For some gun gurus, the Five-SeveN is the handgun equivalent of the world’s most fire-proof paper hat. It’s a brilliant technical achievement but who cares? For one thing, you’re more likely to find Keira Knightley at Country Buffet than a box of 5.7×28mm ammo at K-Mart. For another, firing-off a hundred rounds of Five-SeveN ammo costs more than draining a particularly good bottle of Scotch. As for the weapon itself, you can buy two Springfield XD’s for the price of one of FN’s strangely-chambered pistols. Did I mention that the Five-SeveN’s safety sits on the side of the gun’s barrel? Or that the grip is longer (end-to-end) than War and Peace? All of which makes the Five-SeveN a novelty gun for impressing range rovers who Glock around the clock. Right?
In the run-up to International Elvis Tribute Week, let’s put it this way: 23,000 Five-SeveN buyers can’t all be wrong. That’s the annual total. So I reckon the majority of Five-SeveN USG (United States Government) buyers have seen beyond the obvious drawbacks of owning an expensive gun in an obscure caliber to appreciate a weapon with genuine character and utility. What do they see in the the Five-SeveN? Let’s start with the pistol’s most obvious advantage: weight.
The Five-SeveN is as light as an episode of iCarly. Unloaded, the full-size handgun tips the scales at 617 grams (1.36 lbs.). Picking up the weapon for the first time, you’d swear the featherweight firearm is an Airsoft replica of itself. But the most plastic feeling of plastic-feeling polymer pistols is not an airport screener’s worst nightmare. The Five-SeveN’s Belgian manufacturers fashion the gun’s polymer-encased slide, barrel, trigger, springs, pins and various other mission critical bits from steel.
When FN USA introduced the gun to the American market a decade ago, customer Support Manager Bob Ailes used to tell buyers to carry it in a paper bag. These days, Sidearmor (above), Blade Tech, Galco and others offers custom holsters for the Five-SeveN’s distinctive shape. Mag holders? It’s Blackhawk or nothing. Still, if you’re looking to travel light whilst concealing a “proper” sized gun (4.75″ barrel), the Five-SeveN’s good to stow. Yes but . . .
The Five-SeveN is only slightly lighter than a Glock 17. The Austrian Mack Daddy weighs-in at 625 grams (1.39 lbs.). Gentlemen, add your bullets! Load the Five-SeveN with 20 of those needle-nosed 5.7×28mm cartridges and you’re aiming 744 grams (1.64 lbs.) of Belgian bad-ass at your target. Insert 17 9mm rounds into a Glock’s polymer pistol and you’re schlepping nearasdammit two pounds of handgun. A fully-loaded Glock 17 with a standard magazine gives up three bullets and about a half a pound of heft to the Five-SeveN.
And now for the twist . . .
As I pointed out in my ArmaLite 24-15C review, a heavy gun can be a good thing, not a bad thing. In particular, slight men and women and elderly people benefit from firing larger caliber bullets from a bigger, heavier gun. It reduces limp-wristing, flinching (which does absolutely nothing for accuracy) and removes a general preference to forgo range time for something more pleasurable like, say, paying bills. Which is why Glock’s turning to new technology to reduce recoil.
The Five-SeveN doesn’t need no stinkin’ dual recoil spring. Credit the smaller, lighter round for which the Five-SeveN was created. No question: the 5.7×28mm cartridge is a diddy thing. FN’s SS195 cartridge (the best choice for self-defense) is a 27-grain projectile, as compared to the average 9mm bullet’s 115 – 147-grain tally.
Although the FN’s muzzle flash would suit a small flame thrower, the Five-SeveN kicks like a slightly peeved gerbil; roughly 30 percent less than a 9mm bullet. Muzzle flip is simply not an issue. So much [not] so that this FN deserves an intra-consonant “u”. Punching holes or plinking with the Five-SeveN is Big Fun, with an amateur-friendly kill zone of 50 to 100 feet.
The Five-SeveN’s entirely endearing low-recoil also makes it possible for USG owners to grab their weapon in a crisis knowing that the only intimidation involved will be felt by those poor unfortunate souls who find themselves on the business end of a gun made in René Magritte’s homeland. Five-SeveN-istas will be able to fire quickly and very, very accurately.
Provided they’ve got a big enough hand. To accomodate that 20 bullet magazine (optional 30), the Five-Seven’s grip is as wide as a Glock’s, which is way too wide for a lot of small-handed shooters (hence the new Glock 23′s interchangeable backstraps.) To compensate for the big honking handle, the Five-SeveN’s grip texture is extremely aggressive. If you grab a gun as hard as I do, the Five-SeveN leaves a lasting impression—on the last three fingers of your strong hand.
Fortunately, there’s only 2.75 inches between the ridged trigger and backstrap. Activating the Five-SeveN’s pivoting internal striker-fire hammer is well worth the trip. After about 0.13 of an inch of take-up, the gun delivers a clean, crisp 4.5-pound pull, with no over-travel and near instant reset. Provided you remember to switch off the snout-mounted safety.
Yes, there is that. The Five-SeveN’s safety is, uh, unconventional. Training your brain to switch it off in a high-stress situation will require the usual 3000 round re-education process. At full retail, that’s $1800 worth of bullets. More importantly (for some), if you place your trigger finger as high as possible on the barrel (as I do), you can’t use your left thumb to deactivate the safety. Both digits are touching it at the same time; a recipe for confusion. The best way to flip off the safety: use your trigger finger.
On one hand (so to speak), the Five-SeveN’s safety forces you to NOT fire immediately. There’s your trigger discipline (in the proper place too). On the other hand, the Five-SeveN’s safety forces you to NOT fire immediately. A lot of self-defense pistoleros—guys and gals holstering Glocks, Springfields, M&Ps and the like—want to introduce an extra step into the firing process almost as much as they want to adopt Kevin Costner’s eyes-closed shooting technique from The Bodyguard.
Many of these combat-oriented shooters are concerned about the Five-SeveN’s stopping power. And with good reason. In its defense (or yours), penetration is not an issue. The Five-SeveN sends lead-free SS195 hollow-point jacketed bullet downrange at 1950 feet per second, generating some 220 ft-lbs. of muzzle energy. The SS195 round penetrates traditional ballistic gelatin (in the usual testing process) to a depth of 10.5 to 11 inches.
More to the point (so to speak), the SS195 round is designed to tumble and yaw when it hits its target, creating a wound channel as wide as the bullet is tall (21.6-mm or .85 in). The Secret Service is down with that. But then they get the law enforcement-only SS198LF cartridge. That bullet’s 2050 FPS velocity gives the feds body armor-piercing capabilities while maintaining the round’s flat-shooting flight characteristics and loss of lethality at 550 to 750 yards (vs. approximately one mile for a 9mm bullet).
And the taxpayer picks up the tab. Even shooters who value the Five-SeveN’s light weight, low recoil, amazing accuracy and 20-bullet capacity above bullet size have to pause before committing themselves to FN’s thousand-dollar pistol and its single-source, premium-priced ammo ($30 for a box of 50 cartridges). Controversy may have kept the Five-SeveN in the public eye, but price has kept it out of gun buyers’ collective grasp.
FN is trying to convince American bullet-makers to help Five-SeveN owners feed their USG without breaking the bank. But FN can’t do anything about the imported gun’s elevated price point. And so the Five-SeveN will never find mainstream success. But if you march to the beat of a different drummer with platinum plastic in your wallet, the Five-SeveN is a quirky but justifiable purchase. Hats off to FN.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Caliber: 5.7×28mm
Barrel: 4.8 inches
Overall Length: 8.2 inches
Weight (unloaded): 625 grams (1.39 lbs.)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed 3-dot combat sights with optional self-luminous tritium elements
Action: SA, delayed blowback
Finish: Black
Capacity: 20 (10 where restricted)
Price: $1180
RATINGS (Out of Five):
Style * * *
Our all-black tester was handsome enough, but a bit fussy and generic.
Ergonomics (carry) * * * * *
It’s a big (accurate) and light (easy to carry) weapon. What’s not to like? Unless you want something smaller.
Ergonomics (firing) * * * *
Ridiculously low recoil. Excellent trigger. Final star removed for the snout-mounted safety. I understand its benefits and could train to get used to it, but I don’t want to.
Reliability – Not Rated
No failures to feed, but FN didn’t send enough rounds to make a proper determination.
Customize This * * * * *
The Five-SeveN’s under-nose rail has plenty of room for lights and lasers. If you consider a 30-bullet magazine as customization, then way-hey!
Overall Rating * * *
Unique, fascinating and fun. But ammo cost and funky safety limit the appeal.
Cool gun and I wouldn't mind shooting one. By your review and by the numbers on paper, I certainly won't be bucking down 12 Benjies for it! The boxes of ammo I did find were at Sportsman Warehouse and they were $30 for a box of 20! That's more than rifle ammo!
I was lucky and got one for only $1000, and it is now my primary carry weapon. My ParaOrdnance P-14-45 was just getting too bloody heavy. As for ammo, Sportsman's Guide ( http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/browse/browsea… ) carries it for $21.37 for 50, $99.97 for 250 and $194.97 for 500 (with 10% off if you pay to join their 'buyers club' which also gets you frequent $10 off coupons). Admittedly I live about 20 miles from their warehouse so my shipping is less than most, but I have been consistently happy with their prices, products and service. Also if you reload or know someone who does, you can also pick up once fired brass on GunBroker for 5 to 10 cents apiece.
And I am *really* happy with my FiveseveN, which I bought on the theory that A) any gun that makes the Bradys soil their panties *that* badly must be a good one, 2] with the election of B.O. we would be seeing a new 'improved' AWB (I know, a politician who lied, what are the odds) and iii} that 30+1 rounds with 2 20-round backups is probably *way* more ammo than I need, but I would prefer to stop shooting after I run out of BGs and not after I run out of ammo.
Able Ammo is charging $21 for a box of 50 Hornady 40gr blue tip (SS197SR). Cheaper than Dirt has it for $19.45 a box. You were apparently pricing the lead free ammo which is expensive in every caliber!
I am a 6 foot, 225 lb. police officer and this is my duty weapon. With a Streamlight TLR1 on rhe rail and SS190 (LE only) ammo, riding in a Safariland model 6285 SLS holster, it’s still WAY lighter than the reliable Glock Model 22.
I have fired well over 2500 rounds out of the pistol, of all of the available ammo types with zero malfunctions and trenendous enjoyment.
I will say that I only opted to carry this pistol over the larger (and proven) .40 S&W caliber after a lot of research and hands on time with it.
A great majority of my decision was based on a few things.
A). Although I’m a fairly strong fella, and I took a lot of grief from my fellow cops about my “little gun” the LOW recoil enabled me to make 20 consecutive, accurate head shots in about 3 seconds from 7 yards. This thing is like shooting a laser. The capacity of the pistol (20+1) is a strong positive too.
B). The LE only SS190 ammo available to me will penetrate body armor and most “household” light barriers, while yawing in soft tissue creating an impressive wound channel and stopping after 11 inches or so, which is comparible to the larger bore penetration numbers.
C) Practice ammo cost is about $20 for 50 rounds of the SS197 stuff. Seems comparible to practice 40 ammo for that price.
D). As a cop, I’m guessing I stand a pretty good chance of having “my shootout” during a traffic stop. I have seen what 40 cal bullets will (not) do when shot into a car trying to neutralize an occupant. I tested the SS190 LE ammo against a car and it will defeat door skins, the window mechanisms inside, windshield glass, car rims (steel and alloy), and all the things that are between me and the threat. That’s stuff that the 40, 9, and 45 just won’t do, as I have seen 1st hand in real shootings and during training/testing.
E) The muzzle velocity of the 5.7 is high enough that when soft tissue is hit, it tears the elastic tissue, much like a rifle round. A standard handgun round will typically allow the elastic tissue to remain in tact and the bullet hole “closes”, restricting blood flow and leaving muscle in tact. This would likely prolong your threats ability to fight. I’m for neutralizing the threat as FAST as possible.
As far as the safety spoke about above, I simply don’t use it. Much like I never did on my first semi auto duty pistol in the mid 90′s (Smith 4006). After all, the only true safety is the operator. I do agree the positioning could be better, but its a non-factor to me, but may be of great importance to someone who actually uses it.
I have owned this pistol for three years and have carried it daily as my duty pistol for a year. I can honestly say it was worth my money and I have not been unimpressed as of yet.
The only complaint I have is the failure of FNH to make the sights a bit more modular so I could replace the factory sights with low light/night sights of my choice.
In my opinion, a great defensive weapon that is light enough to be carried concealed, big enough to serve as a duty pistol, hyper accurate, low enough recoil for even the smallest female (like my 13 year old daughter) to shoot accurately and quickly and high enough capacity that one mag oughta do ya.
What’s not to love! (Besides the price)
Thanks for all of the great info on the 5-7. We are unfortunately in a day where we have to carry in our churches because of bad guys. In a church that seats 4000 plus, an issue we always have to consider is post penetration should we (God forbid, and I hope he does) ever have to fire our weapons. I am intrigues by this pistol for personal as well as professional purposes. Definitely thinking about purchasing one for myself. Wonder if we should consider them for carry inside our church. Hmmmmm? just a thought. Thanks again for all the very helpful info on the weapon. Joe
Statistically, most people have less than a 50% hit rate. So what happens to those bullets that don't hit? That's a penetration issue—not over-penetration. In a crowded church, I'd think about a Taser first. And training. Lots and lots of training.
Thanks for the credible discussion. I have been ogling this gun for a good while (I own the FN45) and I think I will take the plunge soon for a high capacity yet lighter carry weapon.
Splint where the 5.7 excells is in motels,apartments, and mobile homes with thin walls. The reason is this…let’s say behind the criminal you are aiming at is a wall,and on the other side of it is a childs bed with the child sleeping in it. When you pull the trigger the 5.7 is most likely too not exit the bad guy and enter the child in the next room. Case 2 you are five feet away from the criminal who in in your family members bed on top of your child or spouse doing you know what to them. If you use a. 45 230grain ball ammo it has 22/24″ penetration to exit the criminal and enter your family member under the criminal. Are they worth shooting to stop the criminal? Here is an in home test you can do on yourself. Satnd with your back against a wall and a tape measure next to your ribs against the wall. From your stomachs front measure nine inches towards the wall. The five seven stops around ten to thirteen inches more like 9/13″. Now from the wall measure 22/24″to represent the.45. Now after it exits it will travel farther than 22/24″because of nothing but air and sheet rock after it leaves the bad guy. Oh did you see how nine to ten inches on the five seven is half way into the vital organs and not past your back? At that point the avoidance of PTP (PostTargetPenetration) value the five seven brings to the table of debate is extreme…like in a crowded parking lot of people at a store or mall. Now you see why the Secret Service like it in our overly sue happy society…lower chance for collateral damage against people near the target.
just a thought for you to consider.
I'm . . . dubious. I reckon that PTP or "over-penetration" is something of a non-issue. How many people are killed by bullets that went through a bad guy? Compare that number (should anyone be able to find it) to the number of people killed by bullets that MISSED their target. If you look at the number of bullets the average policeman shoots for each hit, well, PTP is not the issue. As far as home defense is concerned, my first priority is to get my kids behind me.
Anyway, I understand the Secret Service's need to avoid PTP in a huge crowd or on an airplane. But even that goal isn't as important as, gulp, stopping power. The FBI figures penetration is the critical factor for effectiveness. So . . . the 5.7's lack of penetration actually works against it. In theory.
Excellent review!
Even after months of research, I was hesitant to purchase the FiveseveN for one reason: the "theory" of high velocity and how that reacts post target. There's a lot of misinformation out there about the 5.7 round and I'm delighted to see you guys seem to have it right. I ended up purchasing a new FS last week and have 150 rounds down the pipe so far. I am in love with this gun. It's unconventional design certainly gets double takes at the range but more importantly, the performance seems to be flawless. I actually think the relocated safety switch is genius. For me, it feels more natural to reach for the safety on the barrel than at a traditional 1911 position.
Pick up an FNH catalog next time you're in your local gun shop. This company is impressive to say the least. From their historic relationship with John Browning, to production of his famous Hi-Power, to their uniquely designed modern warfare offerings, as well as the less-than-lethal product line, FN is a formidable firearms manufacturer that is on the leading edge of firearms design.
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I would ask those who haven't yet seriously looked at or shot a FiveseveN, do so soon. Plunking down $1k seems nothing for the 1911 crowd – perhaps $1k for a "plastic" gun is taboo for some. For this shooter, it was the best investment I could have made.
Finally, to address the ammo issue – the reviewer quotes some hefty price points for the 5.7 ammo. I have yet to pay more than $21 per box of 50. I pay that, or more, for 9mm. I predict as this gun becomes more popular, the ammo will become more available by more manufacturers, thus declining prices are in its future. FN has built an entire line of products around the 5.7. Lest we not forget it was FN who first produced the 5.56 and the 7.62 ammo that is commonplace today. I don't think a company with FN's reputation would invest in technology that will be obsolete anytime soon.
I'd love to own a Five-Seven some day. I play Splinter Cell Conviction and the Five-Seven is my favorite weapon of choice. I'd love to fire one in real life.
I've looked at the Five Seven for over a year. Wasn't sure about it. It seemed pricey for a small caliber pistol. After shooting one at our local gun shop, I fell in love with it. Mild recoil, lots of power and a joy to fire. The fun factor on this pistol is a TEN. I am now a new owner a Five Seven.
I own this gun ($1030), extremely accurate and very powerful high velocity round, the accuracy will amaze you (the PS90 is insanely accurate). I've always bought H&K in 45 ACP, so their was no price difference for me. Light weight, high capacity, very low recoil, low noise make it popular with the ladies too. The 5.7 x 28mm is the round of the future, it already makes the 22 magnum obsolete, in time it will replace other cartridges. I like the 5-7 safety, it was a major selling point for me, partially because I never, never keep my guns on "safe." My biggest complaint with most new semi auto pistols is the spring loaded pressure safety like Glocks, S&W, Kimber ect . The safety devices on those guns add more springs and more [plastic] moving parts, all things that break over time, and in my opinion generally make the gun less safe in a defense/combat situation. For anyone considering purchasing the USG or PS90 should consider that the 5.7 cartridge is a gamble, it may replace other cartridges or it may become obsolete itself. This gun represents the most recent advance in ballistic firepower available to commercial/civilians at this time.
NATCHEZ HAS ROUNDS FOR 19.99 a box of 50. get your facts correct. This is the best handgun I own and I own alot of pistols.It is perfect for beginners and professionals alike. Women will have no problem with the recoil of this weapon. It is built to last and built to work. Chamber is nowhere near as sloppy as some Glocks I have shot. This pistol has the fastest rate of fire and is easy to fire fast and keep the muzzle on the taget. Isnt that what its all about? People who dont own this pistol are simply jealous of it as you cant compare too many pistols to it. Excellent wound channel,blazing fast fps,what more do you want?
I own several semi-automatic pistols including the FiveSeven USG. All pistols have pro’s and cons. I don’t worry about cost as I make a good living so that eliminates cost as a con or a pro. The FiveSeven is the most accurate pistol I have ever fired at 21′ or 50′. Realistically most self defense situation for most people are likely to be within a 21′ radius. I can place cvs or cns shots with any caliber weapon at that distance but rapid fire tight grouping is best with the FiveSeven as is a double tap. The low recoil and flat trajectory are simply outstanding including for longer range shot out to 50 yards ( not a likely SD scenario and hard to convince a judge or jury on that). I own Glocks (19 and 23), XDs (.45 ACP tactical and 9mm subcompact with extended mag). I also own 12 and 20 gauge Mossberg’s and a Beretta Cx4 in .45ACP. I know and use all these weapons well and can imagine optimal use situation for any. Yet if I had to and could pick only one for SD purposes I would pick the FiveSeven. It is light, highly accurate, easy to rapid fire and at the end of the day has more ammunition with 20 rounds in the standard magazine, than is likely to be necessary for 99.99% SD scenarios within a 21′ radius where you are likely to have only one maybe two aggressors. I smile at posts which make it sound like people are imagining themselves in urban or suburban warfare type SD situations. Let be realistic those are rare enough events that most gun owners will never need to fire a weapon in SD. The FiveSeven with adequate shot placement and bullets to spare is a good defensive weapon. Two in center mass and if need be one in the head and it’s over. The bullets will tumble and yaw more often than not and expand too if you use any of the loads available to civilians. I trained my wife on the XD 9mm subcompact with a crimson trace. But I am taking her to the range to introduce her to the FiveSeven because even with her small hands I know her followup shot placement and timing will improve with a FiveSeven.
This handgun is the best for self defense that I have ever used.
[1] easy to clean
[2] easy to shoot
[3] Accurate
[4] My wife loves shooting it. She much prefers it to other handguns.
[5] I love the thing and the expense in defense of home and hearth was well justified
I saw this weapon in a shop 3 years ago for under $500.00 There is no other reason than greed for the type of increase the Five-Seven has.
I worked 12 years (Part Time) at a gun shop. One of our customers who purchased one suggested we do a test. We took the Five-Seven into the country along with a .460 Rowland and a .50 Desert Eagle. Our target was a balast out of an F-4 Phantom. A balast is a hard lead block about 6″ High, 10″ long and 3/4 thick.
We put the target at 12′. The .460 Rowland penetrated farther thant the Desert Eagle round. The Rowland Penetrated about 75-80% through the balast. We then shot the Five Seven using hollow point ammo. The round penetrated the same distance as the Rowland.
It might not be a lab experiment but it has some good horse power behind it. I think it would be a serious health concern to anyone on the receiving end.
Been researching ever since I read it in tom clancys books. I love it but can’t purchase one for another three years. (not 21 yet) anyone wanna guess what will happen with it by then?
My brother recommended I might like this website. He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Fired many, best weapon I’ve owned or fired!
was searching websites for good quality information on purchasing my first gun. it seems the only people that has bad things to say about the five seven are those that never owned one. This is the first website i came across with experinced post and i have to say i am sold should be purchasing mine in the morning
I own two of these and would never part with either of them. I buy ammo for $22.95 box of 50, all three types, hollow point, red tip, and blue tip. I read about the weapon in a magazine on my second tour in Iraq. As soon as I came home I bought the first one I saw for sale. The second came later on a deal. I carry either a Spring Field compact or one of my small frame Glocks when out and about but one of the FN’s is in my vehicle. Nothing like having 60+ rounds at the ready in half the space of a Glock. If you get the chance to buy one DO IT!