i just got a smith & wesson m&p15a about a month ago. it is not made by smith, it is made by stag. but your right it does say smith & wesson on it!!!! the model 15a i got has the flat top with the troy industies fold down rear battle sight, which says m&p on it. it does not have the folding front sight. i am VERY happy with the gun. if your looking to use a scope for range use only, and dont want to spend a fortune to buy the tactical model, get the standard model and remove the carry handle and you have many options for the scope, or spend a few extra and change the front sight to move it out of the scopes way depending on what you get and how you mount it. if you buy the tactical model ill be jelouse! lol. i had the oprotunity to fire 240 rounds of wolf steel cased ammo threw it and had no problem what so ever with it.