The M&P15 Sport III is Smith & Wesson's semi-automatic 5.56 NATO rifle with a 16-inch barrel finished in Armornite and threaded 1/2x28 at the muzzle. It runs a mid-length gas system, has a forward assist, dust cover, chromed firing pin and a forged integral trigger guard, and weighs 6.85 pounds at 32.5 inches overall. The flat top rail is optic ready, capacity is 30+1, and the bundle adds one 30-round magazine, a Duty Series range case and a Real Avid AR15 tool.

Illinois limits firearm deer season to shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, qualifying handguns and single-shot centerfire rifles of .30 caliber or larger, so in this state the Sport III is a range and training rifle rather than a hunting rifle. The collapsible stock lets several shooters in a household fit the same gun, and the included case and tool mean it arrives ready for a first trip to the range.

Key features

• 5.56 NATO, 16-inch Armornite barrel, 1/2x28 threads
• Mid-length gas system, forward assist, dust cover
• 6.85 pounds, 32.5 inches overall
• Optic-ready flat top rail, collapsible stock
• One 30-round magazine, range case and AR tool included

This rifle goes to the Illinois FFL dealer you select, where you show your FOID, fill in Form 4473 and pick it up once the 72-hour hold has passed.