Description
The M&P 5.7 is Smith & Wesson's take on the 5.7x28mm pistol market, and they came out swinging. Where other manufacturers have kept the caliber largely in the realm of pricier, more specialized platforms, S&W built something that feels right at home in the M&P family — familiar ergonomics, solid construction, and a price point that doesn't make you wince. This Multicam Cerakote version (MPN 14183) adds a distinct tactical aesthetic with the pattern applied to both the slide and polymer frame, making it one of the sharper-looking M&P variants out there.
What Makes the M&P 5.7's Tempo Barrel System Different
The standout engineering story here is the Tempo barrel system. It's an internal hammer-fired, gas-operated, rotating locked-breech design where the barrel doesn't cam open until the bullet has already passed the gas port. In plain terms, this means the action stays locked longer than a traditional tilting-barrel design, which translates to better consistency shot to shot. The 5-inch stainless steel barrel has a 1-in-9 inch twist rate optimized for the 5.7x28mm round, and the threaded muzzle at 1/2×28 TPI is ready for a suppressor or compensator right out of the box. The 5.7 cartridge itself is inherently low-recoil and high-velocity, and the Tempo system makes the most of those ballistic characteristics.
Running the M&P 5.7: Ergonomics and Everyday Usability
Behind the barrel, S&W kept things practical. The flat-face trigger gives you a consistent reference point for your finger placement on every pull, and the single-action break is crisp enough to reward deliberate shooting. Sights are steel — front white dot up front, 2-dot rear — and the optic-cut slide is machined to the Shield/RMSc footprint, so dropping on a micro red dot is straightforward. The grip is slim and textured, which keeps the gun from feeling bulky despite the 22-round magazine. Ambidextrous controls (slide stop and manual thumb safety) and a reversible mag release round out the package, and a Picatinny rail under the frame gives you room to add a light or laser. At 26.7 oz. unloaded and 8.5 inches overall, it's a full-size gun, but it carries the weight well.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- Model: M&P 5.7
- MPN: 14183
- UPC: 022188898521
- Caliber: 5.7x28mm
- Action: Semi-Auto, Internal Hammer-Fired, Gas-Operated
- Barrel Length: 5 inches (Threaded)
- Thread Pitch: 1/2×28 TPI
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
- Twist Rate: 1:9"
- Capacity: 22+1
- Overall Length: 8.5"
- Weight (Unloaded): 26.7 oz.
- Frame Material: Polymer
- Finish: Multicam Cerakote (Slide & Frame)
- Sights: Front Steel White Dot / Rear Steel White 2-Dot
- Optic Cut Footprint: Shield / RMSc
- Safety: Ambidextrous Manual Thumb Safety
- Country of Origin: USA
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 pistol
- Two 22-round magazines
Frequently Asked Questions
What optics fit the M&P 5.7's optic-cut slide?
The slide on the M&P 5.7 is machined to the Shield/RMSc footprint, which is one of the most widely used micro red dot footprints on the market. Most compact red dots designed for that pattern will drop right in with no adapter plate needed. It's worth confirming with the optic manufacturer that their specific model uses that footprint before you buy.
What is the Tempo barrel system and why does it matter?
The Tempo system is S&W's proprietary gas-operated, rotating locked-breech design. The key difference from a traditional tilting barrel is that the barrel stays locked until the bullet passes the front gas port — meaning the action doesn't begin to cycle until pressure has dropped to a safe level. This improves mechanical consistency and helps the gun run reliably with the range of 5.7x28mm ammunition available today.
Can I run a suppressor on the M&P 5.7 Multicam?
Yes, the 5-inch barrel is threaded at 1/2×28 TPI, which is the standard thread pitch for 5.7x28mm suppressors. The 5.7 cartridge is a great candidate for suppressor use given its inherently high velocity and relatively low bore diameter. Make sure any suppressor you select is rated for the 5.7x28mm chambering and rated for semi-auto use.
How does the 5.7x28mm compare to 9mm in terms of recoil and capacity?
The 5.7x28mm fires a much lighter, faster projectile than 9mm, and felt recoil is noticeably softer — most people describe it as snappy but mild. The trade-off is that 5.7 ammo is typically more expensive and less universally available than 9mm. Where the M&P 5.7 wins on capacity is significant though — 22+1 in a single-stack-width grip is hard to match in the handgun world.
Does the Multicam finish hold up, or is it just cosmetic?
The Multicam finish on this pistol is a Cerakote application — not a simple paint or coating that flakes off easily. Cerakote is widely used in professional and mil/law enforcement contexts for its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand hard use. Applied to both the slide and polymer frame on the 14183, it should hold up well under regular range use and everyday handling.
Is the M&P 5.7 a good choice compared to other 5.7x28mm pistols like the FN Five-SeveN or Ruger-57?
The M&P 5.7 competes well on features and value against both. It brings the Tempo barrel system as a genuinely different mechanical approach versus the FN or Ruger designs, and the M&P grip feel and controls will be instantly familiar to anyone who has spent time with the M&P line. The Multicam variant also gives it a visual edge for those who want something more than a plain black pistol.





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