Smith & Wesson is a household name for many reasons, but something even gun owners might not realize is that they have a military and law enforcement division that is quite popular. To add to that side of their business, they have recently announced an M&P15 SBR (short-barrelled rifle) in .300 Blackout (300 BLK). Then, for us civilians, Smith & Wesson has also announced an M&P15 Pistol in 300 BLK, too.
Smith & Wesson Adds to M&P15 Line with AXE Pistol & SBR in 300 BLK
Smith & Wesson M&P15 300 Blackout - Pistol and SBR
The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Pistol in 300 BLK has an MSRP of $1,479 while its SBR counterpart does not have an openly stated MSRP yet and it is not listed on their Military/LE Defense website. The primary difference between the SBR and Pistol - if you understand the ATF’s awkward “line in the sand” - is a stock versus a brace. The M&P15 SBR in 300 BLK has a Magpul CTR adjustable stock as well as Williams folding adjustable sights. Those are the main differences from the SBR to the pistol.
Technical Specs
- 8” 1:7.5” twist 5R rifled barrel with Armornite® finish
- GVAC® direct impingement gas system
- 5/8x24 threaded barrel with thread protector
- 7” Midwest Industries Combat M-LOK® free-float seven-sided handguard
- Enhanced bolt carrier group
- Radian® Raptor™ ambidextrous charging handle
- Ambidextrous controls (bolt release, magazine catch, safety selector)
- M&P pistol grip with 4 interchangeable backstraps
- MAGPUL® BTR arm brace
A Word from Smith & Wesson
“Maryville, Tennessee - July 21st, 2026 - Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces the launch of the new M&P15 AXE Pistol, the latest addition to its M&P15 platform.
Designed with suppressed shooting in mind, the M&P15 AXE Pistol leverages Gemtech’s GVAC® direct impingement gas system. This purpose-built technology streamlines gas flow through the platform, helping reduce excess gas exposure and delivering a more premium shooting experience to the user.
Chambered in .300 Blackout, the M&P15 AXE Pistol ships with a 30-round magazine and features an Armornite®-finished 8-inch 5R-rifled barrel with a 1:7.5-inch twist rate. Other key features include a 5/8x24 threaded barrel, a 7-inch Midwest Industries Combat M-LOK® free-float handguard, and an enhanced bolt carrier group. The pistol also utilizes a Radian® Raptor™ ambidextrous charging handle, is equipped with ambidextrous controls, features an M&P pistol grip, and comes fitted with a Magpul® BTR arm brace.”
Final Thoughts
Simple in their presentation yet pragmatic as they come, the SBR and AR Pistol in 300 BLK are nice additions to both sides of Smith & Wesson’s portfolio. As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Smith & Wesson and their new M&P15 300 BLK Pistol as well as the SBR version in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.
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