You’ll find the FN Five-seveN pistol offers a unique polymer-frame design chambered in 5.7x28mm, featuring a chrome-lined 4.8-inch barrel and delayed blowback operation. At 21 oz unloaded, it delivers exceptional accuracy with minimal felt recoil through its specialized cartridge. While the MSRP starts at $1,149, you’ll get ambidextrous controls and magazine options ranging from 10 to 30 rounds. The platform’s military heritage hints at its deeper technical capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- The FN Five-seveN is a polymer-framed pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm, featuring a chrome-lined barrel and 20+1 round capacity.
- Originally designed for military/law enforcement, the pistol became commercially available in 1998 alongside the P90 submachine gun.
- Key features include ambidextrous controls, 21-ounce unloaded weight, and a 4.8-inch barrel with exceptional accuracy and minimal recoil.
- Base model MSRP starts at $1,149.00, with premium models at $1,249.00, though specialized ammunition can be expensive.
- The main advantages include lightweight construction and high capacity, while drawbacks include complex maintenance and ammunition availability.
Description
The FN Five-seveN represents a pioneering design in modern pistol engineering, featuring a polymer-frame construction and chambering of the specialized 5.7x28mm cartridge.
You’ll find its chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged barrel measures 4.8 inches within an 8.2-inch overall length. The pistol’s mechanisms include a delayed blowback operation, ambidextrous controls, and your choice of 10 or 20-round magazine capacity for various use applications.
Price Range
Investing in this advanced polymer-frame pistol will require careful budget consideration. The MSRP ranges from $1,149.00 to $1,249.00, depending on model features. You’ll find military pricing and law enforcement discounts available through authorized dealers.
| Price Category | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Base Model | $1,149.00 |
| Premium Model | $1,249.00 |
| LE/Military | Special |
| Dealer Price | Varies |
| Financing | Available |
Visit FN’s dealer locator to explore current pricing and financing options.
Specifications
The FN Five-seveN’s NATO-standardized 5.7x28mm chambering stands out in the tactical pistol market, offering superior ballistic performance through its cold hammer-forged barrel. You’ll find the pistol’s lightweight polymer frame contributes to its modest 21 oz. unloaded weight, while maintaining exceptional durability. The modular design accommodates both 10-round and 20-round magazines, with a full-length 8.2-inch platform that balances precision with practical carry capability.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 21 oz (unloaded) |
| Overall Length | 8.2 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 or 20 rounds |
Weight
Designed for optimal handling, the FN Five-seveN achieves a remarkably light weight of 21 oz. (unloaded) through its advanced polymer construction.
You’ll find the loaded weight with a 20-round magazine increases to 744g (1.6lb). The polymer frame’s lightweight characteristics enhance maneuverability while maintaining essential firepower. This weight distribution offers you an efficient balance between combat effectiveness and practical portability.
Barrel Length
Precision engineering defines the FN Five-seveN’s barrel configurations, offering shooters two distinct options: a 4.8-inch or 4.75-inch cold hammer-forged barrel.
You’ll find the 4.8-inch variant maximizes sight radius and velocity, while the 4.75-inch barrel length delivers enhanced concealability. Both configurations feature chrome-lined bores with a 1:9″ twist rate, ensuring optimal projectile stabilization and long-term durability.
Material Made Out Of
Modern engineering blends polymer and steel components in the FN Five-seveN’s construction to achieve optimal weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity.
You’ll find a polymer receiver and slide cover enhancing corrosion resistance, while critical steel components like the slide interior, barrel, trigger, and springs ensure reliability.
The chrome-lined, hammer-forged barrel and textured polymer grip panels deliver precision and control.
Chambered In
The FN Five-seveN chambers the innovative 5.7x28mm NATO-standardized cartridge, setting it apart from conventional handgun calibers. You’ll experience exceptional accuracy and minimal felt recoil with this round, optimized for the pistol’s chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged barrel.
At just 21 oz. unloaded and 8.2″ in length, the Five-seveN delivers this advanced cartridge’s performance in a surprisingly manageable package.
Capacity
Standard-capacity magazines for the Five-seveN pistol hold 20 rounds in a double-stack, staggered-feed configuration, while restricted variants use 10-round magazines to comply with certain state regulations.
For enhanced capacity needs, aftermarket 30-round magazines are available, though the 10-round and 20-round options remain the factory-supported configurations.
You’ll find the 20-round magazines are primarily used in military, law enforcement, and civilian applications where permitted.
Trigger Pull
Enhanced accuracy and control come from the Five-seveN’s single-action trigger system, which delivers a consistent pull weight ranging from 4.4 to 7.87 pounds. You’ll experience a smooth trigger with a clean break, free from creep or stacking due to its internal hammer design.
Most users find the trigger pull averaging between 6.2 and 6.6 pounds, while the enlarged trigger guard accommodates gloved operation.
Safety?
Multiple safety features distinguish the FN Five-seveN’s secure operation, starting with its ambidextrous manual safety lever positioned for intuitive access by right or left-handed shooters.
The internal hammer system works in conjunction with a chamber indicator pin that protrudes 1.6mm when loaded.
You’ll find the reversible magazine release enhances safe handling while maintaining operational security during tactical situations.
Action
Building upon its comprehensive safety features, the FN Five-seveN operates using a delayed blowback action specifically engineered for the 5.7x28mm cartridge. You’ll find this action perfectly matched with the pistol’s single-action internal hammer mechanism, delivering a smooth, consistent trigger pull.
The cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel enhances accuracy while maximizing service life through reduced wear and superior heat dissipation.
Optic Ready?
The FN Five-seveN MRD stands ready for modern optics integration through its versatile mounting system and specialized adapter plates. You’ll find a Picatinny rail integrated into the frame, complementing the 7.0-inch sight radius for enhanced targeting capability.
When mounting your preferred red dot sight, you’ll benefit from the quick-attach system while maintaining the pistol’s balanced 25.2-ounce weight distribution.
Review
The FN Five-seveN’s low recoil impulse and balanced ergonomics allow you to maintain exceptional accuracy during rapid follow-up shots, though you’ll need to factor in the higher cost of 5.7x28mm ammunition.
You’ll appreciate the pistol’s proven reliability in adverse conditions, with the polymer frame resisting corrosion and the chrome-lined barrel ensuring consistent performance through thousands of rounds.
While the initial purchase price exceeds many comparable 9mm pistols, you’re investing in a uniquely capable platform that delivers superior ballistic performance and penetration characteristics in a lightweight, duty-ready package.
Pros
Designed with superior ergonomics and tactical versatility, FN’s Five-seveN excels in multiple performance categories that matter to discerning shooters. For personal protection, you’ll appreciate the low recoil and flat trajectory characteristics while maintaining exceptional accuracy.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Polymer Construction | Lightweight handling |
| Chrome-lined Barrel | Enhanced accuracy |
| Ambidextrous Controls | Versatile operation |
| 20+1 Capacity | Superior firepower |
Cons
Despite its impressive features, FN’s Five-seveN presents several noteworthy drawbacks that merit careful consideration. You’ll encounter reliability issues with feeding and extraction, while the complex disassembly process complicates routine maintenance. The specialized 5.7x28mm ammunition proves costly and scarce.
| Drawback | Impact |
|---|---|
| Reliability | Feed/extract failures |
| Maintenance | Difficult disassembly |
| Ammunition | Expensive, hard to find |
| Recoil | High muzzle rise |
| Construction | Polymer durability concerns |
Reliability
While earlier versions had reported feeding issues, modern FN Five-seveN pistols demonstrate exceptional reliability through their refined delayed blowback system and minimal moving parts. You’ll find consistent performance even under harsh conditions, backed by extensive military and law enforcement testing.
The pistol’s robust design and strict manufacturing quality control ensure dependable operation across high round counts and demanding environmental conditions.
Similar Models
FN Herstal rounds out its pistol lineup with several notable models that complement the Five-seveN’s innovative design. You’ll find the FNX-45 Tactical offering .45 ACP power with a 15+1 capacity, while the 509 Tactical and FNSX-9 deliver 9mm performance with 17-round magazines.
As described in our Privacy when you use our site, the FN 502 Tactical provides .22 LR training capabilities with similar ergonomics.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Several modern polymer-framed pistols share design elements with the Five-seveN, though none utilize its signature 5.7x28mm cartridge. You’ll find similar striker-fired actions in the Glock 19, SIG P320, and S&W M&P9.
The CZ P-10 C and Beretta APX also feature comparable polymer construction. For privacy protection when researching these models online, be aware that manufacturer websites use tracking mechanisms.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Five-seveN pistol requires strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines and authorized service procedures. You’ll need to keep disassembly limited to authorized personnel only.
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the chrome-lined cold hammer-forged barrel and lubricating internal mechanisms. You can adjust sights using the provided tools, while the chamber indicator pin’s 1.6mm protrusion aids in service inspection.
History
The development of the Five-seveN pistol began in the early 1990s when NATO sought a new personal defense weapon (PDW) cartridge. FN Herstal designed the Five-seveN pistol alongside their P90 submachine gun, both chambered in 5.7x28mm.
Initially restricted to military and law enforcement, FN released the pistol commercially in 1998. NATO’s subsequent testing confirmed the 5.7x28mm cartridge’s superior performance over competing rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Legally Own a FN Five-Seven?
You can legally own a Five-seveN in most U.S. states, but you’ll need to comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements. While ownership restrictions vary by jurisdiction, the pistol has been available for civilian purchase since 2004.
You’ll need to pass standard background checks and meet age requirements. Some states may have specific magazine capacity limits or other regulations, so it’s essential to verify your local laws before purchasing.
Is the FN 5.7 a Good Carry Gun?
You might think the FN 5.7’s unique cartridge makes it an odd choice for concealed carry but don’t dismiss it too quickly. You’ll get impressive magazine capacity advantages with 20-round options, and the polymer frame keeps weight manageable at 21 oz unloaded.
The 5.7x28mm round offers minimal recoil and flat trajectory, though you’ll face limited ammo choices. For carry performance, consider if these benefits outweigh the single-action learning curve and higher ammunition costs.
Is 5.7 Stronger Than 9mm?
“Stronger” isn’t a straightforward comparison – it depends on what you’re measuring. The 5.7x28mm offers superior ballistic performance with higher initial velocity and better penetration characteristics against certain barriers.
While it generates higher muzzle energy than standard 9mm rounds, the 9mm maintains better energy retention at a distance. You’ll get less recoil and a flatter trajectory with 5.7x28mm, but both cartridges are effective when properly employed for their intended purposes.
What Is 5.7 X28 Good For?
You’ll find the 5.7x28mm excels in specialized roles, like a precision instrument cutting through the complexities of modern ballistics. Its armor penetration capabilities make it particularly effective against soft body armor, while its high velocity delivers impressive terminal performance.
Through specialized ammunition types, you’re getting exceptional accuracy and flat trajectories, perfect for both tactical operations and defensive scenarios. The round’s low recoil means you’ll maintain better control during rapid follow-up shots.
Conclusion
You’ll find the FN Five-seven to be a unique handgun that has maintained its reputation since its 1998 introduction. Its 5.7x28mm round achieves impressive ballistic performance, reaching velocities of 2,350 fps with the SS190 ammunition – nearly double that of conventional 9mm rounds. When properly maintained, the cold hammer-forged barrel’s chrome lining ensures exceptional durability and consistent accuracy through thousands of rounds.
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