Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7

The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 is the value answer in the 5.7x28mm pistol class, undercutting the FN Five-seveN by several hundred dollars while shipping threaded and optic-ready from the box. It carries 22+1 rounds and includes two 22-round magazines, matching the high-capacity, flat-shooting character that makes 5.7x28 appealing for home defense and range work.

The defining feature is the TEMPO barrel system. Instead of a traditional locked-breech or straight blowback action, the M&P 5.7 runs an internal rotary barrel inside an external shroud. The gas-operated locking system keeps the action closed and delays unlock until the projectile clears the muzzle, which tames the high-pressure 5.7x28 cartridge and keeps felt recoil mild. The 5-inch barrel comes threaded 1/2x28 with a protective cap, so a 5.7-rated suppressor or compensator mounts with no gunsmith work.

The slide is cut for the Shield RMSc optic footprint and ships with three-dot white sights. At a $699 MSRP and a $600-to-$680 street price, the M&P 5.7 delivers factory threaded and optic-ready 5.7x28 capability for roughly half the cost of an FN Five-seveN, making it the default mid-tier pick in the caliber.