smith and wesson Now the upper receiver is selling directly through their online store, and the lineup includes four different builds, ranging from a rimfire pistol upper to a suppressor-optimized 5.56 setup with their GVAC gas block system.
The three GVAC uppers are the most interesting part of this announcement. The GVAC system is designed specifically for suppressed shooting, addressing one of the more annoying realities of running a suppressor on short ARs: the blow of gas to the shooter’s face. The GVAC gas block is pinned and low-profile, designed to mitigate that problem at the gas block level rather than relying on a fully adjustable carrier or other downstream solutions. All three GVACs come with an upper bolt carrier group and run gas-operated actions with threaded barrels.
The M&P 15-22 pistol has the upper rimfire option, a polymer receiver with a carbon-steel threaded barrel, M-LOK handguard and full-length Picatinny top rail. At $299 this is a solid price for a complete upper that pairs directly with an existing M&P 15-22 pistol lower for anyone looking to build a suppressor-ready .22 setup.
M&P 15-22 Pistol 8″ Upper Receiver
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Barrel: 8″, threaded
- Weight: 40 ounces
- Receiver:Polymer
- Handguard: M-LOK
- Rail: Full length Picatinny top rail
- MSRP: $299.00
M&P 5.56 11.5″ Upper Receiver with GVAC and BCG
- Caliber: 5.56mm
- Barrel: 11.5″, threaded, 4140 chrome-moly steel
- Weight: 57.6 ounces
- Action: Gas Operated, Pinned Lo-Pro GVAC Gas Block
- BCG: included
- Finish: Black
- MSRP: $795.00
M&P 5.56 14.5″ Upper Receiver with GVAC and BCG
- Caliber: 5.56mm
- Barrel: 14.5″, threaded, 4140 chrome-moly steel
- Weight: 64 ounces
- Action: Gas Operated, Pinned Lo-Pro GVAC Gas Block
- BCG: included
- Finish: Black
- MSRP: $805.00
M&P 5.56 16″ Upper Receiver with GVAC and BCG
- Caliber: 5.56mm
- Barrel: 16.1″, threaded, 4140 chrome-moly steel
- Weight: 67.2 ounces
- Action: Gas Operated, Pinned Lo-Pro GVAC Gas Block
- BCG: included
- Finish: Black
- MSRP: $839.00
The inclusion of BCG in all three GVAC options is worth noting as complete suppressor-ready uppers with BCG at these prices are competitive compared to what the aftermarket charges for comparable builds. The 16-inch configuration is a new addition that was not in the initial announcement, filling out the lineup for anyone wanting GVAC functionality in a standard rifle-length build.
Are you building a suppressed AR setup this year, and does the GVAC system address something you’re working with on an existing build? Let us know in the comments below. We always appreciate feedback.
