Smith & Wesson M&P15T Tactical First Range Trip

Smith and Wesson MP15T with Burris AR Riflescope
Smith & Wesson M&P15T with Burris AR Riflescope

For the last month, a back injury has kept yours truly from spending any time at the shooting range. Adding to the physical pain, was the emotional pain of knowing that I was too sore to begin testing the newly received Smith & Wesson M&P15T (Tactical) rifle. But I am now happy to report that the back pain has subsided, and the M&P15T and I have begun the bonding process via our first range trip together.

The optic I’ll be using while testing the accuracy of the M&P15T is the 4.5-14x42mm Burris AR Riflescope. The ammo used for this first test was HPR 223 Rem 55gr V-MAX.

Since this was the first trip to the range with the M&P15T, I did have to kick things off by zeroing the Burris AR Riflescope. The ammo used for zeroing was American Eagle 223 Rem 55gr FMJ.

So, how did I do with the S&W M&P15T? Given that this was my first time with the rifle, I am thrilled with the results. The following targets from Birchwood Casey are my last 3 targets for the day. From left to right the group sizes are: 1.38″, 1.38″, and .50″!

Smith and Wesson MP15T with HPR 223 Rem 55gr V-MAX at 100 yds
Smith & Wesson M&P15T with HPR 223 Rem 55gr V-MAX @ 100 yds

So, there it is… my back is better, I’m back at the range, and the Smith & Wesson M&P15T is off to a great start! Stay tuned for more testing!

Smith & Wesson M&P15T:

  • SKU: 811041
  • Model: M&P15T
  • Caliber: 5.56 mm NATO
  • Capacity: 30 Round Detachable Magazine
  • Action: Semi-Auto
  • Barrel Length: 16″ / 40.6 cm
  • Barrel Twist: 1 in 8″
  • Front Sight: Folding Magpul® (MBUS)
  • Rear Sight: Folding Magpul® (MBUS)
  • Overall Length: 35″ Extended / 32″ Collapsed
  • Stock: 6-Position Telescopic
  • Weight: 6.85 lbs. / 3,107.1 g
  • Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
  • Barrel Finish: Durable, Corrosion Resistant Barrel Finish
  • Receiver Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
  • Receiver Finish: Hard Coat Black Anodized
  • Chromed Components:
    • Bolt Carrier
    • Gas Key
  • Purpose:
    • Competitive
    • Recreational
    • Professional / Duty
    • Home Protection
    • Hunting
  • More Info: Smith & Wesson

Burris AR Riflescope 4.5-14x42mm:

  • Item Number: 200333, 200334
  • Magnification: 4.5-14x
  • Reticles: C4 Wind MOA™
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
  • Clear Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
  • Ocular Lens Diameter: 39 mm
  • Finish: Matte
  • Focal Plane: RFP
  • Main Tube Size: 1 in.
  • Field of View: 22 low – 7.5 high (ft. @ 100 yds.)
  • Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.8 in.
  • Exit Pupil: 9 low – 3 high (mm)
  • Click Value: 1/4 MOA
  • Elevation Adjustment, Total Capability: 42 MOA
  • Example: 50 MOA is roughly 25 MOA from center.
  • Windage Adjustment: 42 MOA
  • Example: 50 MOA is roughly 25 MOA in any direction from center.
  • Parallax/Focus: Objective PA
  • Adjustable Parallax: 50 yds. – infinity
  • Length: 13.0 in.
  • Weight: 18.0 oz.
  • More Info: Burris Optics

HPR 223 Rem 55gr V-MAX Factory Processed Brass:

  • Part Number: 223055VMX-R
  • Projectile: Hornady VMAX®
  • Weight: 55
  • Casing: Factory Processed
  • Mzl Velocity (FPS): 3216
  • 100yd Vel (FPS): 2832
  • 300yd Vel (FPS): 2153
  • Mzl Energy (FT/LBS): 1263
  • 100yd Ene (FT/LBS): 980
  • 300yd Ene (FT/LBS): 566
  • More Info: HPR Ammunition

Image Notes (Top Image):