PSA Rock 5.7 5.7x28mm vs Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 5.7x28mm

Capacity is nearly tied, 23+1 for the PSA Rock 5.7 5.7x28mm and 22+1 for the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 5.7x28mm, and the triggers are within 0.1 lb at 3.5 lb and 3.4 lb. The differences are build and features. The M&P 5.7 is optic-ready, threaded from the factory, carries an ambidextrous thumb safety, a 5.0" barrel and a 7.13" sight radius. The Rock is not optic-ready, is not threaded, relies on a trigger safety and striker block, and runs a 4.7" barrel. The Rock is 1.7 oz lighter (25.0 oz vs 26.7 oz) and 0.43" shorter overall (8.07" vs 8.5"), but 0.15" wider (1.25" vs 1.1"). MSRP is $499 against $699.

Pick the PSA Rock 5.7 if:

• $499 against $699 is the deciding number — $200 less for the same cartridge
• You want the lighter, shorter gun at 25.0 oz and 8.07" overall
• You want 23+1 and Glock-compatible sight dovetails

Pick the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 if:

• You want a factory optic cut and a threaded barrel without aftermarket work
• You want an ambidextrous thumb safety rather than trigger-only safeties
• The 5.0" barrel, 7.13" sight radius and 0.15" narrower 1.1" width matter to you

One round of capacity and 0.1 lb of trigger separate these on the core numbers. The $200 gap buys the optic cut, threaded barrel and manual safety on the M&P 5.7, and that is the whole of the decision.