The 5.7x28mm is an outstanding little self-defense or sporting cartridge. And it is finally gaining commercial popularity in the American market. FN had the first 5.7x28mm on the market. But due to two major firearms manufacturers’ introducing their own takes on this pistol cartridge, the 5.7×28 mm cartridge has been rescued from possible oblivion. Let’s take a look at the three primary 5.7x28mm pistols I’ve tested to see how they compare head-to-head.
The FN Five-seveN
FN developed the first 5.7x28mm firearms to hit the civilian/law enforcement market. The revolutionary FN Five-seveN pistol went into production in 1998. Featuring a delayed blowback operating system, the Five-seveN is an ultra-simple, extremely clean shooting handgun. I owned a Five-seveN from 2008-2012 and carried it as a chest-mounted second handgun on my SWAT body armor, using it in place of a rifle for dynamic entries. It was one of the first pistols to come equipped with a molded-in Picatinny light rail.
Specifications
Capacity: 10 or 20 rounds
Weight: 21 ounces
Barrel length: 4.8 inches
Overall length: 8.2 inches
Height: 5.7 inches
Width: 1.4 inches
Pros
Of the three pistols I tested, the Five-seveN was the lightest at only 21 ounces. It is also extremely reliable. I’ve never experienced a malfunction with a Five-seveN pistol. Along with that, these 5.7x28mms are rather low maintenance. Except the barrel and chamber, all of its parts are encased in polymer, requiring very little attention. But various color schemes are available.
The Five-SeveN’s trigger is classified as single action, and there is no safety lever on the trigger face. Its sights are fully adjustable, basic three white dots, but they’re prominent and visible.
FN’s new MRD version features an enhanced slide and improved grip. Plus, it’s optics-ready. The MRD grip shape works for a wider variety of shooters.
Cons
Price: The Five-seveN is the most expensive of the three pistols reviewed here. I found the standard Five-seveN for sale online for $1,149, while the new MRD is priced at $1,249.
Manual Safety: The European-style manual safety on the Five-seveN pistol series (including the MRD) consists of an ambidextrous rotating lever positioned unconventionally directly above the trigger. Rotate the lever up to apply the safety and down to take it off. The lever sits nearly flush with the frame and is a bit tricky to operate. I ended up carrying my Five-seveN with the safety off while on SWAT.
Size: The Five-seveN is the bulkiest of the three pistols despite being the lightest.
The Ruger 5.7
Ruger introduced its excellent 5.7 pistol in 2019. This 5.7 features standard American firing controls. Its overall size is also less bulky, with a 1.2-inch slide width.
Specifications
Capacity: 20+1 rounds
Weight: 24.5 ounces
Overall length: 8.65 inches
Barrel length: 4.94 inches
Height: 5.6 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
Pros
This 5.7 has a narrower grip frame and slide due to its compact blued steel drop-free magazines. It also features a fully adjustable serrated steel rear sight with green fiber optic front sight. While ambidextrous 1911-style manual thumb safeties are available, the Ruger 5.7 is equipped with an integrated trigger safety. And the steel slide is drilled and tapped for optics mounting. A major plus is an MSRP of just $899.
Cons
Sights: I would like to see Tritium sights as an option
The Smith and Wesson M&P 5.7
I was pleasantly surprised when Smith and Wesson introduced its own version of the 5.7×28 pistol this year. The M&P 5.7 features an innovative new operating system: gas-operated, locked-breach Tempo barrel. This barrel system makes the S&W 5.7 the narrowest of the three tested guns at 1.1 inches. It also makes the slide notably easier to retract.
Specifications
Capacity: 22
Weight: 26.7 ounces
Overall length: 8.5 inches
Barrel length: 5 inches
Height: 5.25 inches
Width: 1.1 inches
Pros
Of the three 5.7 handguns tested, the M&P had the best trigger pull. It was extremely crisp. And its trigger safety is standard, though manual ambidextrous 1911 style thumb safeties are available. A threaded barrel also comes standard. The only one of the three. S&W’s 5.7 slide is also optics-ready. The polished stainless steel drop-free magazines hold 22 rounds yet still fit flush. A major pro is again the price, coming in the lowest at $699.
Cons
Holstering: The threaded barrel makes the M&P 5.7 difficult to wear in a vehicle with an outside-the-waistband holster. I originally tested it in an old Uncle Mikes High Ride OWB holster. The muzzle cap ended up digging into the seat, ending that assessment. An unthreaded barrel needs to be an option for those of us who won’t be using suppressors.
Trigger guard: It was the smallest of the three pistols. It should be enlarged to accommodate larger fingers or gloved hands.
Sights: S&W should update the iron sights. Tall, easily adjustable sights to co-witness with a red dot sight like those available on M&P models would be a great improvement.
Who Should Buy a 5.7 Handgun?
The 5.7 has come a long way. After considering each of these examples, it is clear that the 5.7x28mm caliber should not be overlooked when it comes to self-defense weapons. Not only is this caliber potent and accurate, but it is also practical from a size standpoint. FN, Ruger and Smith & Wesson have all created reliable, high-quality firearms. Any of these handguns would make a great pistol for School Resource Officers or church security personnel as well as work well for home defense or concealead carry. Spend some time researching the different models available and make sure the caliber fits your needs before investing in one for yourself. Meaningful protection isn’t something to enter into lightly — thus far, the 5.7x28mm has proven itself up to the challenge!
Let us know which 5.7 you’re most looking forward to trying out — or already carry — in the comments below!
Sources:
FN: FNAmerica.com
Ruger: Ruger.com
Smith & Wesson: Smith-Wesson.com
