8 Smith And Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 Problems (Easy Fix)

Two years ago, I purchased the M&P 15 Sport 2 to test its ins and outs. The rifle is amazing for recreational shooting sports and is admired by shooters who frequently go out of the woods. 

Since then I have been out in the field, and have encountered a couple of problems with this semi-automatic rifle Smith and Wesson introduced in 2016.

This article discusses 8 Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 problems and their actionable solutions.

Overview of Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 problems and solutions

Problem	Solution
Feeding issue	Check for any damage or missing O-rings under the extractor and replace if necessary.
Over gassing problem	Installing an adjustable gas block or using a heavier buffer helps reduce the amount of gas.
Firing pin issue	Clean and lubricate the firing pin and its related components.
Hammer pin problem	Replace the hammer pin with a new one.
Issue with the tumbling bullets	Use the correct ammunition for your rifle.
Barrel weight problem	Replace the existing barrel with a lightweight option.
Issues with barrel twist	Use the right bullet weight for your specific barrel twist rate.

Next read: S&W Model 69 Problems And Solutions

1. Feeding issue

One of the common issues reported with the M&P 15 Sport 2 is related to the firing pin. On rare occasions, the firing pin may fail to fire, causing a malfunction in the firearm. 

This problem is attributed to a design flaw in the firing pin mechanism. When this issue occurs, the gun may not discharge properly, leading to frustration for the user.

Solution

If your rifle fails to feed, there are a few potential solutions. One option is to use the warranty to get a new bolt carrier group, as this can sometimes resolve feeding problems. 

Another possibility is to check for any damage or missing o-rings under the extractor. Replacing them can help with extraction problems. 

You can as well clean and lubricate as a dirty or dry bolt carrier group can contribute to feeding issues. 

If these steps do not resolve the problem, it may be necessary to contact Smith and Wesson for further troubleshooting steps.

2. Over gassing problem

Your m&p 15 Sport 2 may sometimes experience an over-gassing problem. This occurs when there is an excessive amount of gas being directed back into the firearm’s system during the firing process.

Over gassing in a gun can lead to a variety of issues, including increased recoil, excessive wear on internal components, and even malfunctions.

Solution

To correct this problem, there are a few potential solutions you can try: 

• Adjustable gas block

One option is to install an adjustable gas block. This allows you to control the amount of gas that is directed back into the system, effectively reducing the over gassing issue. 

By adjusting the gas block, you can find the optimal gas flow for your specific firearm and ammunition.

• Buffer weight

Another potential solution is to experiment with different buffer weights. The buffer weight affects the cycling speed of the firearm. 

So, using a heavier buffer can help to reduce the amount of gas that is directed back into the system, alleviating the over gassing problem.

• Gas port size

Elsewhere, the gas port size may be too large, leading to excessive gas flow. If this is the case, you may need to have a gunsmith modify the gas port to reduce the amount of gas directed back into the system. 

This should be done by a professional to ensure proper function and safety.

3. Firing pin issue

Firing pin issue is a snag your Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 can run into. On rare occasions, the firing pin may fail to fire, causing the rifle to malfunction. 

This can be frustrating, especially during critical moments. However, there are steps you can take to address this problem and ensure reliable performance.

Solution

Start by cleaning the firing pin and its related components. This will get rid of any dirt, debris, or fouling that may be affecting its function. 

Make sure the firing pin is properly lubricated to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.

If anything else doesn’t seem to resolve the issue, you’ll have to replace the firing pin. 

Have it inspected by a qualified gunsmith to determine the likelihood of underlying mechanical issues. 

4. Hammer pin problem

In addition to the firing pin issue mentioned earlier, some users have reported problems with the hammer pin of the M&P Sport 2. 

Specifically, the hammer may fail to cock when a round is fired, resulting in a failure to fire. This can be a potentially dangerous situation for the shooter. 

Solution

You need to disassemble the rifle and inspect the hammer pin. You’re supposed to replace it with a new one if it’s loose or damaged. 

Make sure to properly secure the hammer pin during reassembly to prevent any future issues. 

By addressing this problem, your M&P 15 Sport 2 functions as anticipated. 

5. Issue with the tumbling bullets

Another underrated yet a serious issue with the Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 is bullet tumbling. It happens when the bullets start to spin out of control in flight, leading to accuracy issues. 

Solution

The first troubleshooting tip is to use the correct ammunition for your rifle. Using the wrong caliber or bullet weight can cause tumbling. 

Check the barrel twist rate of your M&P Sport 2. If it is not compatible with the ammunition you are using, it can lead to bullet tumbling. 

Finally, ensure that your rifle is well-stored and maintained. A dirty barrel or chamber does affect the stability of the bullets negatively. 

6. Barrel weight problem

So many Sport 2 fans have complained about the issue of barrel weight. During my tests, I discovered that the barrel on this rifle is heavier than you’d prefer, which can affect the overall balance and maneuverability of the firearm. 

However, there are a few ways to address this problem and make the rifle more comfortable to handle.

Solution

You can counter this issues by; 

• Upgrading to a lightweight barrel

One solution to the barrel weight problem is to replace the existing barrel with a lightweight alternative. 

There are various aftermarket options available that are specifically designed to reduce the weight of the rifle without sacrificing performance.

 Swap out the barrel to achieve a more easier-to-handle firearm.

• Using a lightweight handguard

Another way to address the barrel weight issue is to install a lightweight handguard. The handguard is the part of the rifle that surrounds the barrel and provides a place to hold onto. 

Choose a lightweight handguard made from materials like aluminum so that you can further reduce the overall weight of your firearm.

• Opt for a collapsible stock

Consider replacing the stock with an adjustable option. These stocks allow you to customize the length of pull and help achieve a more comfortable shooting position. 

Collapsible stocks are often lighter in weight compared to traditional fixed stocks.

7. Issues with barrel twist

The rifle has a 1 in 9” barrel twist. Although most shooters use it this way, they prefer a 1 in 7” twist for great accuracy. 

For easy understating, the barrel twist refers to the rate at which the rifling inside the barrel rotates the bullet as it travels down the barrel. 

Any mismatch between the bullet weight and the barrel twist rate makes a gun malfunction. Different bullet weights require different barrel twist rates to stabilize properly.

If there are issues with the barrel twist, it can affect the accuracy and stability of the bullet’s flight.

Solution

You should use the appropriate bullet weight for your specific barrel twist rate. 

Consult the manufacturer’s specifications or reach out to Smith and Wesson for guidance on the recommended bullet weight.

Alternatives to Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2

• Ruger AR-556. Manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co., the Ruger AR-556 is known for its reliability and affordability. It typically comes with a cold hammer-forged barrel, adjustable stock, and a low-glare finish.
• Daniel Defense DDM4 V7. DDM4 V7 is a Daniel Defense product. It’s recognized for its quality construction. Some of the enhanced features you’ll get include a free-floating barrel, KeyMod or M-LOK handguard, and a crisp trigger.
• Colt LE6920. The Colt LE6920 has recently become a popular choice for civilian shooters. As an alternative to M&P 15 Sport 2, the firearm offers a durable build, chrome-lined barrel, and often comes with a Magpul MOE handguard.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of buffer tube does the M&P 15 Sport have?

The M&P 15 Sport 2 has a standard mil-spec buffer tube.

What is the twist rate of the M&P Sport 2?

The twist rate of the M&P Sport 2 is 1:9.

Who makes the M&P Sport?

The M&P Sport is made by Smith & Wesson.

Is Smith and Wesson M&P Sport 2 ar15?

Yes, the Smith and Wesson M&P Sport 2 is an AR-15 style rifle.