The Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE rifle with GVAC in 5.56 NATO (brand part no. 13665) is a 16.1-inch AR built around Gemtech’s GVAC upper. The GVAC design is suppressor optimized, so it helps mitigate gas blowback in the face of the shooter when you run a can. Smith & Wesson fits a 1:8 twist 5R rifled barrel with an Armornite finish and a nickel boron coated barrel extension for heat resistance and smooth feeding. A 15-inch Midwest Industries M-LOK handguard, a Radian Raptor charging handle and a Magpul CTR stock round out a rifle that is meant to be run hard. It suits a shooter who wants a ready-to-go AR with a suppressor-friendly gas system.

Key Specifications

• The chambering is 5.56 NATO, which keeps ammunition choices wide open.
• The barrel is 16.1 inches with 5R rifling and an Armornite finish, which improves accuracy, velocity and barrel life.
• The rate of twist is 1:8, a good match for a broad range of 5.56 bullet weights.
• The gas system is a GVAC mid-length direct impingement design with a pinned Low-Pro 4140CM steel gas block that cuts blowback when suppressed.
• The muzzle device is a Gemtech ETM flash hider, a match for the suppressor-focused GVAC upper.
• The handguard is a 15-inch Midwest Industries Combat M-LOK free-float seven-sided design with room for lights and accessories.
• The charging handle is a Radian Raptor, which is easier to grip and run than a standard latch.
• The stock is a Magpul CTR adjustable design, paired with an M&P grip that has four interchangeable backstraps.
• The sights are M&P tactical adjustable folding front and rear units, so the rifle is ready to shoot before you add an optic.
• The controls are ambidextrous, with a bolt release, magazine catch and manual thumb safety usable from either side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the GVAC upper do? GVAC is Gemtech’s suppressor-optimized upper. It helps mitigate gas blowback in the face of the shooter when the rifle is run suppressed.

Does it come with sights and a magazine? Yes. It has M&P tactical adjustable folding front and rear sights and ships with one 30-round magazine.

What muzzle device and barrel does it have? It wears a Gemtech ETM flash hider on a 16.1-inch, 1:8 twist barrel that Smith & Wesson lists with 5R rifling and an Armornite finish.

Buy the Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE Rifle with GVAC, 5.56 NATO, 16.1-Inch, Black, 30-Round

Most ARs are built for show; this one was designed around suppressor use, which changes the gas system, the handguard and the muzzle. Order it from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop for fast, insured shipping to your FFL, and see more ar rifles.