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The New M&P4 — S&W's M4 Carbine.

Echo40

Echo40

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I just learned that Smith & Wesson has been producing Military Grade M4 Pattern AR-15s for the Military/Law Enforcement Market under the name M&P4.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/produc...ct-fire-for-military-and-law-enforcement-only

It would appear based on the available information that these are being manufactured to similar specifications as the Army's M4A1, produced under contract by Colt and FN-Herstal respectively.

Currently these are Select Fire, ergo they're for Military/Law Enforcement only, (unless the NFA is repealed) but I'm curious if they'll eventually offer a semiautomatic only variant with a pinned and welded barrel for the civilian market.

It has been suggested that Smith & Wesson began producing these in hopes of getting a Military Contract, either by means of the U.S. Military purchasing them for Foreign Military Aid in Israel and Ukraine, or by either of the aforementioned foreign nations militaries.
 
Just looked at the picture at the SW link you posted, they do have the FA sear pin, as they are marked "Auto" not " Burst" my bet is these are actually built to the new M4A1 specs.

Btw not sure what you mean by "pinned and welded barrel for the civilian market"
Short barrel AR15s are common in the civilian market built as "pistols" with a brace or with buttstocks if you file the ATF forms and register it as a short barreled rifle "SBR".
The term "Milspec" as applied is alot more than just the addition of select fire.
Here's a link to a in depth review of the M4a1 and its details by Small Arms Solutions.
https://youtu.be/5b9pgCUtPtQ?si=DLLixJUCpUzGmtVQ
 
Big deal or just one more s&w sale gimmick . I have NO interest in a 14.5" barrel period and as far as the 11.5" version goes . You can build or buy a AR pistol . Unless you have never tried to shoot an ar15 with out the stock or brace with ether a pad or paracord wrap on the buffer tube works well when fired from your cheek , not your shoulder .

The word "Milspec" is so over used .
 
Last edited:
Echo40 said:
I just learned that Smith & Wesson has been producing Military Grade M4 Pattern AR-15s for the Military/Law Enforcement Market under the name M&P4.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/produc...ct-fire-for-military-and-law-enforcement-only

It would appear based on the available information that these are being manufactured to similar specifications as the Army's M4A1, produced under contract by Colt and FN-Herstal respectively.

Currently these are Select Fire, ergo they're for Military/Law Enforcement only, (unless the NFA is repealed) but I'm curious if they'll eventually offer a semiautomatic only variant with a pinned and welded barrel for the civilian market.
Click to expand...


The only real difference between a regular AR and a Milspec that I've ever noticed was the OD of the buffer tube.

As far as wanting a AR with a more military look without going the SBR tax stamp deal...here ya go.

FN 14.7" SOCOM barrel w/ FSB - CAGE code pin & welded | For Sale
 
I opened that barrel link, ok so by pin n welding the flash hider on a 14.5" barrel it's 16" total so rifle length.
On a side note that barrel is listed that it has a "cage code" on it, was at the local gunshop last month and noticed the new Colt AR uppers have a number now cast into the upper receiver, was like wuht the?
Turns out that is apparently the new "Cage code" they cast in them, guessing that must be part of the new "Milspec".
As for the use of the word "Milspec" it's an expensive procedure so not cost effective in the civilian market but the markings show that the parts meet the military specifications, might seem something as simple as having an M4 stamp below the gas tube on the upper indicating that receiver has the M4 feed ramp but also might be an MP mark indicating the bolt was magnetic particle tested another process adding cost.
Is milspec necessary in a civilian arm? Nope.
Is it necessary to fill an order for Uncle Sam? Yep.
 
May be some smaller LE departments might buy the m&p m4 but goverment or large departments , price would have to be darn low !?
 
Back during the GWOT, the DOD made some changes in the acquisition process. Certain units gained the freedom to do their own material sourcing rather than waiting for the official supply chain to free their thumb.

So, there were direct purchases from other than the official source of various goods, small arms included. S&W may be angling for some of those, as well as the LE market.

ETA: Yes, there's LE pricing. I expect larger .gov could do even better. Remember S&W doesn't get MSRP, there's several steps in the normal commercial chain that get a markup.
 
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