The 5.7x28mm round, known simply as 5.7mm, has steadily gained attention for its high velocity, low recoil, and versatile applications. Originally designed for military and law enforcement, the round is now becoming more popular in the civilian market for personal defense, sport shooting, and even hunting. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the 5.7mm round, its key characteristics, and why it’s gaining traction among shooters.
The History of the 5.7mm Round
The 5.7x28mm was developed by FN Herstal in the late 1980s and introduced in the early 1990s. Its creation was in response to NATO’s request for a new personal defense weapon (PDW) that could penetrate body armor, be effective at close to medium ranges, and be more versatile than the traditional 9mm.
The round was designed to be lightweight and to deliver high velocity with minimal recoil, making it ideal for use in personal defense weapons like the FN P90 and FN Five-seveN pistol. Initially, it was limited to military and law enforcement use, but in recent years, it has become more widely available to civilians, sparking increased interest.
Key Characteristics of the 5.7mm Round
The 5.7mm round stands out for several key characteristics that make it a unique option compared to more traditional calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP.
High Velocity
The 5.7mm is known for its impressive speed, often exceeding 2,000 feet per second (fps). This high velocity results in a flatter trajectory, making it more accurate at longer ranges than traditional handgun calibers. Its speed also enables it to penetrate soft body armor, adding to its defensive capabilities.
Low Recoil
Despite its high velocity, the 5.7mm has remarkably low recoil. This makes it easier to shoot accurately, especially for follow-up shots, compared to larger calibers like .40 S&W or .45 ACP.
Lightweight Rounds
The 5.7mm cartridge is lighter than many other handgun rounds, allowing for higher magazine capacities. For example, standard 9mm handguns typically carry 15-17 rounds, while 5.7mm handguns can carry up to 20 rounds or more.
Popular Firearms Chambered in 5.7mm
Several firearms are chambered for the 5.7mm round, and recent releases have expanded its popularity among civilian shooters.
FN Five-seveN
One of the first pistols to be chambered in 5.7mm, the FN Five-seveN remains one of the most popular and recognized firearms for this caliber. It features a 20-round magazine, low recoil, and the ability to fire a high-velocity round, making it a favorite among those who appreciate innovative firearm design.
Ruger-57
The release of the Ruger-57 in 2020 helped bring the 5.7mm round into the mainstream civilian market. The Ruger-57 offers a more affordable option than the FN Five-seveN, without sacrificing performance. It features a 20-round magazine and the same high-velocity performance, but with a more accessible price point.
One of the standout features of the Ruger-57 is its pairing with the Ruger LC Carbine, a rifle also chambered in 5.7mm that uses the same magazines as the Ruger-57 pistol. This pairing allows shooters to seamlessly transition between a pistol and a rifle while using the same ammunition and magazines, adding to its appeal for those looking for versatility.
PSA Rock
Palmetto State Armory’s PSA Rock is another recent entry into the 5.7mm market. With a more budget-friendly price and 23-round magazine, the PSA Rock is gaining attention as a reliable and affordable option for those looking to explore the 5.7mm round without a significant investment.
Comparisons to Other Calibers
5.7mm vs. 9mm
The most direct comparison for the 5.7mm round is the popular 9mm. While the 9mm has more stopping power due to its heavier bullet, the 5.7mm excels in velocity and capacity. The 5.7mm round’s high speed gives it better penetration capabilities, while the low recoil makes it easier for shooters to fire follow-up shots accurately.
9mm: Heavier bullets (typically 115-147 grains) with more recoil and stopping power, but lower magazine capacity (15-17 rounds).
5.7mm: Lighter bullets (27-40 grains), higher velocity, lower recoil, and higher magazine capacity (20-23 rounds).
5.7mm vs. .380 ACP
The 5.7mm also competes with .380 ACP, a popular round for concealed carry due to its low recoil and smaller size. While the .380 ACP is great for compact handguns, it lacks the velocity and range that the 5.7mm offers. The 5.7mm provides a significant upgrade in penetration, accuracy, and magazine capacity, making it a better choice for those who want a compact firearm with added power.
5.7mm vs. .45 ACP
Compared to the .45 ACP, the 5.7mm is much lighter and faster, but it sacrifices the stopping power that the .45 ACP is known for. However, the 5.7mm’s armor-piercing capabilities (in military and law enforcement rounds) and higher magazine capacity make it an appealing option for shooters looking for versatility and low recoil in a defensive round.
Popular Ammunition for the 5.7mm Round
Several ammunition manufacturers offer 5.7mm rounds for civilian use, with some rounds focused on defense and others designed for target practice and sport shooting.
Hornady Black 5.7x28mm 40 Grain V-Max
The Hornady Black 5.7x28mm is a popular choice for both defense and sport shooting. The 40-grain V-Max bullet offers excellent accuracy and reliable expansion, making it effective for personal defense while maintaining its versatility for the range.
FN Herstal SS197SR Sporting Round
Designed for sport shooting, the FN Herstal SS197SR is one of the most accessible 5.7mm rounds for civilian shooters. With a 40-grain ballistic tip bullet, it’s designed for accuracy and consistency, making it ideal for target practice.
American Eagle 5.7x28mm 40 Grain FMJ
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option for target practice, American Eagle offers a 40-grain full metal jacket (FMJ) round that delivers reliable performance for range sessions without the higher cost of defensive rounds.
Why the 5.7mm Round is Gaining Popularity
The 5.7mm round has moved from a niche military round to a civilian favorite for several reasons:
High Velocity and Accuracy: Shooters appreciate the flat trajectory and long-range accuracy, especially compared to traditional handgun rounds.
Low Recoil: The low recoil of the 5.7mm makes it easier for shooters of all skill levels to fire accurately, particularly in fast-paced defensive situations.
Higher Magazine Capacity: Firearms chambered in 5.7mm typically offer higher magazine capacities, giving shooters more rounds without needing to reload.
Versatility: From self-defense to sport shooting, the 5.7mm round performs well across multiple use cases, which has helped boost its popularity.
As more manufacturers introduce firearms chambered in 5.7mm, and as ammunition becomes more readily available, the round is likely to continue growing in popularity among shooters looking for a lightweight, high-velocity option.
The 5.7x28mm round is an exciting and versatile option for shooters who value high velocity, low recoil, and higher magazine capacity. While it may not fully replace the tried-and-true 9mm or .45 ACP for some, it offers a unique balance of performance that appeals to both personal defense and sport shooting enthusiasts. With firearms like the Ruger-57 and FN Five-seveN leading the charge, and ammunition options like Hornady Black and FN Sporting Round providing excellent performance, the 5.7mm round is a caliber worth considering for your collection.
Looking to add a 5.7mm firearm or ammunition to your collection? Check out our selection of firearms and ammo from top brands like Ruger, FN, and more. Explore here.
#5.7mmRound #FNFiveSeven #Ruger57 #HighVelocityAmmo #LowRecoilFirearms #PersonalDefenseAmmo #5.7x28mm #FirearmInnovation #CompactFirearms #CivilianFirearms #SelfDefenseGuns #ShootingAccuracy #SportShootingAmmo #AmmunitionPerformance #ModernFirearms #IowaFirearms #IowaShootingSports #MidwestGunOwners #IowaGunCommunity #IowaOutdoorsment
Comments