New For 2026: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE

Smith & Wesson charged boldly into the AR-15 market with its introduction of the M&P15 series in the early 2000s, and these rifles quickly became some of the best sellers on the market. Smith & Wesson continues to introduce new and innovative models, and its latest is the M&P15 AXE pistol and short-barreled rifle chambered in .300 Blackout.

In 2025, Smith & Wesson introduced its AXE series. The new model’s key feature was the Gemtech GVAC system, which uses a self-regulating gas block that also incorporates a gas bore evacuator that pushes gas out the muzzle instead of back into the action. This allows for the use of a simple, non-adjustable direct gas impingement operating system, while maintaining reliability and minimal blowback when shooting suppressed.

Other notable features of the AXE series include a flat-faced trigger and an enhanced bolt carrier group. A bilateral safety selector, magazine release and bolt release combine with a Radian Raptor charging handle for fully ambidextrous controls. The pistol grip mimics the shape of Smith & Wesson’s M&P semi-automatic pistols and has the same interchangeable backstrap system (four backstraps come with each AXE) for customizing fit. While it is offered in rifle, short-barreled rifle (SBR), and pistol formats, all were initially chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge. 

Chambered in .300 Blackout, the new M&P15 AXE is available in both pistol and SBR formats. Both have an 8-inch barrel with 5R rifling that uses a 1:7.5-inch twist rate. Their muzzles are threaded 5/8x24 TPI and come supplied with a thread protector. Handguards are a 7-inch Midwest Industries Combat free-floating design with a Picatinny rail along the top and M-Lok accessory slots on each of its other sides. Both have an overall length of 23.25 inches with the stock or brace collapsed.

The pistol version has a Magpul BTR stabilizing arm brace mounted on its receiver extension and comes optics-ready with no iron sights. It weighs 5 pounds, 7 ounces and has an MSRP of $1,479. The SBR version has a Magpul CTR carbine stock and comes with folding adjustable back-up iron sights. It weighs 5 pounds 10 ounces and retails for $1,499. For more information, see the company’s website.