than a magnified scope if you want to prioritize close to mid-range shooting. They are ideal for self-defense or hunting in dense brush because they improve target acquisition rate and accuracy over iron sights.
Are There Any Common Problems With M&P Sport II Rifles?
It is important to note that there are some common problems with the M&P Sport II. People have complained about extractors wearing over time, firing pin issues, imbalance in the barrel weight, being over-gassed, and potential feed and ejection issues. However, some of these problems are less likely to arise if you practice a regular cleaning routine.
Are There Any Common Problems With M&P Tactical Rifles?
The Tactical has also been plagued by extractors wearing and feed and ejection issues. However, because this model is built from better quality parts than the Sport II, the chances of issues are even less likely to occur than with the Sport II.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Tactical equipped with more accessory rails than the Sport II?
Are both the Tactical and Sport II models designed for civilian use?
Can the Sport II and Tactical models be used for home defense?
The Bottom Line
Choosing between these two models depends on your personal needs and budget. The Tactical offers more features and has superior build quality, while the Sport II provides a more budget-friendly option, catering to those who simply want to enjoy a quality AR-15. Luckily, both have impressive modularity and can be customized to your liking. Remember to do your research before buying a new rifle and always double-check compliance and legislation with local law enforcement. Happy shooting!
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