A Look into the History of the Pistols
The FN Five-seveN’s Origin
The foundation of understanding any firearm begins with its origins. Let’s explore the stories behind these two prominent 5.7x28mm pistols.
The FN Five-seveN, originating from the renowned FN Herstal, entered the firearms scene with a specific objective: to provide a personal defense weapon (PDW) that would complement the P90 submachine gun. Designed primarily for military and law enforcement use, the Five-seveN aimed to offer a lightweight, high-capacity pistol capable of penetrating body armor and other protective gear. The FN Herstal design philosophy was to create a new standard in personal defense weapons that could be easily adopted by military and law enforcement agencies globally. This history defines many aspects of its design even now.
Ruger’s Entry into the Market
Conversely, the Ruger 57 represents Ruger’s strategic entry into the 5.7x28mm market. Ruger’s approach was to leverage its existing manufacturing expertise and design a pistol specifically for the civilian market. This involved a focus on affordability and accessibility, alongside the innovative features that Ruger is known for. The Ruger 57 was intended to be a versatile pistol, suitable for various applications, including recreational shooting, self-defense, and target practice. The difference in intent greatly impacts the design choices, leading us to compare the Ruger 5 7 Vs Fn 5 7 in various aspects.
Exploring the Design and Features
Ergonomics and Handling
Now, let’s move into the heart of the comparison: the design and features of these two handguns.
When you pick up each pistol, the feel in your hand is significantly different. The ergonomic design of the FN Five-seveN, though comfortable, often elicits divided opinions due to its unique shape. The grip, while providing a secure hold, may feel somewhat large for those with smaller hands. The Ruger 57, however, often earns praise for its more traditional and ergonomic feel. Its grip tends to fit a wider range of hand sizes, offering a more natural and intuitive feel for many shooters. Both, however, ensure a good grip due to their textures and contours.
Controls and Weight
The controls on both pistols are generally well-placed and accessible. The safety levers and magazine releases are easily reachable. One noteworthy difference is the slide release. The FN Five-seveN has a slightly lower profile slide release, while the Ruger 57 has a more pronounced slide release. User preference will ultimately determine which is “better.”
The overall weight and balance of the pistols also differ. The FN Five-seveN, due to its robust construction, tends to be slightly heavier than the Ruger 57. This difference in weight can impact handling and felt recoil. The Ruger 57, being lighter, can feel more responsive in the hand.
Frame, Slide, and Aesthetics
The construction and aesthetics also highlight the differences. The FN Five-seveN features a polymer frame paired with a steel slide, known for its durability. The Ruger 57 boasts a polymer frame but uses a through-hardened alloy steel slide. Both frames are known for being tough and long lasting. The FN Five-seveN has a more angular and futuristic appearance, which gives it a distinct visual identity. The Ruger 57 has a more traditional, streamlined design, which appeals to those who appreciate a classic pistol aesthetic.
Sights
The sights are an essential part of any firearm. The FN Five-seveN comes equipped with adjustable, three-dot iron sights. These sights offer decent visibility and are generally easy to acquire. Many shooters have the option to upgrade to aftermarket optics or red dot sights. The Ruger 57 comes with a well-designed set of iron sights, which are easy to see and align. Many models also come optics-ready, allowing for the simple installation of a red dot sight.
Trigger Mechanisms
The trigger mechanisms of these pistols also differ. The FN Five-seveN features a single-action trigger known for its crisp break and light pull. This characteristic makes it easier to achieve accurate shots. The Ruger 57 has a single-action trigger as well, but some users report slightly longer travel and a slightly heavier pull weight compared to the Five-seveN. This can vary slightly between individual pistols and personal preference.
Magazine Capacity
The magazine capacity, crucial for both self-defense and recreational shooting, also plays a role. The FN Five-seveN comes with magazines that hold a substantial capacity, generally around the same as the Ruger 57. The extended magazines offer even higher capacities. The Ruger 57 also has impressive capacity magazines, providing shooters with more rounds available.
Performance in the Field
Accuracy
Beyond the physical attributes, the true test of a firearm lies in its performance.
Accuracy testing is critical when comparing the Ruger 5 7 Vs Fn 5 7. Accuracy can depend on many variables. The FN Five-seveN, with its solid construction and crisp trigger, often delivers excellent accuracy, with groups typically very tight at common handgun distances. The Ruger 57 has also demonstrated exceptional accuracy, often performing as well as or even better than its rival, depending on the shooter and ammunition used.
Recoil and Reliability
The recoil characteristics of both pistols are relatively mild, thanks to the design of the 5.7x28mm cartridge and the construction of the firearms themselves. Both guns have similar perceived recoil. The lighter weight of the Ruger 57 may make the recoil slightly more noticeable for some shooters.
Reliability is one of the most critical factors in a firearm. Both the FN Five-seveN and the Ruger 57 are generally considered reliable. There are many reports of users who have run hundreds or even thousands of rounds through the guns without malfunctions. While the specific reliability of a firearm is always somewhat dependent on maintenance and ammunition quality, both of these pistols are consistently rated as dependable.
Ballistics
The 5.7x28mm cartridge offers compelling ballistics. The high velocity and flat trajectory make it effective for various applications. The ammunition’s ability to punch through certain types of body armor is a debated point. Both of the handguns utilize the cartridges effectively.
Cost and Availability
Pricing
The price point and availability of each pistol are very important considerations.
The FN Five-seveN is generally positioned at a higher price point, reflecting its premium build quality and market position. Prices can vary depending on factors such as the location of the buyer. The Ruger 57, by contrast, is positioned at a more accessible price point, making it a more attractive option for budget-conscious shooters or those looking to enter the 5.7x28mm market. The cost differences are considerable.
Availability and Accessories
Availability can also be important. The FN Five-seveN, though widely recognized, may be slightly harder to find in certain regions. The Ruger 57, often being produced in larger volumes, is frequently easier to locate. The accessories market has also grown rapidly for the Ruger 57, with far more options available than the FN Five-seveN.
The Final Verdict
The Ruger 5 7 Vs Fn 5 7 comparison reveals distinct strengths and weaknesses for each pistol. The FN Five-seveN is well-established with a reputation for high quality. It offers excellent performance, a crisp trigger, and a unique aesthetic. However, its higher price tag may put it out of reach for some shooters.
The Ruger 57 represents a strong value proposition. It provides excellent performance, an ergonomic design, and a more affordable price point. While the trigger might not be quite as refined as the FN Five-seveN’s, the Ruger 57 delivers excellent value for its price. It’s a great option for shooters looking for an entry into the 5.7x28mm platform, or who simply want a high-performing pistol at a reasonable cost.
In conclusion, both the Ruger 57 and the FN Five-seveN are excellent choices. Choosing between the two pistols depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. The Ruger 57 provides a compelling mix of performance, affordability, and ergonomics, making it a top contender. The FN Five-seveN is still the top choice for someone wanting the history of the pistol. The choice is truly yours. We hope this comparison has provided valuable insight.
***Disclaimer: Firearms are dangerous. Handle all firearms with care, follow all safety rules, and comply with all local laws and regulations. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice.***
