S&W M&P15 5.45x39: Understanding the 'Talo Edition'

Question
I have been looking at S&W M&P15s in 5.45x39. I see some that are "Talo Edition" and some that are not noted that way. I can't find anything on "Talo" other that they do customization and special editions, however the M&P 15 is not listed on thier site. My question is "is there a difference in guns with the "Talo Edition" nomenclature? Are all M&P15s in 5.45x39 Talo Editions? Thank you for your time.

Answer
David,

Let's take your questions one at a time...

First, the S&W M&P15 comes standard in three variations.  All are calibered in .223 Remington.  All come with either a 20" standard barrel or a 16" chrome lined barrel w/ muzzle brake.  They have a six position CAR collapsable stock, black hard anodized finish, A2 post front sight, adjustable rear sight and thinned handguard.  I have noted the individual variations below.
1.  M&P15A - receiver mounted rail, rear folding battle sight, ribbed handguard.
2.  M&P15T - extended rail on receiver & barrel, RAS on both sides and bottom of the barrel, adjustable front and rear folding battle sights and a hard carry case.
3.  M&P15PC - flattop, skeletonized stock, two stage trigger and 20" barrel

From the looks of things, the Talo version is the M&P15PC.  You can check it out at the following link:

http://www.taloinc.com/smith_wesson.htm

Regarding the caliber question, the Talo is calibered in 5.56x45 which is a beefed up version of the .223 Remington.  Both should work fine in the gun.

Also, there does appear to be a 5.45x39 version of the same gun.  I have found several for sale online and there are reference on some of the firearms forums I belong to.  It does not appear on either Talo's website or the S&W website however.  According to what I have read and heard, it was a special 'small run' for a distributor, but no one appears to know who the distributor was...everyone I talked to thought it was Talo.

Anyway, I think I've answered your questions...

Good luck,

Doug