Smith and Wesson Introduces the M&P15 Chambered in .300 Whisper
OutdoorHub 11.01.11
Springfield, Mass. November 1, 2011 – Smith & Wesson Corp. announced that the Company has added a new extension to its Military & Police (M&P) Rifle Series with the introduction of the M&P15 chambered in .300 Whisper. As the first production rifle in the AR platform to be chambered in .300 Whisper (also chambers .300 AAC Blackout), the new rifle offers sub-sonic and supersonic capabilities while delivering consistent performance and accuracy.
Manufactured on the M&P15 platform, the semi-automatic rifle features a 16” barrel constructed from 4140 chrome-moly steel. Both the forged 7075 aluminum upper and lower receivers have been coated with a Realtree® APG finish for optimal concealment during hunting applications. To aide in precise shot placement, the gas-operated rifle benefits from a 1 in 7.5” twist, 5R rifling and a crisp single-stage trigger. Other standard features include a 10-round magazine, integral one-piece trigger guard, dust cover, forward assist and a six-position, collapsible CAR stock.
“As the popularity of the modern sporting rifle continues to grow, more hunters are seeing the advantages of taking these firearms into the field,” said Mario Pasantes, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Professional Sales. “The M&P15 300 Whisper gives consumers the ability to use either lightweight or heavy cartridges during hunting or recreational applications without changing rifles or barrels.”
Designed to operate with or without a sound suppressor, the M&P15 300 Whisper is equipped with a 5/8-24 threaded barrel along with an A2-style flash hider. The feed ramps and gas system have been optimized to run effectively with a full-range of factory loaded sub-sonic and supersonic ammunition, both suppressed and unsuppressed. The barrel’s twist rate is compatible with a wide variety of bullet weights from 110 to 220+ grains.
For enhanced reliability, the M&P15 300 Whisper features a chrome-lined gas key and bolt carrier along with a Melonite® barrel. The optics ready platform is compatible with most sighting systems through the use of the picatinny-style equipment rail located on top of the upper receiver.
Pasantes continued, “With the introduction of the M&P15 300 Whisper, Smith & Wesson now offers over 18 different configurations of the modern sporting rifle. Each of these rifles has been engineered from the ground up to meet not only our expectations but those set by our customers. Offering exceptional accuracy, limited recoil and the ability to customize the rifle to meet individual preferences, firearms such as the M&P Rifle Series have earned a high level of trust within the hunting and shooting sports community.”
The M&P15 300 Whisper will also be available with a black tactical upper featuring a 10” free-float quad rail and a Yankee Hill Phantom flash hider. The upper is compatible with any mil-spec AR lower.
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based, global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection, and sport. The company delivers a broad portfolio of firearms and related training to the military, law enforcement, and sports markets. For more information on Smith & Wesson call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.
