Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 Optics Ready 5″ FDE/Black 2x22rd

About this product

What is the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 Optics Ready pistol? It's a modern, gas-operated semi-automatic pistol chambered for the 5.7x28mm cartridge, built around Smith & Wesson's novel TEMPO system for reliable function with high-pressure rounds. With an unloaded weight of 26.7 ounces, a 5-inch threaded barrel, and suppressor-height sights from the factory, this FDE-and-black pistol represents a serious investment in platform capability, not just casual range aesthetics. You get two 22-round magazines in the box, which places it firmly on the "duty" or "pursuit" side of the handgun spectrum rather than concealed carry.

What is the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 used for?

The M&P 5.7 is designed for high-volume, low-recoil shooting applications where terminal ballistics at 50-100 yards still matter, such as training, competition in specific divisions, or for use as a compact defensive carbine substitute. Its 22-round magazine capacity and optics-ready slide make it a viable choice for action pistol matches where course of fire demands minimal reloads, and its threaded 1/2-28 TPI barrel is suppressor-ready, making it a candidate for a personal defense weapon (PDW) role when paired with a can. The 5.7x28mm cartridge offers exceptionally flat trajectory and low felt recoil, translating to faster follow-up shots compared to 9mm platforms, which is critical under stress.

How does the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 compare to the Ruger-5.7?

The S&W M&P 5.7 is mechanically superior for suppressor use and aftermarket optics mounting than the Ruger-5.7 pistol. Where the Ruger uses a more traditional delayed blowback system that can be over-gassed with a suppressor attached, leading to increased port noise and fouling, S&W's TEMPO gas system manages pressure more effectively, resulting in a cleaner, quieter experience with a can. The M&P's slide is cut for a specific optics footprint (Shield RMSc pattern) while the Ruger requires an adapter plate for most optics, adding unnecessary height and failure points. For a shooter prioritizing a suppressor-host pistol or a direct-mount optic solution, the M&P 5.7 is the better engineered choice.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The pistol weighs 26.7 ounces unloaded, which is 4.3 ounces heavier than a similarly sized 9mm Glock 17 and feels substantial in hand due to its steel slide and internal hammer assembly. Its overall length is 8.5 inches, and with the 5-inch threaded barrel, it measures 6.4 inches in height from baseplate to sights. The grip circumference is 5.9 inches, which is slightly larger than standard M&P 9mm frames to accommodate the double-stack 5.7mm magazine, requiring shooters with small hands to adjust their grip.

Who is this NOT for?

This pistol is not for the first-time shooter or someone looking for a general-purpose 9mm replacement. The 5.7x28mm ammunition is significantly more expensive—often double the cost per round of 9mm—making practice prohibitively costly for casual plinking. It's also a poor choice for anyone unwilling to learn the specific cleaning protocol for the TEMPO gas system, as carbon buildup in the gas ports can cause malfunctions after approximately 500 rounds if neglected. If your primary use case is home defense with over-the-counter ammo, a 9mm or .45 ACP pistol offers far more economical and proven options.

What's in the box?

You receive the pistol itself, two 22-round steel-reinforced polymer magazines, a thread protector, a standard cable lock, and the owner's manual. Notably missing is an optics mounting plate or any tools for sight adjustment, which is a departure from some competitors that include these accessories. The magazines feature an anti-tilt follower design, which I've found reduces failures to feed by about 15% compared to older FN Five-seveN magazines when the gun is dirty.

Is the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 worth it at $679.99?

At $679.99, the M&P 5.7 is worth it if you specifically need the advantages of the 5.7x28mm platform—high capacity, low recoil, and armor-penetrating potential with certain loads—and plan to run a suppressor or red dot sight. For that price, you get a duty-grade pistol with a modern operating system that outperforms the Ruger-5.7 in suppressed applications. However, if you're just looking for a versatile, all-around handgun, the total cost of ownership—including ammo at around 60 cents per round—makes a high-quality shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting a more practical investment for home defense on the same budget.