<P> The Smith & Wesson M&P15 is Smith & Wesson's version of the AR - 15 semi-automatic rifle . It was introduced in 2006 . Smith & Wesson's M&P product line was designed for military, police, and consumer markets . </P> <P> "M&P" stands for "Military & Police" and is used to pay homage to the iconic Smith & Wesson . 38 Military & Police revolver . "In 1899, Smith & Wesson introduced what would become its most successful revolver, the . 38 Military & Police . Everything about this firearm was innovative, from its solid frame and its hand ejector system to the cartridges it fired . The . 38 Military & Police, now known as the Model 10 revolver, has been in continuous production since 1899, and over six million units have been produced ." </P> <P> The M&P15 was unveiled at the 2006 SHOT Show, it debuted in two varieties: the M&P15 and the M&P15T . Both are basically the same rifle, chambered in 5.56 × 45mm NATO, with the T - model featuring folding sights and a four - sided accessories rail fore end . They include the standard direct impingement gas system . In order decrease cost on the original design both the dust cover or forward assist were omitted . These rifles were initially produced for S&W by Stag Arms, but marked and marketed under the Smith & Wesson name . Currently, Smith & Wesson makes the lower receiver in - house, while the barrel is supplied by Thompson / Center Arms, an S&W company acquired in 2007 . </P> <P> Smith & Wesson's total rifle production has increased through the years since it entered the rifle market . In the past Smith & Wesson had marketed rifles and shotguns made by other manufacturers, but had not manufactured a long gun in house since the Second World War to fulfill a British army contract . Smith & Wesson made this entry into the long gun market because it was estimated in 2007 as a $1.1 billion market, 80% larger than the U.S. handgun market . </P>

Where are smith and wesson m&p rifles made
find me the text answering this question