FN Five-seveN
The FN Five-seveN is one of the most distinctive pistols in production — a full-size semi-automatic chambered in the proprietary 5.7x28mm cartridge, offering 20+1 capacity in a lightweight polymer frame. Developed by FN Herstal alongside the P90 personal defense weapon for NATO special operations use, the Five-seveN delivers high capacity, low recoil, and a flat trajectory in a pistol that weighs less than most compact 9mm pistols when fully loaded due to its lightweight polymer frame and the 5.7x28mm cartridge’s small, light projectiles.
Read our full FN Five-seveN Buying Guide ↓
The 5.7x28mm Cartridge
The 5.7x28mm was developed by FN in the 1990s as a replacement for 9mm in close-range military and law enforcement applications, with an emphasis on defeating personal body armor. Military-specification 5.7x28mm ammunition with armor-piercing projectiles is not available to civilians — civilian 5.7x28mm ammunition uses non-AP projectiles compliant with US law. Civilian 5.7x28mm delivers high velocity (1,650–2,000+ fps from the Five-seveN’s 4.8-inch barrel), flat trajectory, and minimal recoil due to the small, light projectile. Terminal performance on soft tissue is adequate for defensive use with appropriate hollowpoint loads. The primary practical advantages for civilian use are the 20-round capacity, light recoil, and the ability to share ammunition with the FN PS90.
Five-seveN MK3 MRD: The Current Model
The current Five-seveN MK3 MRD (Multi-Role Dual) features a factory optics-ready slide with FN’s own mounting cut, an ambidextrous manual safety, adjustable trigger stop, and a flat-faced trigger as standard equipment. The MK3 represents a meaningful refinement over earlier Five-seveN generations with improved ergonomics and the factory optics integration that earlier models required aftermarket solutions for. The all-black or FDE polymer frame keeps weight at 1.7 lbs loaded despite the 21-round total capacity — a significant achievement in lightweight full-size pistol design.
FN Five-seveN vs. Ruger 57
The Ruger 57 is the primary domestic competitor to the FN Five-seveN in the 5.7x28mm pistol market. The Ruger 57 uses the same 5.7x28mm ammunition (compatible magazines between models) at a lower price point than the FN Five-seveN. The FN Five-seveN has the platform’s military heritage and FN’s build quality; the Ruger 57 offers Ruger’s American manufacturing at a more accessible price. Both share the 5.7x28mm’s advantages. For buyers who prioritize military pedigree and FN quality, the Five-seveN; for buyers who want the 5.7x28mm platform at lower cost, the Ruger 57.
Frequently Asked Questions: FN Five-seveN
Is the FN Five-seveN armor-piercing?
Civilian-legal FN Five-seveN ammunition is not armor-piercing. The military SS190 AP round is not available for civilian purchase. All commercially available civilian 5.7x28mm ammunition including Federal, Speer, and FN’s own civilian loads use non-AP projectiles that are legal for civilian purchase and use.
Does the FN Five-seveN use the same ammo as the PS90?
Yes — both the Five-seveN pistol and PS90 carbine fire 5.7x28mm ammunition. Magazines are not cross-compatible between the two platforms (the PS90 uses a top-mounted 50-round magazine unique to that design), but ammunition is fully interchangeable.
What is the effective range of the 5.7x28mm?
The 5.7x28mm’s flat trajectory and high velocity make it effective at longer handgun ranges — 50–100 yards with practical accuracy from the Five-seveN’s 4.8-inch barrel. Its primary design intent was close-range defensive use with the capacity and low-recoil advantages of the small cartridge.
See Also: FN America • Ruger 57 • FN PS90 • 5.7x28mm Ammo • Handguns
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