A Glimpse into its Past
The sleek lines, futuristic aesthetic, and the hushed whispers of specialized ammunition. The Fn Five Seven pistol evokes a certain mystique, a blend of cutting-edge technology and a reputation for serious performance. This isn’t just another handgun; it’s a statement. But is the hype justified? This in-depth article dives into the world of the Fn Five Seven, offering comprehensive Fn Five Seven reviews that cover everything from its history and design to its performance, pros, cons, and ultimately, whether it’s the right choice for you.
Before we dissect the pistol itself, let’s journey back to the genesis of the Fn Five Seven. Developed in the early 1990s by the renowned Belgian firearms manufacturer FN Herstal, the Five-seveN was born from a specific need. The goal? To create a handgun that could defeat body armor prevalent at the time, primarily focused on the protection offered by the Soviet-era designs. The focus wasn’t just on penetration; it was also on creating a weapon that could be effectively used by both military personnel and law enforcement agencies. This vision led to a unique combination of design and ammunition, resulting in the Five-seveN we know today.
FN Herstal’s reputation as a firearms innovator, particularly in the military and law enforcement spheres, is undeniable. They’ve produced iconic weapons, and the Fn Five Seven proudly stands as a testament to their dedication to cutting-edge design and manufacturing. It was designed to pair with the FN P90 Personal Defense Weapon (PDW), and both weapons share the 5.7x28mm ammunition to allow for interoperability.
The impact of the Fn Five Seven, beyond the firearms community, is noteworthy. It’s adoption by various military and law enforcement units worldwide speaks to its effectiveness. The gun’s modern design also attracts fans of movies and video games, adding to its overall popularity.
Decoding the Design and Features
The Fn Five Seven isn’t just about what it does; it’s also about how it looks and feels. From the moment you pick it up, you notice the distinct lines and the use of polymer, a stark contrast to traditional steel-frame handguns.
The overall design is modern and ergonomic. The polymer frame, contributing to a lighter weight, aids in comfortable carry. Its grip is designed to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes. The slide itself is sleek and often comes in several finishes, adding to the aesthetic appeal. The pistol typically features a Picatinny rail under the barrel, allowing for the attachment of accessories such as lights and lasers, enhancing its versatility.
Now, let’s break down some of the key features that set the Fn Five Seven apart.
Magazine Capacity
The magazine capacity is one of the most noteworthy features. It holds a significant amount of rounds, typically offering 20 rounds as a standard, with extended magazines often available, giving the user a clear advantage in a self-defense situation. The magazines are built to be reliable and durable, ensuring smooth feeding and performance.
Trigger Mechanism
The trigger mechanism is a single-action system. This means each pull of the trigger cocks and releases the firing pin, offering a consistent trigger pull and a relatively crisp break. This is something that experienced shooters often appreciate, enabling more precise shot placement.
Sights
The sights are generally fixed, although adjustable sights might be found on some variants. They offer a clear sight picture and aid in accurate targeting. The simplicity of the sights makes them easy to use, even under pressure.
Controls
The controls are strategically placed for ease of use. The safety lever, slide release, and magazine release are all within easy reach, facilitating quick and efficient operation. The intuitive layout of the controls minimizes the time required to manipulate the weapon in a high-stress situation.
The Power of the 5.7x28mm Cartridge
While the design of the Fn Five Seven is crucial, the star of the show is undeniably the 5.7x28mm cartridge. This round, designed by FN Herstal, is specifically tailored to maximize the pistol’s performance.
The 5.7x28mm is a bottlenecked, centerfire cartridge. It offers a high velocity, creating a flat trajectory and exceptional ballistic performance. This means the bullet travels a straighter path, leading to more accurate shots, especially at longer distances. The design of the cartridge contributes to the low recoil impulse, making it easier to control. The 5.7x28mm cartridge is lightweight, which means you can carry more rounds compared to heavier calibers. Its penetration capabilities also are worth highlighting. This ammunition was designed to penetrate certain types of body armor, solidifying the Five-seveN’s reputation as a serious self-defense weapon.
Putting it to the Test: Performance and Handling
Beyond specifications and aesthetics, the true measure of a firearm lies in its performance. Let’s explore how the Fn Five Seven handles in the real world.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the Fn Five Seven has garnered praise from many. The combination of a crisp trigger, a comfortable grip, and the flat trajectory of the 5.7x28mm round enables accurate shooting at various distances. Many reviews highlight its ability to group shots tightly, even when rapid firing. Range testing demonstrates the inherent accuracy of the firearm in the hands of a trained shooter.
Recoil
One of the most talked-about aspects of the Fn Five Seven is its recoil. Due to the 5.7x28mm cartridge’s design, the recoil is very manageable, particularly when compared to higher-caliber handguns. The relatively low recoil impulse makes it easier to maintain control, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy. This makes it a particularly good choice for shooters of all skill levels, as the easy handling allows for an enjoyable and effective shooting experience.
Reliability
Reliability is paramount in any firearm, and the Fn Five Seven generally has a good track record in this area. Constructed with high-quality materials and engineering, the gun rarely experiences malfunctions. Proper maintenance is crucial for preserving the firearm’s reliability, as is the case with any firearm.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the Fn Five Seven are a definite highlight. The grip is comfortable and fits well in most hands. The well-placed controls and the light weight further add to the overall user experience. Many users find the pistol easy to handle and point naturally, making it an excellent choice for a variety of shooting tasks.
Navigating the Benefits and Drawbacks
Like all firearms, the Fn Five Seven has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these is critical before making a purchase.
Pros
The lightweight design of the Fn Five Seven is a significant advantage, particularly for those considering concealed carry. Its polymer frame reduces weight, making it more comfortable to carry for extended periods. The ability to carry the pistol discreetly is a great advantage.
Low recoil is an advantage for shooters of all skill levels. The reduced recoil allows for quicker follow-up shots, leading to improved accuracy and control.
The magazine capacity, typically 20 rounds, provides a significant advantage in a self-defense situation. The increased capacity gives the shooter more rounds on tap, allowing for rapid engagement and defensive capabilities.
The accuracy potential is another strong point. The combination of a crisp trigger and the flat-shooting 5.7x28mm round translates to exceptional accuracy at various distances.
The unique 5.7x28mm cartridge provides advantages regarding velocity and penetration. This cartridge’s ability to penetrate certain types of body armor further enhances the weapon’s utility in law enforcement or self-defense scenarios.
Cons
Ammo costs can be a significant concern. The 5.7x28mm ammunition is generally more expensive than more common pistol rounds, which can increase the cost of training and recreational shooting.
The trigger pull, while crisp, may feel light to some shooters. While some appreciate the lighter pull, others might find it less intuitive.
The initial cost of the Fn Five Seven is also a factor. It is typically more expensive than many other handguns on the market, which can deter potential buyers.
Legal restrictions on the ammunition are also an issue. The perceived armor-piercing capabilities of the 5.7x28mm round lead to restrictions on its ownership and use in some areas.
A Look at the Competition
When considering the Fn Five Seven, it’s important to assess it in relation to its competitors. Here’s how it stacks up:
Glock pistols, are a prevalent option for those looking for a reliable and well-regarded handgun. Glock pistols are known for their reliability, simplicity, and widespread availability. They offer various calibers and sizes, making them appealing to a large group of shooters. The Fn Five Seven differs from the Glock in its use of the 5.7x28mm round and its higher magazine capacity. While the Glock is a widely popular choice, the Five-seveN is designed to offer a specific set of features.
The .22LR handguns offer a low-cost shooting experience. These guns can be affordable and great for training. The Five-seveN is a completely different tool, as it delivers a much more powerful and accurate round at a higher price.
What Others Are Saying
The user reviews for the Fn Five Seven are generally positive. Many reviewers praise its accuracy, low recoil, and high magazine capacity. There are some concerns regarding the cost of ammunition, but the overall consensus is that the pistol provides an excellent shooting experience. The sleek design and unique cartridge also draw a lot of positive attention from users.
Is the Fn Five Seven Right for You?
The Fn Five Seven appeals to a particular audience.
It’s a good choice for those looking for self-defense. Its accuracy, manageable recoil, and high magazine capacity make it an effective weapon.
Target shooters could also find the gun to be an enjoyable weapon. The pistol’s accuracy allows for precision shooting.
Collectors may also be interested in the pistol. Its modern design and unique cartridge give it a distinctive appeal.
It may also be a suitable choice for law enforcement personnel. The combination of its ammunition and lightweight frame is attractive.
The Fn Five Seven might not be the ideal choice for everyone. Those new to handguns may find the light trigger pull and ammo cost a bit overwhelming. People who are working with a strict budget may find it to be out of reach.
Taking Ownership: Buying and Maintenance
The price range of the Fn Five Seven can vary depending on the model and availability. Check for pricing at your local gun store and online retailers. Ensure that you can legally purchase and possess the pistol in your area, as local laws vary.
Maintenance is a straightforward process. Regular cleaning is vital to maintain the pistol’s reliability. The recommended steps usually involve field stripping the pistol, cleaning the barrel, and lubricating the necessary parts.
Final Thoughts
The Fn Five Seven is a capable handgun that combines innovative design and a unique cartridge. The overall package is reliable, accurate, and relatively easy to handle. The cost of ammunition is a significant downside to be aware of, but the performance of the gun is hard to overlook. Ultimately, the Fn Five Seven is an excellent option for anyone seeking a modern, high-performance handgun.
Consider your own needs and budget, research local laws, and if you have the opportunity, handle the pistol before making a decision.
Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below! Let’s discuss the Fn Five Seven!
