The Five-Seven pistol, also known as the FN Five-seveN, is a semi-automatic handgun that was developed by FN Herstal. It is chambered for the unique 5.7x28mm cartridge, which was designed to penetrate body armor and provide superior performance in close quarters combat. The Five-Seven pistol was first introduced to the commercial market in 2000 and has since gained a reputation for being a highly accurate and reliable firearm.

The design and ergonomics of the Five-Seven pistol are unique and have been optimized for maximum performance. The pistol features a polymer frame and a single-action trigger, which provides a smooth and powerful shooting experience. The pistol also has a low recoil, making it easy to handle and shoot accurately. Additionally, the Five-Seven pistol has a high-capacity magazine, which can hold up to 20 rounds of ammunition.

Key Takeaways

• The Five-Seven pistol is a highly accurate and reliable firearm that was developed by FN Herstal.
• The pistol features a unique design and ergonomics that have been optimized for maximum performance.
• The Five-Seven pistol has a high-capacity magazine and a low recoil, making it easy to handle and shoot accurately.

Overview of the Five-Seven Pistol

The FN Five-Seven is a semi-automatic pistol that was first introduced in the 1990s. It is chambered in the 5.7x28mm cartridge, which was originally developed for the FN P90 submachine gun. The Five-Seven pistol was designed to be used by military and law enforcement personnel as a lightweight, high-capacity handgun that could penetrate body armor.

One of the most distinctive features of the Five-Seven pistol is its large-capacity magazine. The standard magazine holds 20 rounds, although extended magazines are available that can hold up to 30 rounds. This makes the Five-Seven pistol an excellent choice for situations where a lot of firepower is needed.

The 5.7x28mm cartridge used by the Five-Seven pistol is known for its high velocity and low recoil. This makes the pistol easy to shoot accurately, even for inexperienced shooters. The cartridge also has excellent penetration capabilities, which makes it a good choice for law enforcement and military applications.

Overall, the FN Five-Seven is a well-designed pistol that offers a lot of benefits to those who need a high-capacity, lightweight handgun. Its unique features and capabilities make it a popular choice among military and law enforcement personnel, as well as civilian shooters who appreciate its accuracy and ease of use.

Design and Ergonomics

The FN Five-seveN 5.7 Pistol is designed with ergonomics in mind. The pistol's frame and grip are made of polymer, which is lightweight and durable. The grip is textured to provide a secure hold, even in wet conditions. The grip is also designed to fit a variety of hand sizes comfortably.

Frame and Grip

The polymer frame of the FN Five-seveN 5.7 Pistol is designed to be lightweight and durable. The grip is textured to provide a secure hold, even in wet conditions. The grip is also designed to fit a variety of hand sizes comfortably. The pistol's grip angle is similar to that of the 1911, which helps to reduce felt recoil.

Slide and Barrel

The slide of the FN Five-seveN 5.7 Pistol is designed with serrations to provide a secure grip when manipulating the slide. The barrel is hammer-forged and has a target crown, which helps to improve accuracy. The barrel is also designed to be easy to clean and maintain.

Controls and Safety

The FN Five-seveN 5.7 Pistol has a reversible magazine release, which allows the user to switch the magazine release from left to right. The pistol also has an ambidextrous safety, which can be operated by both left- and right-handed shooters. The safety is designed to be easy to use and provides a secure locking mechanism to prevent accidental discharges.

Overall, the FN Five-seveN 5.7 Pistol is designed with ergonomics in mind. The pistol's polymer frame and textured grip provide a secure hold, even in wet conditions. The slide and barrel are designed to be easy to manipulate and maintain. The reversible magazine release and ambidextrous safety provide flexibility for shooters of all skill levels.

Ammunition and Cartridge Specifications

5.7x28mm Cartridge

The 5.7x28mm cartridge, also known as the 5.7mm FN, is a small-caliber, high-velocity cartridge designed for use in firearms like the FN Five-seveN and the FN P90. The cartridge was developed by FN Herstal in response to NATO requests for a replacement for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge and associated pistols and submachine guns. The 5.7x28mm cartridge is known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and low recoil.

The 5.7x28mm cartridge is available in several types of ammunition, including full metal jacket (FMJ), hollow point (HP), and armor-piercing (AP) rounds. The FMJ rounds are typically used for target shooting and training, while the HP and AP rounds are used for self-defense and military applications.

Magazine Design

The magazine design for the 5.7x28mm cartridge is unique, as the cartridges are stacked in a single column rather than a double column like most other handgun magazines. This allows for a slimmer and more compact magazine design, which is especially useful for firearms like the FN Five-seveN and the FN P90 that are designed for use in close quarters.

The magazine capacity for the FN Five-seveN is 20 rounds, while the FN P90 has a magazine capacity of 50 rounds. The high magazine capacity of these firearms makes them popular choices for military and law enforcement applications.

In conclusion, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is a unique and versatile cartridge that offers high velocity, flat trajectory, and low recoil. The magazine design for the cartridge allows for a slimmer and more compact magazine design, which is especially useful for firearms designed for use in close quarters. The high magazine capacity of firearms like the FN Five-seveN and the FN P90 make them popular choices for military and law enforcement applications.

Performance and Accuracy

The FN Five-seveN 5.7 Pistol is known for its impressive performance and accuracy. This section will discuss its recoil and control, trigger mechanism, and sights and optics.

Recoil and Control

One of the most notable features of the Five-seveN is its low recoil. This is due to the pistol's design and the 5.7x28mm cartridge it uses. The low recoil makes it easier to control and shoot accurately, even during rapid fire.

Trigger Mechanism

The trigger pull of the Five-seveN is smooth and consistent, making it easy to shoot accurately. The trigger mechanism is designed to reduce trigger pull weight and improve trigger reset, resulting in a faster and more accurate shooting experience.

Sights and Optics

The Five-seveN comes with adjustable iron sights, making it easy to customize the pistol to the shooter's preferences. It also has an optics-ready design, allowing for the addition of a red dot sight or other optic. The MRD (Miniature Red Dot) variant of the Five-seveN comes with a polymer plate that conceals the optic-ready feature, allowing for a co-witness with the iron sights.

In conclusion, the FN Five-seveN 5.7 Pistol offers impressive performance and accuracy. Its low recoil and smooth trigger mechanism make it easy to control and shoot accurately. The adjustable iron sights and optics-ready design provide flexibility for customization and improved accuracy.

Usage and Applications

The FN Five-seveN pistol has gained popularity for its unique design and functionality. It has been used in various applications, including military and law enforcement, personal defense and security, and shooting sports and recreation.

Military and Law Enforcement

The FN Five-seveN pistol has been used by various military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The pistol's lightweight and compact design make it an ideal personal defense weapon for soldiers and law enforcement officers. The 5.7x28mm cartridge's high velocity and low recoil make it an effective round for penetrating body armor and other types of protective gear.

The U.S. Secret Service has also adopted the FN Five-seveN pistol as its standard-issue sidearm. The pistol's accuracy and reliability make it an excellent choice for protecting high-profile individuals.

Personal Defense and Security

The FN Five-seveN pistol is also a popular choice for personal protection. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and conceal. The 5.7x28mm cartridge's low recoil and high velocity make it an effective round for self-defense situations.

Shooting Sports and Recreation

The FN Five-seveN pistol is also a popular choice for shooting sports and recreation. The pistol's accuracy and low recoil make it easy to shoot accurately and quickly. The 5.7x28mm cartridge's flat trajectory and long-range capabilities make it an excellent choice for target shooting and competition.

In conclusion, the FN Five-seveN pistol is a versatile firearm that can be used in various applications. Its unique design and functionality make it an excellent choice for military and law enforcement, personal defense and security, and shooting sports and recreation.

Accessories and Customization

The FN Five-seveN® pistol is a reliable and accurate firearm that is popular among gun enthusiasts. One of the benefits of owning a Five-seveN® is the ability to customize it to fit your specific needs.

Extended Magazines and Capacity

One popular customization option for the Five-seveN® is to increase its magazine capacity. Several manufacturers offer extended magazines that can hold up to 30 rounds. These magazines are perfect for those who want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading.

Barrel and Slide Modifications

Another option for customization is to modify the barrel and slide of the Five-seveN®. Some gun owners prefer to add serrations to the slide to improve grip and make it easier to manipulate. Others may choose to add a threaded barrel to allow for the attachment of a suppressor or other muzzle device.

Aftermarket Accessories

There are many aftermarket accessories available for the Five-seveN® that can enhance its performance and functionality. These include magazine releases, optics, and night sights. Adding a magazine release extension can make it easier to drop the magazine quickly. Optics and night sights can improve accuracy and make it easier to shoot in low light conditions.

Overall, the FN Five-seveN® pistol is a versatile firearm that can be customized to fit a wide variety of needs. Whether you are looking to increase capacity, improve grip, or add accessories, there are many options available. It is important to choose reputable manufacturers and gunsmiths when making modifications to ensure the safety and reliability of your firearm.

Variants and Models

The FN Five-seveN pistol has been produced in several variants and models. The following are some of the most notable ones:

Five-seveN Standard

The standard Five-seveN is a semi-automatic pistol chambered for the 5.7x28mm cartridge. It has a polymer frame and a slide made of steel. The pistol has a 20-round magazine capacity and an adjustable rear sight. The standard model is available in black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes.

Five-seveN Compact

The Five-seveN Compact is a smaller version of the standard model. It has a shorter barrel and a smaller grip, making it easier to conceal. The compact model has a 10-round magazine capacity and is available in black and FDE finishes.

Five-seveN PDW

The Five-seveN PDW is a personal defense weapon designed for military and law enforcement use. It has a 10.4-inch barrel and a folding stock. The PDW has a 50-round magazine capacity and is capable of firing in both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes. The PDW is often used in conjunction with the FN P90 submachine gun, which also fires the 5.7x28mm cartridge.

Five-seveN FDE

The Five-seveN FDE is a variant of the standard model that features a flat dark earth finish. The FDE finish is a popular choice among shooters who prefer a more tactical look. The FDE model is available in both standard and compact sizes.

In conclusion, the FN Five-seveN pistol has several variants and models designed for different purposes and preferences. Whether you're looking for a standard model for target shooting or a PDW for military or law enforcement use, the Five-seveN has something to offer.

Comparative Analysis

Against Other Handguns

When it comes to the 5.7 pistol, it is often compared to other handguns such as the Ruger-57 and the FN Five-seveN. The 5.7 pistol has a unique place in the firearms world, with a cartridge that sits in a niche of its own. In comparison to other handguns, the 5.7 pistol offers a higher capacity magazine and minimal recoil. However, the ammunition for the 5.7 pistol can be expensive and loud.

The Ruger-57 and the FN Five-seveN are the two most popular handguns that compete against the 5.7 pistol. The Ruger-57 is a relatively new entrant to the market, with a similar design to the FN Five-seveN. The FN Five-seveN, on the other hand, has been around for a while and is a well-respected firearm. Both handguns have a high capacity magazine and are chambered for the 5.7x28mm cartridge. However, the Ruger-57 is more affordable than the FN Five-seveN.

In Relation to Submachine Guns

The 5.7 pistol is often compared to submachine guns and personal defense weapons (PDWs) due to its high velocity and ability to penetrate body armor. However, it is important to note that the 5.7 pistol is not a submachine gun or a PDW. It is a handgun that is designed for personal defense and target shooting.

In comparison to submachine guns and PDWs, the 5.7 pistol offers a smaller size and weight, making it easier to carry and conceal. However, submachine guns and PDWs offer a higher rate of fire and greater stopping power, making them more effective in certain situations.

Overall, the 5.7 pistol is a unique firearm that offers a high capacity magazine, minimal recoil, and the ability to penetrate body armor. While it may not be as powerful as submachine guns and PDWs, it is a reliable handgun that is designed for personal defense and target shooting.

Manufacturing and Brand

FN Herstal and History

The FN Five-seveN® pistol is a product of FN Herstal, a Belgian firearms manufacturer with a long history of producing high-quality firearms. The company was founded in 1889 and has since established itself as a leading manufacturer of firearms for military, law enforcement, and civilian markets.

The Five-seveN® pistol was first introduced in 1998 and has since gained a reputation for its lightweight design and high-capacity magazines. It is chambered for the unique 5.7x28mm cartridge, which was developed by FN Herstal in the late 1980s. The cartridge was designed to penetrate body armor, making it an ideal choice for military and law enforcement applications.

Global Distribution

FN Herstal has a global distribution network that spans over 100 countries. The company has production facilities in Belgium, Portugal, and the United States, and its products are sold through a network of authorized dealers and distributors.

The Five-seveN® pistol is produced at FN Herstal's manufacturing facility in Herstal, Belgium. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and employs skilled craftsmen who are dedicated to producing high-quality firearms.

Overall, FN Herstal is a respected and well-established firearms manufacturer that has earned a reputation for producing reliable and innovative firearms. The company's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in the Five-seveN® pistol, which has become a popular choice among military, law enforcement, and civilian users around the world.

Technical Specifications

Dimensional Data

The FN Five-seven pistol is a compact and lightweight firearm that measures 5.7 inches in height, 1.4 inches in width, and has an overall length of 8.2 inches. The sight radius of this pistol measures 7.0 inches, which provides excellent accuracy for the shooter.

Weight and Balance

The FN Five-seven pistol has a weight of 25.2 ounces (without magazine), which makes it one of the lightest pistols in its class. This lightweight design allows for easy handling and maneuverability, making it an excellent choice for law enforcement and military applications. The balance of this pistol is also exceptional, with a low center of gravity that provides excellent control and stability.

Barrel Characteristics

The FN Five-seven pistol has a barrel length of 4.8 inches and a twist rate of 1:9" RH. The barrel is made of high-quality materials and is designed to provide excellent accuracy and reliability. The delayed blowback, single-action only operation of this pistol ensures that the shooter has maximum control over each shot.

In conclusion, the FN Five-seven pistol is an exceptional firearm that offers a unique combination of accuracy, reliability, and lightweight design. Its compact size, excellent balance, and exceptional barrel characteristics make it an excellent choice for law enforcement, military, and civilian applications.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure the longevity and reliability of the FN Five Seven, proper maintenance and care are essential. The polymer cover of the pistol requires regular cleaning to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime.

It is recommended to clean the pistol after every use, especially if it has been exposed to harsh environments. A cleaning kit that comes with the firearm can be used for basic maintenance. A 22 cal bore snake can also be used for cleaning the barrel.

To clean the barrel, a gun cleaner such as Hoppe's Elite Gun Cleaner can be used to remove powder fouling, lead, copper, and other residues. After cleaning, a final oiling with a lubricant such as Weapon Shield can be applied to protect the pistol from rust and corrosion.

The FN Five Seven is known for its reliability, but proper maintenance is still crucial to ensure consistent performance. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the pistol's moving parts will keep it functioning smoothly.

In summary, the FN Five Seven requires regular cleaning and lubrication to maintain its reliability and performance. A cleaning kit that comes with the firearm can be used for basic maintenance. A gun cleaner and lubricant can be used for more thorough cleaning and protection against rust and corrosion.

Market and Consumer Feedback

Professional Reviews

Several professional reviews have been conducted on the Five-seveN 5.7 pistol. Guns & Ammo, for example, published a full review of the updated version of the pistol in November 2022. The review highlighted the redesigned barrel and the mini-red-dot-ready feature of the pistol as significant improvements. The review also praised the adapter plate and hardware kit of the pistol.

The Truth About Guns published an updated review of the Five-seveN pistol in 2018, highlighting its weight as its most obvious advantage. The review also noted that the pistol had genuine character and utility, despite its expensive price tag.

User Experiences

Users of the Five-seveN 5.7 pistol have generally given positive feedback about the pistol. Many users have praised the pistol's unique design and the energy it provides thanks to its high velocity. The pistol's low recoil has also been noted as a significant advantage, making it easy and fun to shoot.

However, some users have criticized the pistol's expensive price tag and the obscure caliber of the 5.7x28mm cartridge. The cost of the pistol has been a significant barrier to entry for many recreational shooters.

Pricing

The Five-seveN 5.7 pistol is generally considered to be an expensive gun. The high price tag has been a significant barrier to entry for many recreational shooters. However, the pistol's unique design and features have made it a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts.

The current market price for a FN Five-seveN pistol is around $1,300 to $1,500. The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 pistol, which is also chambered in 5.7x28mm, is currently priced at around $800 to $900.

Overall, the Five-seveN 5.7 pistol has received positive feedback from both professional reviewers and users. However, its expensive price tag and obscure caliber have limited its appeal to recreational shooters.

Historical Context and Development

The FN Five-seven pistol is a semi-automatic handgun that was developed by FN Herstal in response to NATO's request for a replacement for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge and associated pistols and submachine guns. The pistol and its 5.7×28mm ammunition were designed to provide a higher hit probability against targets wearing body armor at ranges of up to 200 meters.

Evolution from P90

The Five-seven pistol was developed in parallel with the FN P90 personal defense weapon. The P90 and Five-seven were designed to use the same cartridge, and the pistol's name, Five-seven, refers to the bullet diameter. The P90 and Five-seven were developed for the NATO Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) program, which aimed to replace traditional pistols and submachine guns with more effective and versatile weapons.

NATO Adoption

The FN Five-seven was adopted by NATO in 2000, and it has since been used by various military and law enforcement agencies around the world. The pistol's lightweight design, high-capacity magazine, and low recoil make it an ideal choice for personal protection, target shooting, and tactical police competition.

In conclusion, the FN Five-seven pistol was developed to provide a more effective and versatile weapon for military and law enforcement applications. Its adoption by NATO and widespread use by various agencies around the world is a testament to its effectiveness and reliability.

Ballistics and Terminal Performance

The 5.7x28mm cartridge was developed to meet NATO's requirement for ammunition with armor-piercing and longer-range capabilities than the 9mm cartridges. The cartridge has a small, lightweight projectile that travels at high velocities, which results in a flat trajectory and excellent accuracy.

The 5.7x28mm cartridge has been known to penetrate body armor, which has made it a popular choice for law enforcement and military applications. However, it is important to note that not all published ballistics are necessarily equal, and one should take any advertised figures with a grain of salt.

The projectile used in the 5.7x28mm cartridge has a unique design that contributes to its terminal performance. The bullet has a polymer tip that helps to initiate expansion upon impact, which results in a larger wound channel and increased stopping power.

Speer, a well-known ammunition manufacturer, produces a 5.7x28mm cartridge that has been optimized for use in the FN Five-seveN pistol. The cartridge features a 40-grain bullet that travels at a velocity of 1975 feet per second and has a muzzle energy of 355 foot-pounds.

Overall, the 5.7x28mm cartridge offers excellent ballistics and terminal performance, making it a popular choice for law enforcement and military applications. However, it is important to use high-quality ammunition and understand the limitations of the cartridge when selecting it for a particular application.

Safety and Handling

Built-In Safety Features

The FN Five-seveN is designed with multiple built-in safety features to ensure safe operation. One of the most notable safety features is the ambidextrous manual safety lever located on the left side of the frame. The safety lever blocks the trigger and prevents the gun from firing when engaged. Additionally, the gun features a magazine disconnect safety that prevents the gun from firing when the magazine is removed.

The Five-seveN also has a single-action trigger, which requires the hammer to be manually cocked before firing. This feature ensures that the gun will not fire accidentally and increases the accuracy of the shooter.

Training and Proper Use

While the Five-seveN has several built-in safety features, it is important for users to receive proper training and to follow safe handling procedures. Users should always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction and keep their finger off the trigger until ready to fire. It is also important to properly maintain the gun and to use only quality ammunition.

Users should also be aware of the gun's internal hammer, which may be unfamiliar to those used to external hammer guns. The internal hammer design allows for a smoother trigger pull, but users should still exercise caution when handling the gun.

Overall, the FN Five-seveN is a safe and reliable gun when used properly and with proper training. Users should always follow safe handling procedures and take the time to become familiar with the gun's features before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of ammunition are compatible with the 5.7 pistol?

The 5.7 pistol is chambered to fire the 5.7x28mm cartridge, which is a small-caliber, high-velocity round. This cartridge is specifically designed for the 5.7 pistol and is not compatible with other firearms. The 5.7x28mm cartridge is available in a variety of bullet weights and types, including full metal jacket, hollow point, and tracer rounds.

How does the Ruger 57 compare to the FN Five-seveN models?

The Ruger 57 and the FN Five-seveN are both popular 5.7 caliber pistols, but they have some key differences. The Ruger 57 is a more affordable option, while the FN Five-seveN is a higher-end pistol with a reputation for exceptional accuracy and reliability. The Ruger 57 has a slightly larger grip than the FN Five-seveN, which may be more comfortable for shooters with larger hands. However, the FN Five-seveN has a longer barrel and a more advanced trigger system, which can help improve accuracy.

What are the legal requirements for owning a 5.7 caliber pistol in the US?

In the United States, owning a 5.7 caliber pistol is legal, but it is subject to the same regulations as other firearms. This means that individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase a 5.7 pistol from a licensed dealer and must undergo a background check. Some states may have additional requirements, such as waiting periods or restrictions on magazine capacity.

What improvements does the FN Five-seveN MK3 offer over previous versions?

The FN Five-seveN MK3 is the latest version of the FN Five-seveN pistol and offers several improvements over previous models. One of the most significant changes is the addition of an optics-ready slide, which allows shooters to easily attach a micro red dot sight. The MK3 also features an improved trigger system and a more ergonomic grip, which can help improve accuracy and comfort.

Can the FN 5.7 pistol be equipped with a micro red dot sight?

Yes, the FN 5.7 pistol can be equipped with a micro red dot sight. The latest version of the FN Five-seveN, the MK3, comes with an optics-ready slide, which makes it easy to attach a micro red dot sight. Shooters can also purchase aftermarket slides or mounting plates to add a red dot sight to older versions of the FN Five-seveN.

How does the ballistic performance of the 5.7 caliber compare to a 9mm round?

The 5.7x28mm cartridge used in the 5.7 pistol is designed to offer a flatter trajectory and higher velocity than a 9mm round. This can help improve accuracy and increase the effective range of the pistol. However, the 9mm round is typically larger and heavier than the 5.7x28mm cartridge, which can make it more effective at stopping power. Ultimately, the choice between the two calibers will depend on the shooter's individual needs and preferences.