FN Five-SeveN

The FN Five-seveN is the first of its kind in the new generation of handguns. FN's newest contribution the handgun's evolution is named the Five-seveN. The Five-seveN is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FN).
FN created the new 5.7 x 28 mm cartridge and the FN P90 personal defense weapon (submachine gun) to meet NATO requirements released in 2000. Subsequent to this FN created the FN Five-seveN pistols around the cartridge to offer agencies who adopt the P90 the option of a sidearm.
The technical specifications of FN Five-seveN are:

  • It is a double action handgun
  • Possessing 5.7x 28 mm caliber
  • The length of the barrel is 122.5 mm
  • The over all length of the colt defender handgun is 208 mm
  • Operating Principle: delayed Blowback
  • The total rounds are 20.
  • The unloaded weight is 618g and loaded weight is 744g.

The FN Five-seveN represents a great leap forward in the handgun's suitability for close engagements .It delivers the type of performance that was previously confined to rifles or carbines.

All models of the Five-seveN can also be mounted with a laser-aiming module (LAM) or a tactical flashlight on the accessory rail. A threaded barrel is available for mounting a suppressor. FN produces night sights for the DAO and Tactical models. These sights do not fit the IOM and USG models without gunsmith. Trijicon is slated to produce tritium night sights for the IOM and USG models, but they are not available yet.

The gun is able to penetrate a PAGST vest at a 300 m and CRISAT vest at 100m. The FN Five-seveN is a semiautomatic type, which is, delayed blow back operated. The gun has a polymer frame with an under barrel accessory rail.

There are two types of guns in this model, one is Five-seveN standard and another one is Five-seveN Tactical. Both of them have different uses. Former is used for military uses and the later for law enforcement. The major difference between the two is that their trigger types are different. The only difference between Standard and Tactical models is in the trigger type: the Five-seveN standard features Double Action Only trigger with long trigger pull and no external safeties; the Five-seveN Tactical featured Single Action trigger with short and light trigger pull and ambidextrous safety switch, located on the frame above the trigger. Both variants are striker fired, with internal firing pin safety. The sights are fixed, with optional night sights (with luminous dots inserts) available.

The FN Five-seveN has a 20 round magazine, which is standard for all the versions. The ball fired from Five-seveN easily penetrates Kevlar helmets and CRISAT vests. There has been some controversy over claims that the FN Five-seveN is a "cop-killer" gun. The debate rests on the armor piercing capabilities of the military and law enforcement version of the 5.7 x 28 mm cartridge. This type of ammunition however, is not available to the public and do not provide any greater danger or armor piercing capability than many much more powerful, unrestricted and commonly available rifle cartridges not even designed specifically for armor piercing.

The Five-SeveN comes standard with 20-round magazine. The FN Five-seveN fires the 5.7x28mm SS190 Ball rounds and has a high hit probability. The Five-seveN's extremely low recoil impulse results in virtually no muzzle climb, thereby facilitating fast and controllable follow-up shots.

It is very light in weight as compared to other pistols. It weighs 30% less than most 9mm pistols. The smoothly contoured FN Five-seveN is comfortable to carry and quick to deploy. It is a fully safe pistol. Due to its double-action firing mechanism it offers no inherent risk of accidental discharge during transportation. Furthermore, all of its safety devices are automatically reengaged following each firing cycle.

The Five-seveN fires the SS190 5.7x28mm ball round. This projectile will perforate any individual protection on today's battlefield including the PASGT Kevlar helmet, 48 layers of Kevlar body armor and the CRISAT target (titanium and Kevlar). The SS190's conventional design allows it to be manufactured on existing production lines, and its lead-free composition eliminates range contamination.

Submitted by stickybeatz on Fri, 12/08/2006 - 13:51.

Comments

08:44 pm - Saturday, December 23, 2006

For what I read, it's a formidable handgun; it worries me what'll happen when it hits the black market and criminals start laying their hands on it; Law enforcement officers, even tactical ones, will be at a disadvantage for sure.

09:52 am - Sunday, December 31, 2006

For those of you thinking about pulling the trigger on a FN FiveseveN purchase, the following info should benefit you one way or the other:

I've used this fine weapon for approx. a year in various shooting scenarios (target, quick draw, carry and general purpose). In my opinion, it is probably the best semi-auto pistol in my arsenal, and here's why; balance, fit, and accuracy are excellent, even tho I have small hands. Multiple 10-ring shots are possible once the shooter gets used to the minimal recoil and pistol grip (slightly deeper magazine well than 9mm or 45acp, due to 28mm round length). The sights are adjustable and easily viewable during night ops. The accessory rail snugly supports each of the accessories I have mounted (light and laser). The holster market is beginning to offer more options for this weapon than previously available in the US. The recoil is so little, all-day shooting is possible and comfortable. I buy the ammo in case lots (2000 rounds instead of 1000). I'm seriously considering purchasing the PS-90 as the companion carbine to the FiveseveN, extending the range of this new cartridge beyond 200 meters. Since I own 9mm carbine/pistol companion pieces, comparing the ballistics between these 2 rounds is a no-brainer; if you want over 2000 fps and 2 - 300 yard engagement possibilities, a pistol round just isn't going to give it to you. The 5.7 x 28 will ...

Per the FN website (http://www.fnhusa.com/contents/cb_ps90.htm), here's the ammunition availability quote for the FiveseveN and PS90: All 5.7 x 28 mm restricted ammunition (armor piercing) is sold only to law enforcement and military agencies. This ammunition is only released and shipped from a U.S. Customs controlled bonded warehouse (CBW) upon BATFE and U.S. Customs approval.

07:12 am - Saturday, October 6, 2007

I agree with Marty. I own this pistol and it is the finest handgun in my arsenal. I love shooting it. Muzzle rise and recoil are almost non existant. I've only shot it at 25 yards, but it's not difficult to put a full clip (20rds) on target. I definitely recommend this handgun for anyone who loves to shoot. It's definitely worth the price. The only drawback I have is the limited variety of ammunition available for public purchase, and the fact that night sights aren't available for it yet. If anyone has found night sights for it, please let me know where.

09:46 pm - Friday, October 26, 2007

C-more is manufacturing night sights for it, but I haven't seen any in my area yet. My dealer is looking into it for me.
I am also in agreement that this is my finest handgun. I would definitely recommend this purchase to anyone interested in gaining a tactical advantage. BTW I didn't see anyone mention muzzle energy. The 5.7x28mm rounds available for public purchase create approximately 255ft/lbs of energy when fired from the FiveSeven pistol.

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