Description
The 5.7x28mm cartridge has earned a loyal following for good reason. It runs fast, shoots flat, and kicks about as much as a rimfire, which makes range days feel effortless. Smith & Wesson brought its own engineering to the caliber with the M&P 5.7, and the result is one of the more interesting pistols in the lineup. This model comes set up with a 10-round capacity and includes two 10-round magazines in the box.
The Tempo Barrel System Inside the M&P 5.7
Instead of the usual tilting-barrel design, the M&P 5.7 runs a gas-operated, locked-breech action built around a rotating 5-inch barrel. A gas port near the muzzle keeps everything locked together until the bullet passes it, and only then does the barrel cam open to cycle the slide. That delay tames the high-pressure 5.7 round, cuts muzzle rise, and delivers noticeably smooth cycling. It also means a lighter recoil spring, so racking the slide takes less effort than you might expect. Feeding it all is an internal hammer-fired, single-action trigger with a flat aluminum face that breaks clean and resets sharp. It is one of the better factory triggers Smith & Wesson has put out.
Set Up the M&P 5.7 Your Way
The slide comes cut for direct mounting popular micro red dots, with steel three-dot sights installed if you prefer irons. Front and rear serrations make slide work easy, and the Picatinny-style rail up front handles lights and lasers. Controls are thoughtfully done too, with an ambidextrous slide stop, an ambidextrous manual thumb safety, and a reversible magazine release. The slim, textured polymer grip keeps a long cartridge feeling manageable in the hand, and the Armornite-finished stainless slide shrugs off wear and moisture.
At around 26 ounces, this full-size pistol carries light and shoots lighter. Whether you want a soft-recoiling home defense option, a fun gun that stacks hits at distance, or your first step into the 5.7 world, this one delivers, and Smith & Wesson backs it with their Lifetime Service Policy.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- Model: M&P 5.7 Optic Ready
- Manufacturer Part Number: 14093
- UPC: 022188898842
- Caliber: 5.7x28mm
- Action: Internal Hammer-Fired, Single Action, Gas-Operated Tempo Barrel System
- Capacity: 10+1
- Magazines Included: 2 x 10-Round
- Barrel Length: 5 in
- Twist Rate: 1:9
- Thread Pattern: 1/2×28
- Slide: Optics-Ready, Front and Rear Serrations, Black Armornite Finish
- Sights: Steel 3-Dot
- Safety: Ambidextrous Manual Thumb Safety
- Frame: Polymer with Picatinny-Style Rail
- Weight: Approx. 26.7 oz
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 pistol
- Two 10-round magazines
- Owner's manual
- Cable lock
Frequently Asked Questions
What red dots will mount on the M&P 5.7's optic cut?
The slide is cut to directly mount most popular micro red dots that use the RMSc footprint, such as the Holosun 507K and Shield RMSc style optics. No adapter plates are needed for compatible footprints, which keeps the optic sitting low. If you'd rather run irons, the included steel three-dot sights work well on their own.
What is the Tempo barrel system and why does it matter?
Tempo is Smith & Wesson's gas-operated, locked-breech action with a rotating 5-inch barrel. A gas port near the muzzle keeps the action locked until the bullet passes it, which handles the high-pressure 5.7x28mm round while reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise. It also allows a lighter recoil spring, so the slide is easier to rack than most centerfire pistols.
Does this version of the M&P 5.7 have a manual safety?
Yes, this model includes an ambidextrous manual thumb safety that operates much like a 1911-style lever, plus a blade safety built into the flat-face trigger. The slide stop is ambidextrous as well, and the magazine release is reversible, so lefties are covered across the board.
How does the M&P 5.7 handle recoil compared to a 9mm?
Felt recoil is noticeably softer than a 9mm, closer to a warm rimfire than a typical centerfire pistol. Between the light-recoiling 5.7x28mm cartridge and the Tempo rotating barrel soaking up energy, muzzle rise stays minimal and follow-up shots come quick. It's a great pick for recoil-sensitive folks or anyone who wants fast, flat shooting.





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