Smith & Wesson launched its M&P5.7 pistol in 2023, offering another mainstream handgun chambered in the 5.7x28 mm cartridge. At the time, it joined the original FN FiveseveN and the Ruger-5.7 as a concealed-carry option, as well as various large-frame options like the KelTec P50 and Diamondback DBX57. Smith & Wesson’s entry in the 5.7 area featured a 22-round magazine, proprietary Tempo barrel gas-operating system, hammer-fired operation, threaded barrel and M&P-based texturing. It also featured an optics cut for the RMSc footprint, reversible magazine release, a dustcover accessory rail and a manual thumb safety.
While the M&P5.7’s size – overall length is 8.5 inches, which incorporates the 5-inch barrel, height is 5.25 inches, width is 1.1 inches and overall weight is 26.7 ounces – puts it on the larger side for a concealed-carry pistol, it’s minimally larger (and lighter) than the standard M1911. Should it prove too large to effectively conceal, it can serve easily as a home-defense pistol, with the threaded barrel allowing a sound suppressor, the accessory rail the perfect spot for a weaponlight for target identification and a red-dot sight for rapid target acquisition. Whether for home or personal defense – or just for fun – it’s another option for the 5.7 round that’s eminently affordable.
We had the opportunity to run the M&P5.7 at the inaugural 5.7 Fest at Range Ready, home of Gun Talk, earlier this year. In-house instructor Chris Cerino and his crew ran attendees through a series of drills designed to showcase the accuracy and controllability of the 5.7 mm round, with the M&P5.7 one of the handguns used in testing. Since the M&P5.7 has a threaded barrel, several pistols sported Silencer Central Banish 22 suppressors for more hearing-friendly shooting, with minimal point-of-aim changes and zero malfunctions. The accuracy of the M&P5.7 was on full display in the competition portion, where attendees were instructed to hit eight small reactive targets as quickly as possible.
As a serious defensive firearm, the M&P5.7 checks many boxes. The 5.7 round is controllable, yet offers similar performance to the 9 mm. It’s quite ambidextrous, so both right- and left-hand shooters will be comfortable in its employ. Capacity is generous, operation is reliable and it’s simple to mount a powered optic should that be desired. And, it’s just plain fun to shoot.
MSRP on the M&P5.7 starts at $699. For more information about the Smith & Wesson M&P5.7 and other firearms, visit smith-wesson.com.
