Introduction
The FN Five-seveN is a revolutionary semi-automatic pistol designed by the renowned Belgian company FN Herstal. First introduced in 1998, this pistol is distinguished by its use of the 5.7 x 28 mm caliber, offering a unique combination of lightness, precision and punching power. Used by armed forces, police agencies and civilian shooters worldwide, the FN Five-seveN has rapidly become an icon of handgun innovation.
History and development
The FN Five-seveN was designed as a complement to the FN P90, a machine pistol using the same 5.7 x 28 mm caliber. This caliber was developed to offer superior perforating capacity to traditional calibers such as the 9 x 19 mm, while reducing recoil and increasing magazine capacity.
The Five-seveN was originally designed for law enforcement and the military, but has also been made available to the civilian market in several countries, where it has become popular for sport shooting and personal defense.
Technical data
The FN Five-seveN is renowned for its ergonomics, ease of use and impressive ballistic performance. Here are its main features:
Main specifications
Caliber: 5.7 x 28 mm.
Magazine capacity: 20 cartridges (standard), with options for 10- or 30-cartridge magazines.
Weight: 744 g empty.
Total length: 208 mm.
Barrel length: 122 mm.
Materials: Mainly polymer construction, reducing weight while offering great durability.
Safety: Ambidextrous safety device with firing pin lock.
Ballistic performance
The 5.7 x 28 mm caliber enables the Five-seveN to fire projectiles at high velocity (up to 650 m/s), offering an effective range of 50 m and exceptional piercing capacity. Specialized ammunition, such as the SS190, can penetrate Level IIIA soft body armor.
Design and ergonomics
The Five-seveN is designed to be easy to handle, even for inexperienced users. Its polymer frame makes it lightweight, while its low recoil reduction guarantees excellent accuracy in rapid fire. The textured stock and strategically placed controls make it comfortable to use over long periods.
Uses and popularity
Law enforcement and military
The FN Five-seveN is widely adopted by security forces around the world. Its unique caliber enables it to handle threats protected by body armor, making it an ideal choice for special operations and tactical situations.
Civilian use
Thanks to its large magazine capacity and accuracy, the Five-seveN is popular with both sport shooters and individuals for personal defense. In the USA, for example, it has become popular in the gun-loving community for its unique features.
Variants
The FN Five-seveN is available in several versions:
Five-seveN IOM: First civilian version, with adjustable rear sight and accessory rail.
Five-seveN USG: Updated version with ergonomic improvements, including a textured grip.
Five-seveN MRD: Modern version with a rail for mounting red dot optics.
Comparison with other guns
The FN Five-seveN sets itself apart from traditional semi-automatic pistols with its unique caliber and ballistic performance. Here’s a quick comparison:
Glock 17: More compact and affordable, but with lower punching capacity.
SIG Sauer P320: Designed for precise shooting, but with a shorter effective range.
Heckler & Koch VP9: Robust and ergonomic, but without the ballistic advantages of the 5.7 x 28 mm.
Impact and legacy
Since its introduction, the FN Five-seveN has redefined the standards of modern handguns. Its innovative design and unique ballistic performance make it suitable for a wide variety of situations. Its adoption by numerous armed forces and security agencies testifies to its success and reliability.
Conclusion
The FN Five-seveN is much more than a pistol: it’s a revolution in the world of handguns. With its unique caliber, lightweight design and exceptional performance, it continues to be a preferred choice for professionals and discerning amateurs alike.
