The Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE is a 5.56 NATO AR-pattern pistol with an 11.5-inch threaded barrel and a Magpul BTR stabilizing brace. It has a chrome moly barrel finished in black Armornite, a Gemtech ETM flash hider, and a free-float M-LOK handguard. The pistol ships with one 30-round magazine. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Smith & Wesson 
• Model: M&P15 AXE 
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO 
• Action: Semi Auto 
• Capacity: 30+1 
• Barrel Length: 11.5 inches 
• Barrel Finish: Black Armornite 
• Receiver Material: Aluminum 
• Receiver Finish: Black Hardcoat Anodize 
   

Detailed Features 

• 11.5-inch chrome moly barrel is threaded 1/2x28 and fitted with a Gemtech ETM flash hider. 
• Free-float M-LOK handguard runs the length of the forend for lights, grips, and other accessories. 
• Ambidextrous charging handle, magazine release, bolt release, and safety selector suit both left and right-handed shooters. 
• Magpul BTR brace and a four-position interchangeable backstrap let owners adjust length of pull and hand fit. 
• Flat-face trigger and a Picatinny top rail come standard for mounting optics.

Owners of the M&P15 AXE generally report reliable cycling out of the box, and the finish holds up well under sustained range use. The AXE line is Smith & Wesson's push into the braced-pistol space, and reviewers note the fit and finish is a step up from the company's base-model ARs.

The stabilizing brace and short barrel make the AXE a favorite for shooters who want AR-pattern handling in a more compact package. Some owners find the balance front-heavy compared to a full-length rifle, particularly once an optic is added. The ambidextrous controls draw praise from left-handed shooters in particular.

Because it uses common AR-pattern parts, the AXE benefits from a wide aftermarket for grips, optics mounts, and handguard accessories. Owners generally see it as good value against other braced pistols in its class, though some note the recoil impulse is sharper than a comparable rifle-length gun given the shorter barrel.