The article in brief
The FN Herstal Five-seveN is an innovative pistol with a unique calibre and exceptional performance.
- Caliber 5.7x28mm offering a remarkable precision up to 50 metres
- Exceptional lightness (662 g) with large magazine capacity (20 shots)
- Mk3 MRD version compatible with red dot sights
- Used by special forces and is part of the FN 5.7 weapon system.
Hi friends! Today I'm going to tell you about a little gem that's causing quite a stir in the world of firearms: the FN Herstal Five-seveN. As an enthusiastic gunsmith, I've had the opportunity to handle this pistol on many occasions, and believe me, it's sure to impress!
Unique features of the FN Five-seveN
An innovative calibre
The Five-seveN immediately stands out for its unusual calibre: 5.7x28mm. This ammunition, which I have seen evolve over the years, was standardised by NATO in 2021. It's a real little missile with exceptional ballistic performance. I still remember the first time I fired this calibre; I was blown away by its accuracy and low wind drift.
Lightweight and ergonomic
At just 662 grams empty, the Five-seveN is a real featherweight. It's one of the lightest pistols I've ever held. Despite its light weight, it offers an impressive magazine capacity of 20 shots. Particular attention has been paid to ergonomics, especially on the new Mk3 MRD version presented in 2022. FN Herstal really listened to user feedback to improve handling and usability.
Precision and versatility
The Five-seveN is renowned for its accuracy up to 50 metres. I personally tested this weapon on our shooting range, and I can assure you that it's a real pleasure to use. The low recoil makes for fast, accurate shooting. What's more, the Mk3 MRD version is compatible with red dot sights, making it a versatile tool for a variety of shooting situations.
Performance and uses of FN Five-seveN
A complete weapons system
The Five-seveN is part of the FN 5.7 weapon system, alongside the famous P90 sub-machine gun. This synergy offers exceptional tactical versatility. I've had the opportunity to train special units that use these two weapons in tandem, and it's impressive to see how well they complement each other in the field.
Options and customisation
The Five-seveN is available in black or flat dark earth (FDE), to suit different environments. For those who prefer discretion, a threaded barrel and silencer are available as options. Here's a summary of the main features:
| Features | Value |
|---|---|
| Total length | 208 mm |
| Barrel length | 122 mm |
| Weight (unladen) | 662 g |
| Charger capacity | 20 shots |
Users and controversy
The Five-seveN was designed for armed forces, police and special units. It has been used for several decades by numerous forces around the world. However, it has been unfairly nicknamed the "cop killer" in the United States, a totally unfounded appellation. In fact, armour-piercing ammunition is strictly reserved for the military and law enforcement agencies.
If you're interested in other high-performance pistols, I recommend you take a look at the Glock G34, a model with impressive features. It's an excellent alternative for those looking for a reliable, tried-and-tested weapon.
The future of FN Five-seveN
FN Herstal continues to innovate with this model. The Mk3 MRD version demonstrates their commitment to constantly improving their products. I recently attended a demonstration of this new version, and I can tell you that the improvements are far from cosmetic.
A partnership between FN Herstal and Fiocchi for the production of ammunition has been announced, which should ensure increased availability of 5.7x28mm cartridges. This is excellent news for sports shooters and collectors alike.
For those interested in the history of weapons, the The Walther P38K is a captivating model with its own special features. Although very different from the Five-seveN, it illustrates the evolution of pistols over time.
Here are some of the strengths of Five-seveN that set it apart from its competitors:
- Unique calibre offering excellent ballistic performance
- Exceptionally light for a service pistol
- Large magazine capacity (20 shots)
- Outstanding accuracy up to 50 metres
- Compatibility with red dot viewfinders (Mk3 MRD version)
Speaking of modern pistols, if you're looking for a quality European alternative, I suggest you check out the CZ P09, a Czech pistol that deserves to be better known. It's a weapon that rivals any other in terms of reliability and performance.
Five-seveN: a choice for the future
The FN Five-seveN is much more than just a pistol. It's a blend of technology and innovation that pushes back the limits of what you can expect from a handgun. Its lightness, accuracy and low recoil make it a formidable tool in the hands of a trained shooter.
Whether you're a law enforcement professional, a member of the military or a keen sports shooter, the Five-seveN deserves your attention. Its unique calibre and outstanding performance set it apart from other modern pistols.
Don't forget, civilian sales of the Five-seveN are scheduled for a later date, so keep an eye out! In the meantime, I invite you to come and try out other models in our gunsmith's shop. There's nothing like first-hand experience to appreciate the quality of a weapon.
To learn more about firearms, I recommend that you consult this guide weapons wiki for even more detailed information.