FN Five-SeveN Review

The FN Five-Seven is a unique and highly regarded semi-automatic pistol that has gained popularity for its innovative design and capabilities. Developed by the Belgian arms manufacturer FN Herstal, the Five-Seven is known for its distinctive characteristics, including its chambering in the 5.7x28mm cartridge, large magazine capacity, and use by military and law enforcement units worldwide.

History and Development

The FN Five-Seven, conceived in the twilight of the 20th century, emerged as a pioneering sidearm, specifically engineered to complement the innovative FN P90 submachine gun. Both weapons were designed around the novel 5.7x28mm cartridge, a response to the growing demand for ammunition with superior performance metrics compared to conventional handgun rounds.

This particular cartridge was developed with a clear vision to offer a blend of reduced recoil, enhanced capacity, and the ability to penetrate body armor, thereby addressing the evolving requirements of law enforcement and military operatives. The Five-Seven’s design philosophy prioritized not just firepower but also user friendliness and tactical versatility, encapsulating a leap forward in handgun technology with its emphasis on lightweight construction and formidable ballistic capabilities.

Design and Features

5.7x28mm Cartridge

The 5.7x28mm cartridge, well-known as Five-Seven ammunition, is recognized for its unexcelled high-velocity and armor piercing properties, setting a new bar for firearm ammunition tech. Having been specifically developed, this cartridge was designed to be superior to old handgun calibers, by providing deeper impact and greater ballistic distance. 

Its development was guided by the necessity of the bullet that could penetrate body armor well and was still small enough in size, allowing for the possibility to have greater capacity of magazines and reduced recoil. This mixture of characteristics has built a solid 5.7x28mm reputation as the definitely better choice for tactical and general self-defense applications, offering users with a palpable edge in the terms of firepower and operational agility.

High Capacity Magazine

The magazine of the pistol, whose dimensions surpass those of similar pistols, carries up to 20 rounds as standard, offering significant advantages over the conventional magazines found in handguns of the same size. Besides presumably improving the magazine size and reloading frequency of the weapon, this aspect also allows the gun to dominate the theater of operations tactically in situations that take a long time to be resolved. 

This maximalist magazine capacity was essential for voters because it is the very nature of the product, ensuring its users are adequately armed for various tactical situations without the regular weight or bulk. Such a dynamic balance between size, weight and capacity suggest a careful analysis and optimization of this handgun for both strength and ease of use through which the users of law enforcement, military, and civilians become the formidable ones.

Lightweight Construction

Polymer frame for FN Five-Seven is what sets apart this gun for other ones is the super lightweight built, mostly attributed to the material used for this construction, basically negligibly adding extra pounds to the firearm and not influencing its reliability. 

This strategic choice of advanced materials guarantees that the pistols do not only handle be easily but also allows operators to comfortably increase their usage time which is an important factor when it comes to agility and operational readiness, especially when high feat is required for a sustained period. And yet, the polymer for the core component of Five-Seven, which is a growing trend among the firearm manufacturing companies to develop firearm designs that are not only perform well but also enhance their user experience and being ergonomic, is important. 

The essence of lightweight construction has made the Five-Seven especially liked by law enforcement and military people, as well as civilian shooters who appreciate the fact that the pistol has a high capacity, considerable firepower, and also easy carrying which is the major attribute of Five-seven design.

Ambidextrous Controls

The ambidextrous design of the pistol controls including the magazine release, safety and slide release would show a great thoughtfulness of the designer who aims to satisfy the diverse behaviour of the users to the extent that the pistol can be operate right and left handed shooters as equally.

This emphasizes that the gun is another tool in the war against the disease, and by being user friendly, the weapon becomes highly accessible, unlike the shooting difficulties that usually face left-handed shooters in traditional weaponry design. These ambidextrous characteristics build the tactical flexibility of the pistol and aid the firearms handlers as they switch from dominant to non-dominant hand, enabling a continuous holding moment and comfortable handling for the user. 

This idea helps grow the base of the firearm among this population group rather than limiting the use to a smaller bunch of people, while at the same time projecting the message of inclusivity and adaptability to firearm manufacturers, thereby positioning the sidearm as the preferred choice for not only the professionals and recreational sports shooters, but also the parts of population that ideally seek the versatile, quickly adopted and user friendly fire

Safety Features

The FN Five-Seven boasts advanced safety features designed for secure operation by professionals and civilians alike. It integrates a trigger safety to prevent accidental discharge unless intentionally engaged, alongside a firing pin safety that blocks the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pressed.

These mechanisms significantly reduce the risk of unintended firing, enhancing overall safety during handling and use. The combination of these safety features underscores the pistol’s commitment to user safety, ensuring reliable performance without compromising on security.

Pros and Cons

My Personal Maintenance Routine FN Five-seven

• Safety Check Always start by ensuring the firearm is unloaded and safe to handle.
• Field Strip Disassemble the Five-seven according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare for cleaning.
• Clean the Barrel Use a bore brush and solvent to clean the barrel thoroughly, then dry it with a clean patch to remove residue.
• Clean the Slide Apply solvent to a cleaning cloth or brush to clean the slide, focusing on the breech face and extractor.
• Lubricate Moving Parts Apply a small amount of gun oil to moving parts, such as the slide rails, to ensure smooth operation.
• Inspect Components Check for wear and tear on critical components, including the firing pin, extractor, and magazine springs.
• Clean the Frame Wipe down the polymer frame with a solvent-dampened cloth, paying attention to the trigger assembly and magazine well.
• Magazine Maintenance Disassemble and clean the magazines to ensure reliable feeding. Check for damaged components.
• Reassemble and Function Check Carefully reassemble the Five-seven and perform a function check to ensure all parts are working correctly.
• Storage Store the firearm in a dry, secure place. Use a silicone-treated cloth for a final wipe down to protect the finish.

Additional Tips

• Always use high-quality, factory-made ammunition that’s recommended for the 5.7x28mm caliber. This reduces the risk of malfunctions and ensures consistent performance.
• Periodically check the condition of the recoil and magazine springs. Springs can wear out or lose tension over time, affecting the firearm’s reliability. Replace them as needed.
• Apply a light coat of oil to metal parts, especially if you live in a humid climate or the firearm is exposed to moisture. This helps prevent rust and corrosion.
• While lubrication is important, too much can attract dirt and debris, leading to buildup. Apply lubricant sparingly and only where needed.
• Familiarize yourself with the FN Five-seven’s design and mechanics. Reading the manual thoroughly, watching instructional videos, or attending a maintenance workshop can provide valuable insights into proper care and troubleshooting.

FN Five-Seven Performance Evaluation: My Expert Ratings and Insights

Aspect	Review Summary	Score
Accuracy	The Five-seven’s lightweight design and low recoil contribute to high accuracy, even at longer ranges.	9/10
Reliability	Highly reliable across diverse conditions, thanks to its quality construction and advanced design.	9/10
Customization	Some customization options with aftermarket accessories, but not as extensive as more common platforms.	6/10
Ergonomics	Ergonomic design with ambidextrous controls and a comfortable grip, suitable for extended use.	8/10
Value	High initial cost but offers unique capabilities with its armor-piercing rounds and high magazine capacity.	7/10
Overall	The FN Five-seven is praised for its innovative design, offering a blend of accuracy, reliability, and unique ammunition capabilities.	8/10

Conclusion

The FN Five-Seven stands out as a distinctive and innovative firearm, characterized by its use of the 5.7x28mm cartridge, high magazine capacity, and lightweight construction. Its adoption by military and law enforcement units, as well as its appeal to civilian shooters, reflects its versatility and unique capabilities in the realm of semi-automatic pistols.

FAQs

1. What caliber does the FN Five-seven use?
   The FN Five-seven uses the 5.7x28mm cartridge, known for its high velocity and ability to penetrate body armor when using specific types of ammunition.
2. Is the FN Five-seven legal for civilian ownership?
   Yes, the FN Five-seven is legal for civilian ownership in many countries, including the United States. However, legality can vary by state and country, so it’s important to check local laws.
3. Can the FN Five-seven penetrate body armor?
   Yes, certain types of 5.7x28mm ammunition can penetrate soft body armor. This capability depends on the specific ammunition type used.
4. What is the magazine capacity of the FN Five-seven?
   The FN Five-seven typically comes with 20-round magazines as standard, with 10-round magazines available for states or countries with capacity restrictions. A 30-round magazine option is also available.
5. How does the FN Five-seven compare to other handguns in terms of recoil?
   The FN Five-seven is known for having low recoil compared to other handguns, which is a result of the 5.7x28mm cartridge’s design and the pistol’s overall engineering.
6. What are the primary uses of the FN Five-seven?
   The FN Five-seven is used for personal defense, law enforcement, military applications, and recreational shooting due to its high capacity, low recoil, and the unique capabilities of the 5.7x28mm cartridge.
7. How customizable is the FN Five-seven?
   While there are aftermarket accessories available for the FN Five-seven, such as sights and grips, it is not as widely customizable as some other handgun models due to its unique design and caliber.
8. What safety features does the FN Five-seven include?
   The FN Five-seven includes several safety features, such as a manual safety switch, a firing pin safety, and a trigger safety to prevent accidental discharge.
9. How should the FN Five-seven be maintained?
   Regular cleaning and maintenance are recommended, including cleaning the barrel, slide, and frame with appropriate solvents and lubricating moving parts with gun oil.
10. Where can I buy FN Five-seven ammunition?
    FN Five-seven ammunition can be purchased at gun stores, sporting goods stores, and various online retailers. Availability may vary based on location and regulations.

We’re eager to hear from you! Share your personal experiences and insights about the FN Five-seveN in the comments section below. Whether it’s about its performance, handling, or how it compares to other firearms you’ve used, your feedback could greatly assist fellow enthusiasts and potential owners in making well-informed decisions!