The FN P90 stands as a revolutionary personal defense weapon that you’ll find combines compact bullpup design with the specialized 5.7x28mm NATO cartridge. You’ll get exceptional firepower through its 50-round magazine capacity and 900 rounds-per-minute cyclic rate. Its polymer construction keeps weight at 2.6kg while delivering tactical versatility through ambidextrous controls and integrated optics. While the proprietary ammunition presents cost considerations, the P90’s effectiveness against soft body armor reveals its true tactical potential.
Key Takeaways
- The P90 is a compact submachine gun designed by FN Herstal that uses the 5.7x28mm NATO cartridge with 50-round magazines.
- Features a unique bullpup design with polymer construction, weighing 2.6 kg (standard variant) and measuring 50.5 cm in length.
- Operates at 900 rounds per minute with an integrated optics system and ambidextrous controls for versatile handling.
- Comes in multiple variants including standard and PS90, with new models ranging from $1,200 to $1,800.
- Designed for penetrating soft body armor while offering sustained firepower through its high-capacity magazine system.
Description
The FN Herstal P90 represents a breakthrough in compact submachine gun design, combining lightweight maneuverability with the sophisticated 5.7x28mm NATO cartridge.
You’ll find this weapon equipped with a 50-round magazine and integrated optics for both-eyes-open engagement. The tactical variant features a Picatinny rail system for customized specifications.
Whether you’re choosing the standard or tactical model, you’re getting a versatile platform for personal defense operations.
Price Range
While market conditions can influence availability, you’ll typically find new FN P90 rifles priced between $1,200 and $1,800 at authorized dealers across the United States. This NATO calibre gun’s pricing varies based on capacity and specifications.
| Condition | Price Range | Market Availability |
|---|---|---|
| New | $1,200-1,800 | High |
| Used | $800-1,200 | Moderate |
| Custom | $1,800+ | Limited |
| Collector | $2,000+ | Rare |
Specifications
The P90’s compact bullpup configuration achieves remarkable balance through its polymer construction, weighing just 2.6kg fully loaded. You’ll find the P90 chambered in 5.7x28mm NATO with a standard capacity of 50 rounds, delivering exceptional firepower in a condensed package. The rifle’s 26.4cm barrel integrates seamlessly into the overall 50.5cm length, making it highly maneuverable in close-quarters situations.
| Specification | Standard P90 | PS90 Variant |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.6 kg | 2.85 kg |
| Overall Length | 50.5 cm | 66.6 cm |
| Barrel Length | 26.4 cm | 40.7 cm |
| Magazine Cap. | 50 rounds | 50 rounds |
Weight
Weighing just 2.6 kg (5.8 lb) unloaded, FN Herstal’s P90 submachine gun exemplifies efficient polymer construction in modern tactical weapons. The lightweight design makes it an ideal platform for urban operations and close-quarter engagements.
You’ll find the civilian PS90 variant slightly heavier at 2.85 kg (6.28 lb), while still maintaining the compact benefits of its polymer construction and tactical utility.
Barrel Length
Featuring a precisely engineered 26.4 cm (10.4 inch) chrome-lined barrel, FN Herstal’s P90 optimizes its compact bullpup configuration for the 5.7x28mm cartridge.
The right specifications of the barrel length represent FN’s effort to balance maneuverability with ballistic performance. You’ll find this exact barrel length maintained across both P90 and PS90 variants, ensuring consistent performance while the chrome lining enhances durability and corrosion resistance.
Material Made Out Of
Constructed primarily from high-strength polymer materials, FN Herstal’s P90 achieves its distinctive lightweight profile while maintaining robust durability. You’ll find polymer components accounting for roughly 50% of the weapon’s 2.6 kg total weight.
This advanced material selection ensures corrosion resistance across diverse operating conditions, while the strategic integration of polymer and metal elements delivers optimal balance and maneuverability.
Chambered In
The FN P90 is chambered exclusively in the 5.7x28mm NATO cartridge, a round specifically engineered by FN Herstal to bridge the gap between pistol and rifle ammunition.
This calibre making delivers high-velocity performance with minimal recoil, making it ideal for the P90’s compact design.
FN Herstal produces various NATO-spec cartridges for different mission profiles, including ball, hollow point, and armor-piercing variants.
Capacity
Boasting a robust 50-round magazine capacity, FN Herstal’s P90 delivers exceptional firepower in a compact platform.
You’ll find the magazine positioned on top of the weapon, accommodating 50 cartridges of 5.7x28mm NATO ammunition. This innovative configuration enhances your operational efficiency by reducing reload frequency while maintaining optimal ergonomics for close-quarters engagements and personal defense scenarios.
Trigger Pull
Building upon the P90’s tactical advantages, its trigger system delivers precision-focused performance with a measured pull weight of 5-6 pounds. You’ll experience a smooth, crisp trigger pull with minimal reset due to its short-stroke piston design.
The trigger mechanism features consistent operation and ambidextrous controls, ensuring reliable performance whether you’re right or left-handed. The predictable break enhances your shooting accuracy and rapid target engagement.
Safety?
Safety features on the FN P90 encompass a comprehensive system of controls designed for tactical versatility. You’ll find ambidextrous safety controls accommodating both left and right-handed operation, while the safety lever provides three distinct settings: safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic fire modes.
These specifications enhance the P90’s operational flexibility, though manufacturers may change specifications without notice.
Action
The FN P90’s selective-fire action delivers exceptional performance through its long-stroke gas piston system, cycling at 900 rounds per minute in full-auto mode.
You’ll find the closed bolt operation ensures consistent ignition and enhanced accuracy. The action efficiently harnesses propellant gases to cycle reliably, while maintaining a controllable rate of fire despite its compact submachine gun configuration.
Optic Ready?
Modern variants of the FN P90 come equipped with extensive optics compatibility, complementing its high-performance action system.
You’ll find the Tactical variant features an upper Picatinny rail that accepts various optical sight options, including integrated visible or infrared lasers.
The standard model’s non-magnifying optical sight enables both-eyes-open shooting while maintaining effectiveness in low-light conditions.
Picatinny Rail?
Featuring a full-length MIL-STD-1913 specification, the P90 Tactical’s integrated Picatinny rail system provides extensive mounting options along its upper receiver. You’ll find this standardized rail interface offers seamless compatibility with your preferred optics, visible lasers, and infrared accessories.
The tactical versatility of this mounting system lets you customize your P90’s configuration to match specific mission requirements and personal preferences.
Review
The P90’s compact bullpup design and integrated sight system offer you exceptional maneuverability in close-quarters scenarios, while the unconventional top-mounted 50-round magazine ensures reliable feeding in high-stress situations.
You’ll find this platform particularly effective in tactical units, special operations, and VIP protection details where its 5.7x28mm cartridge provides superior penetration of soft body armor with minimal recoil.
The weapon’s ambidextrous controls and downward ejection pattern make it highly adaptable for both right and left-handed operators, though you’ll need dedicated training to master its unique manual of arms and specialized maintenance requirements.
Pros
Since its introduction, FN Herstal’s P90 has established itself as a highly effective personal defense weapon through several key advantages. The lightweight weapon delivers high velocity, small caliber rounds with minimal recoil.
| Feature | Benefit | Tactical Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2.6kg Design | Enhanced Mobility | Quick Response Time |
| 50-Round Magazine | Sustained Fire | Superior Coverage |
| Ambidextrous Controls | Universal Operation | Team Flexibility |
| Integrated Optics | Rapid Target Acquisition | Enhanced Accuracy |
Cons
Despite its innovative design, P90’s unique configuration presents several notable drawbacks that warrant careful consideration. The product’s bullpup specifications can impact handling dynamics, while maintenance complexity affects operational efficiency.
| Limitation | Impact |
|---|---|
| Bullpup Design | Awkward balance and handling |
| Limited Optics | Restricted magnification range |
| Proprietary Ammo | Higher cost, limited availability |
| Size/Capacity | Potential unwieldiness |
| Complex Design | Challenging maintenance procedures |
Reliability
Renowned for its exceptional performance under diverse operational conditions, FN Herstal’s P90 demonstrates remarkable reliability that sets it apart from conventional firearms. Through FN Herstal’s continual effort to improve, you’ll find the P90’s robust design handles extreme environments without compromising function.
Its reliable top-loading magazine system, straightforward maintenance requirements, and jam-resistant operation ensure dependable performance when you need it most.
Most Commonly Used By
The FN P90’s widespread adoption spans an impressive roster of elite military and law enforcement organizations across more than 40 countries. You’ll find this personal defense weapon in the hands of special forces units from Belgium, Switzerland, and France.
The firearm’s proven effectiveness has made it a preferred choice for law enforcement agencies like the LAPD and prestigious counter-terrorism units, including the US Secret Service.
Similar Models
Designed alongside the original P90, FN Herstal’s PS90 serves as the civilian-legal semi-automatic variant, retaining the distinctive bullpup configuration while complying with commercial firearms regulations.
You’ll find the PS90 maintains compatibility with standard 5.7x28mm NATO cartridges and features the same integrated reflex sight system. The primary differences lie in the magazine capacity restrictions and semi-automatic-only operation, though you can customize both variants using FN’s accessory lineup.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Several modern firearms manufacturers have developed alternatives to the P90’s distinctive design philosophy, each offering unique approaches to personal defense weapons.
You’ll find the Kel-Tec P50 matching the P90’s high magazine capacity, while the Kriss Vector features rounds ejected downward. The B&T APC9 and UMP45 offer more conventional submachine gun designs, and the CX4 Storm provides a similar bullpup layout in 9mm.
Maintenance
Maintaining your P90’s operational reliability requires systematic attention to its core components and regular preventive care. The weapon’s polymer materials design facilitates reasonable effort in cleaning and lubrication routines.
You’ll need to regularly inspect wear components and perform preventive maintenance on the weapon with a magazine system. The straightforward disassembly process enables thorough maintenance while preserving long-term functionality through proper storage practices.
History
After recognizing NATO’s need for a compact personal defense weapon in the late 1980s, Belgian arms manufacturer FN Herstal introduced the revolutionary P90 in 1990.
The company’s commitment to NATO calibre making led to the concurrent development of the 5.7x28mm cartridge. This change in specifications resulted in a bullpup design that’s now employed by military and law enforcement across 40+ countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is a P90 Herstal?
You’ll find new FN P90s priced around $1,200, while the civilian PS90 variant costs about $1,300. With its unique top-mounted magazine capacity of 50 rounds and bullpup design features, the P90’s reliability makes it a sought-after platform.
You can often find used models between $800-$1,500, depending on condition. Remember, you’ll need to comply with all firearms regulations and may encounter additional fees during purchase.
Can You Legally Own a FN P90?
You can legally own an FN P90, but there are significant legal restrictions to navigate. You’ll need extensive legal paperwork, including special licenses, registration, and compliance with federal, state, and local firearms laws.
Legal ownership typically requires Class 3 licensing or specific credentials like law enforcement/military status. For civilian use, you might consider the PS90 semi-automatic variant instead, which has fewer restrictions but still requires proper documentation and compliance.
What Is the Cost of P90?
You’ll find new P90s typically ranging from $1,200 to $1,800, though market availability can affect pricing. When comparing costs, consider that authorized dealers offer factory-new models at standard retail, while law enforcement contracts may access lower pricing.
Don’t forget to factor in maintenance requirements, including specialized parts and cleaning supplies. Your total investment should account for magazines, ammunition, and any desired accessories to make the system operational.
Is the FN P90 a Good Gun?
You’ll find the P90 is highly regarded for its exceptional reliability and innovative ergonomic design. Its unique bullpup configuration provides excellent balance, while the integrated recoil management system delivers minimal felt recoil during rapid fire.
The weapon’s ambidextrous controls and compact profile make it particularly effective in close-quarters scenarios. Despite its unconventional appearance, you’ll appreciate its proven track record in military and law enforcement applications worldwide.
Conclusion
You’ll find the P90’s 50-round magazine capacity remarkable – that’s over twice the standard 30-round capacity of most assault rifles. This pioneering personal defense weapon merges compact size with devastating effectiveness, maintaining 74% hit probability at 150 meters. When you’re maintaining the P90, focus on its unique top-loading magazine system and proprietary 5.7x28mm round specifications for optimal performance in close-quarters combat scenarios.
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