Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 5″ FDE Threaded Optic-Ready 2x22Rd

About this product

The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 5″ FDE Threaded Optic-Ready 2x22Rd is a full-size polymer-frame service pistol chambered for the 5.7x28mm cartridge, representing a serious move into the duty-caliber handgun market by an industry giant. It leverages Smith & Wesson's proprietary Tempo barrel system for reliable operation with a notoriously finicky round and ships ready for optics and suppressors, making it a formidable platform for shooters who value low-impulse, high-velocity performance and modularity. This model is a direct competitor to the FN Five-seveN and Ruger-5.7, but arrives with factory-ready features those platforms often require aftermarket work to achieve.

What is the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 5″ FDE Threaded Optic-Ready 2x22Rd used for?

This pistol is engineered for defensive applications where high-capacity, low-recoil performance is critical, and for practical/tactical shooting sports. The 5.7x28mm cartridge offers drastically less recoil impulse than duty 9mm or .40 S&W, enabling faster follow-up shots and reducing shooter fatigue, a key advantage in multi-stage competitions or prolonged training sessions. Its threaded 5-inch barrel and optic-ready slide make it a superb host for a suppressor and red dot sight, creating a balanced 26.7-ounce package well-suited for patrol duty, vehicle-based operations, or as a primary firearm in an integrated, suppressed home-defense system.

How does the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 5″ FDE Threaded Optic-Ready 2x22Rd compare to the FN Five-seveN?

The M&P 5.7 is a superior out-of-the-box solution for suppressor and optic use compared to the polymer-framed FN Five-seveN MK3. The Smith & Wesson comes standard with a threaded barrel (1/2-28 tpi) and an optics-cut slide—features that often require costly after-market gunsmithing on the classic FN design, adding $200-$400 and wait time. While the FN has a slightly slimmer profile, the Smith & Wesson's more modern M&P ergonomics, ambidextrous controls, and flatter-faced trigger provide a more intuitive user experience for contemporary shooters accustomed to striker-fired platforms. For a buyer who wants to mount a can and a red dot on day one, the M&P is the more mechanically complete option.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This is a full-size service pistol, balancing a lightweight polymer frame with a steel slide assembly. Unloaded, the pistol weighs 26.7 ounces (757 grams), which is notably lighter than a steel-frame 9mm of comparable size like a CZ 75 SP-01 Tactical. Its overall length is 8.3 inches, with a barrel length of exactly 5.0 inches, giving it a sight radius conducive to precise iron-sight work. The width across the frame is 1.3 inches, typical for a double-stack handgun, though the unique 5.7x28mm magazine design allows it to hold 22+1 rounds without feeling overly bulky in the hand—a distinct advantage over a high-capacity 9mm like a Glock 17L with a similar round count.

Who is this NOT for?

This pistol is not for the budget-conscious shooter or someone seeking a simple, inexpensive plinking gun. The 5.7x28mm ammunition is fundamentally more expensive than common handgun calibers; at roughly $0.70 per round versus $0.27 for quality 9mm, a 250-round range session costs over $175 before tax. It is also a poor choice for those who dislike performing detailed maintenance, as the pistol's Tempo barrel system and the cartridge's unique operating pressures demand more frequent and thorough cleaning than a standard Browning-type action. If your primary goal is introductory marksmanship or casual range time without breaking the bank, a classic the 9mm like the Stevens 334 build is a far more economical path.

What's in the box?

Smith & Wesson ships a complete, ready-to-run kit, which is a significant value-add. You receive the pistol itself with two 22-round magazines, a polymer hard case with foam cutouts, a standard 4.5-pound trigger pull insert, the factory-installed 5-pound trigger pull insert, a grip adapter for larger hands, a standard 1913 Picatinny-format optic mounting plate, a cable lock, and the owner's manual. Crucially, the thread protector for the 1/2-28 barrel is pre-installed and includes an o-ring to prevent it from backing off under fire—a small but important detail often overlooked by other manufacturers. The inclusion of two magazines from the factory, a $70+ value at retail, makes this package immediately functional.

Is the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 5″ FDE Threaded Optic-Ready 2x22Rd worth it at $684.99?

At $684.99, it's a justified purchase for the shooter seeking a ready-made, suppressed-capable 5.7x28mm platform. It costs approximately $150 less than an FN Five-seveN MK3 MRD, yet comes with suppressor-ready threading—a feature absent on the FN base model. Compared to aftermarket threading a standard pistol barrel, which runs $150-$250 and takes weeks, the value proposition is clear. The investment only makes sense if you are committed to the unique ballistic characteristics of the 5.7x28mm. If you are undecided on caliber, your money is better spent on a versatile and proven over-under shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting, which can handle everything from clays to home defense with a simple shell change.