If you like small, oddball cartridges that are blazing fast, you’re going to love shooting 5.7×28.
This cartridge got its start in the European military arena, and ended up being a cult classic among civilians here in the U.S. But how do you know what’s worth spending your money on? After all, this stuff isn’t cheap.
We couldn’t miss out on the fun. After a bunch of testing, these are the best 5.7×28 guns and ammo we’ve found.
Let’s dig in!
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best Overall Pistol
-
Best PCC
-
Best Classic Pistol
-
Best Value Pistol
-
Best Budget Pistol
-
Best Classic Rifle
-
Best AR
Table of Contents
Loading…
5.7×28 Guns Comparison Chart
| Caliber | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Capacity | Price | |
| Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 | 5.7×28 | 5″ | 8.5″ | 27 oz | 22+1 | $609 |
| Ruger LC Carbine | 5.7×28 | 16.25″ | 28.7 – 30.6″ | 5.9 lbs | 20+1 | $737 |
| FN Five-seveN | 5.7×28 | 4.8″ | 8.2″ | 21 oz | 20+1 | $999 |
| Ruger-5.7 | 5.7×28 | 4.9″ | 8.65″ | 25 oz | 20+1 | $401 |
| PSA 5.7 Rock | 5.7×28 | 4.7″ | N/A | 25 oz | 23+1 | $399 |
| FN PS90 | 5.7×28 | 16″ | 26.23″ | 6.3 lbs | 30+1 | $1,375 |
| CMMG Banshee Mk4 | 5.7×28 | 8″ | 23.7″ | 5.1 lbs | 30+1 | $1,199 |
| KelTec P50 | 5.7×28 | 9.6″ | 15″ | 3.2 lbs | 50+1 | $734 |
How We Tested the Best 5.7×28 Guns & Ammo
For this article, we rounded up a bunch of pistols, carbines, and ammo we’ve personally tested here at Pew Pew Tactical. We also included a few that we didn’t directly test in 5.7×28, but still have experience with and recommend.
Every review handgun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammo through it at 5 and 7 yards.
Meanwhile, every review rifle undergoes 500 rounds of practice ammo and heavier match-grade ammo at 50 and 100 yards with a 5-25x scope (unless otherwise noted). We require all AR-15s to be tested with at least 3 magazines to assess compatibility, and we use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to measure the average trigger pull for all guns.
For guns we have reviews on, we’ve linked those so you can read more.
Best 5.7×28 Guns
1. Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 – Best Overall Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Good trigger
- High capacity
- Light recoil
Cons
- This is one long pistol!
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7×28
- Action: Semi-automatic, single action
- Capacity: 22+1
- Barrel length: 5″
- Overall Length: 8.5″
- Weight: 27 oz
- Country of Origin: USA
When the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 came along, it brought a suite of features that lands it the top spot on our list — for handguns, anyway.
For starters, the slide is optic-ready. We’re big proponents of pistol red dots, so having that option is important, regardless of cartridge. Those aggressive front and rear serrations make for easy racking and press-checking.
The frame includes an accessory rail so you can mount a pistol light, too. That’s a big advantage if you plan on using your pistol for defense.
The 5.7×28 cartridge isn’t a great candidate for suppression since its power comes almost entirely from velocity, but the M&P 5.7 does have a threaded barrel so you can add a can.
The M&P 5.7 comes with two 22-round steel magazines.
Shooting-wise, it performed well with smooth reloads and manageable recoil.
Like the rest of the M&P lineup, this gun has excellent reliability and accuracy paired with solid ergonomics that make for a pleasant shooting experience. If you want the benefit of a proven platform paired with the 5.7×28 round, the M&P 5.7 is it!
Read all the details in our Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 review.
2. Ruger LC Carbine – Best PCC
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Shares magazines with the Ruger-5.7
- Accurate
- Reliable
Cons
- Expensive
- Only comes with one magazine
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7×28
- Action: Semi-automatic, blowback
- Capacity: 20+1
- Barrel Length: 16.25″
- Overall Length: 28.7 – 30.6″
- Weight: 5.9 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
If you want to shoot 5.7×28 out of a carbine that’s light, accurate, and small enough to fold up and stuff in a backpack, the Ruger LC Carbine is your huckleberry.
This PCC has a 16.25-inch barrel, but it feeds from a magazine in the pistol grip and features a folding stock, so it’s surprisingly compact.
During testing, we were impressed with the LC Carbine’s accuracy and reliability. It cycled all the ammo we fed it and reliably hit 4-inch targets. If ammo weren’t so expensive, we’d still be on the range and grinning from eat to ear.
We didn’t have any issues with the LC Carbine’s ergonomics, but the controls might require some stretching for smaller hands. Aside from the price tag, that’s really the only downside to this hoot of a PCC.
Catch all our thoughts in our Ruger LC Carbine review, and watch the video to see it in action!
3. FN Five-seveN – Best Classic Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Very low recoil
- Flat-shooting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Safety location is not ideal
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7×28
- Action: Semi-automatic, single action
- Capacity: 20+1
- Barrel Length: 4.8″
- Overall Length: 8.2″
- Weight: 21 oz
- Country of Origin: Belgium
The FN Five-seveN is the companion sidearm meant to go with the P90. It’s the OG 5.7×28 pistol!
Developed by FN early on in the life of the cartridge, this handgun actually caused significant changes to be made to the overall design and dimensions of the round so it would feed reliably in a handgun.
The Five-seveN is a lightweight, polymer-framed gun. The 20+1 capacity is standard for 5.7×28 pistols today, but it was big news when it launched and topped the Glock 17.
The gun is not striker-fired as many would assume. Instead, it uses an internal pre-cocked hammer design that creates a crisp, single-action pull.
It’s also deceptively light at just 1.6 pounds loaded.
The one downfall of this gun is the price. Belgian guns aren’t cheap.
Want to dive deeper? Check out our FN Five-seveN review!
4. Ruger-5.7 – Best Value Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Low Recoil
- Great sights
- Optic-ready
Cons
- May require a break-in period
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7×28
- Action: Semi-automatic, double action
- Capacity: 20+1
- Barrel Length: 4.9″
- Overall Length: 8.7″
- Weight: 25 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Ruger went head to head with FN in producing the Ruger-5.7.
The design goal for this pistol seems to be making the FN Five-seveN, but without all the weird stuff that makes Americans not want to buy it. That’s a noble goal.
To achieve this, Ruger kept the basic dimensions and operating system of the Five-seveN, and did away with the European-style controls. This gives the gun a familiar 1911-style safety.
Beyond that, you have all the same benefits as the Five-seveN: low recoil, high capacity, and a good trigger.
Oh, and it’s less than half the price — that’s a smoking deal!
Want more details? We have them in our full Ruger-5.7 review.
What are your thoughts on the Ruger-57? Rate it below!
5. Palmetto State Armory 5.7 Rock – Best Budget Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- High capacity
- Minimal recoil
- Optics-ready version available
Cons
- Loud
- Expensive ammunition
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7×28
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 23+1
- Barrel Length: 4.7″
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: 25 oz
- Country of Origin: USA
Palmetto State Armory jumped into the 5.7×28 game with the 5.7 Rock, looking to take on the likes of Ruger and FN.
At a real bargain of a price, the 5.7 Rock is a good option for those who want to save some money for ammo. Overall, it’s a decent gun.
During our testing, we found it to be both accurate and reliable. You can even get different colors now.
This pistol has fantastic ergonomics. Both our large handed and small handed staff found it to be quite comfortable to hold and shoot.
The undercut trigger guard and raised beaver tail offer a high grip which further helps mitigate any recoil. All controls were super easy to reach and manipulate – not to mention the magazine release is ambidextrous!
You can check out more in our PSA 5.7 Rock review.
6. FN PS90 – Best Classic Rifle
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Compact
- Low recoil
- Fully Ambidextrous
Cons
- Mediocre trigger
- Optics sit really high
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7×28
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: 26.23″
- Weight: 6.3 lbs
- Country of Origin: Belgium
We haven’t had the pleasure of reviewing the FN PS90, but how could we leave it off the list it created?
The select-fire FN P90 was first produced in 1990 (hence the name). It quickly became popular with police and counter-terrorist units, as well as various military personnel such as tankers, military police, support staff, and special forces.
Of course, unless you’re a SOT, and a fairly wealthy one at that, you’ll have to settle for the semi-auto version, the PS90.
All variants use a bullpup design with a lightweight polymer frame that makes it incredibly maneuverable in tight spaces such as inside buildings, vehicles, or spaceships.
It’s available in 16-inch and 10.4-inch barrel configurations, although the latter requires extra paperwork because it’s an SBR.
According to FN, the standard magazine capacity is 30 rounds. You can also get 10- and 50-round mags, depending on your applicable laws.
7. CMMG Banshee Mk4 – Best AR
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Fun to shoot
- Well-built
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7×28
- Action: Semi-automatic, radial-delayed blowback
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 8″
- Overall Length: 23.7″
- Weight: 5.1 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
Let’s move away from handguns again for a minute and talk about one of the few 5.7×28 ARs on the market: the CMMG Banshee Mk4.
CMMG is a powerhouse in the world of pistol-caliber carbines, and the Banshee Mk4 is one of their most popular offerings.
It’s actually available for 10 cartridges, with three barrel lengths and numerous configurations among those choices. So, you can pretty much style it how you like.
Oh, and did we mention it takes Five-seveN mags?
If you’re interested in the idea of a 5.7×28 PCC or pistol but prefer the AR-15 platform, this is your best option by a country mile.
You should also take a look at our CMMG Banshee Mk4 review!
8. KelTec P50 – Most Unique
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Comes with two 50-round mags
- Super fun to shoot
- Compact
Cons
- Hard to find at times
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7×28
- Action: Semi-automatic, blowback
- Capacity: 50+1
- Barrel Length: 9.6″
- Overall Length: 15″
- Weight: 3.2 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
The KelTec P50 is a spacey-looking gun that will scratch your 5.7x28mm itch.
Weighing in at 3.2 pounds, this gun takes 50-round magazines. That’s plenty of firepower!
The P50 sports a 9.6-inch barrel and a 15-inch overall length. If you want to add accessories, a Picatinny rail and QD mounts provide options.
Is it practical? Hardly. Do we want one? Desperately.
Best 5.7x28mm Ammo
1. Speer Gold Dot
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Speer Gold Dot is legendary in the world of defensive ammo. It’s one of the most popular choices for law enforcement in North America.
If you’re looking for a defensive 5.7×28 round, these 40-grain hollow points are what we recommend.
2. Federal American Eagle
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Another venerable and familiar choice here, Federal American Eagle is one of the most popular budget FMJ ammo choices out there.
If you’re looking for cheap, reliable, FMJ 5.7 ammo, Federal has got you covered.
3. Fiocchi Combo Packs
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Buying 5.7×28 ammo is never cheap, but you can make life easier by picking up ammo in bulk.
These combo packs from Fiocchi come in two varieties. Grab 200 rounds of Range Dynamics training ammo along with your choice of 200 rounds of either Hyperformance defensive ammo or Range Dynamics Subsonic training ammo.
History of 5.7×28 Guns & Ammo
The FN 5.7×28 cartridge was originally created as part of an attempt by NATO to replace 9mm with better range, accuracy, and terminal performance.
FN completed development on the first 5.7 round, the SS90, in 1990. It used a 23-grain projectile moving at 2,800 feet per second from the 10.4-inch barrel of the FN P90 that was developed at the same time.
Out of the P90, the tiny bullet was capable of penetrating NIJ-rated Level IIIA ballistic armor at 200 meters.
NIJ IIIA armor is rated to stop .357 Mag, so a light-recoiling round that could defeat this type of body armor was attractive to many potential adopters from various militaries and police agencies, especially considering the capacity advantage over something like .357 Mag.
Further development led to a shorter, heavier projectile that still reached a muzzle velocity of 2,350 feet per second out of the P90. This SS190 would go on to become the standard 5.7×28 round w know today.
The shorter length allowed the round to feed more reliably in the FN Five-seveN handgun that was also in development at the time.
As you know, 9mm didn’t go anywhere. Nevertheless, many militaries and law enforcement agencies independently decided to adopt 5.7×28.
Today, there’s a growing interest in 5.7×28 guns and ammo in the commercial market. Enough firearm and ammunition manufacturers have gotten on board now that it looks like 5.7×28 is here to stay.
Meet the Experts
Megan Kriss is an avid recreational shooter by day, and writer/editor by night. She has an extensive linguistics and writing background, and has written for everyone from Allstate to celebrity plastic surgeons. She also has experience in international affairs and political policy analysis.
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
This awesome little round has a fun history. While it’s something of a niche caliber, it’s growing in popularity and availability. Will it be your next defensive cartridge?
It’s not ideal for plinking given the expense of the round compared to 9mm or .22 LR, but if you’ve got the cash, fire away!
If you are thinking about adding 5.7×28 to your collection, you won’t regret it.
What do you think of these 5.7×28 guns? Let us know in the comments! If you’re intrigued by the PS90, check out the Best Bullpup Rifles and Shotguns (you know you want to)!
Latest Updates
- August 2025: Added a comparison chart and Meet the Experts section. Added the Ruger LC Carbine and Fiocchi 5.7×28 ammunition combo packs.
- June 2024: Added PSA Rock 5.7 and Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7. Added supplemental data to each product and also included a section on how we chose the best 5.7 pistols.
Rating score
60 Leave a Reply
I foolishly purchased the Ruger 5.7, and since purchasing it, have had numerous problems with it despite countless trips to the gunsmith… the last two times sending it back to Ruger. Just when I begin to think we have beaten the troubled childhood of this pistol, it fails to fire, eject, load… ugh. In contrast, the only problems we’ve had with our FN Five-seveN IOM pistols has been finding the ammunition.
Well, I'm glad the high-dollar pistols are running well for you, at least. For that price I would hope so! Bummer about the Ruger, though.
Yanno, Scott, I’d rather spend $1000 for a pistol and cry once, than buy one like the Ruger-5.7 for about $400, then spend another $45-50 each time I take it to a Ruger dealer gunsmith, and then have to send it back to Ruger: FedUp is expensive (each way): and with two round trips, I’ve spent more on the Ruger than the FN. Which is the less expensive weapon?
If I get the Ruger back this time, am I likely to use it?
The way I look at it, of the two, the FN Five-seven IOM is the less expensive firearm… well-engineered and built, and I haven’t had a lick of trouble with mine or the one that belonged to my late wife. I’ve probably put around 6000 rounds through my FN 5.7, ~2200 through my late wife’s FN — and less than 130 rounds through the Ruger-5.7.
I occasionally buy a pistol like the Ruger 5.7 and usually don’t regret it. In this case, the workmanship wasn’t on par with that which I’ve found in Ruger rifles, and I’ve paid for it… I could have bought an Ed Brown or Les Baer 1911 for what I’ve paid for the Ruger 5.7 in total. Lesson learned.
I expect that a new pistol functions flawlessly and I’ve been disappointed with my girlfriend’s SIG Sauer 365 and now this Ruger, both of which had significant problems. Some companies’ engineering, quality control, and manufacturing is rushed and the results show it.
Someday I'm going to use that justification to buy a very expensive firearm. Thank you for your contribution to my cause!
Happy to write a letter for you. I’m a certified Professional Cost Estimator and have official and street creds…
Time that you bought that Staccato 2011 XL, and put a nice Holosun sight on it.
Semper Fi.
I believe the S&W wins the contest, hands down. The innovative Tempo gas operated action sets the S&W apart from the rest. Loyalty to the original FN pistol just because it was the first is not a good enough reason for it to be the editors pick.
The Keltec R50 is a bad little rifle. Very accurate and light with a ps90 50round mag. Kinda hard to bet that. It’s very accurate with all the ammo I’ve tried. I believe the LEO round by fn is a little more accurate than others I tested. ( fn vmax 40g, federal 40g fmj, fiochi ). Super simple blow back operation, simple mechanical stuff under the hood. It’s just a really nice carbine that’s super accurate ( at 25 yards anyway ).
I have a ? If this can be answered 5.7x28 vs the 7.62x25 which would be best for home defense
I know barrel length comes into play but which round is easiest to find also. Thank you so much.
I love my M&P 5.7, and personally feel it it the cream of the crop compared to the other 3 models. Heck, I'll tale reliability over all else! You state one of the models is loud: Heck, they are ALL loud! One bit of a correction on the Federal ammo price: It is $30/50 at the vendor you suggested, and up to $42 at the others, not $25 as is suggested. So you comments on all of the guns about ammo being expensive is right on. M&P makes a new 22WMR model with the same tempo barrel, and being so pleased with my 5.7, I am contemplating one for cheaper yet similar ballistics plinking!
I have two (2) P502, the RUGER LC Carbine, the Ruger 5.7 Pistol, and a P90. I thoroughly enjoy firing these weapons and appreciate their relative compactness for casual concealment. I have added the FarrowTech folding arm brace to both P50s and have a RuggedObsidian9 silencer that works perfectly for these weapons. Reliable and durable.
Do not purchase the cheaper 50 round magazines...I have witnessed failure of the plastic loading mechanism as I do not believe they are made from polymer plastics and the screw wells have cracked/broken while rapid firing. It's taken a few years but I have amassed about 10K rounds of Gold Dot Speer HPs and high velocity rounds.
God Bless America and F--k Joe Biden!
Looking at CMMG’s web site, I don’t see the same pistol as shown for item #6 anywhere in CMMG’s online catalog, almost as if the photo of the real CMMG Banshee Mk IV has been photoshopped to remove the pistol tube and make it appear like a H&K MP5. A bit disingenuous, wouldn’t you say?
But, that doesn’t surprise me… not at all. After all, a bit of disinformation?
Interesting article.
I tried the FN Five-seveN IOM in Belgium two months after its release, and when back in the states, my wife and I both purchased one. There are some secrets to the IOM that aren’t public knowledge — and if you own one, you should do your research (start with the iron sights) to get the most out of it: there are elements of the pistol which were taught military personnel issued the FN 5.7 IOM that you won’t find as common knowledge. They’re fun to shoot, but as the article reveals, expensive.
I purchased the Ruger 5.7 last year — and it reminds me of the Kalashnikov: unlike 1911s which are milled, Ruger’s 5.7 feels as if it was made with stamped metal, very different than other pistols. YMMV.
The FN PS90 suffers two of the complaints of many bullpups: a lousy trigger, and a scope mount that is much too high. While I’ve never tried one, I spoke at length with one of my instructors whose California police department evaluated them: the trigger was mushy — a bad idea for a law enforcement firearm — and no fix could be found for it. (My instructor’s department chose NOT to purchase the PS90.) while it may look cool, that’s not a selection priority for me. YMMV.
I’m a big Ruger fan , I shyed away from the 5.7 and refused to embrace the horrors about adding a new platform to the arsenal then something
Happened in me. It was like an epiphany , like someone hit a switch and turned on the lights. It started with me going back in the stack of 3 years of gun magazines and reading every article about the 5.7x28 mm round.that I could find, then I got on the World Wide Web. I came to the conclusion that Ruger leads the industry and is waiting for the rest to jump in the deep end. The the 10/22 , PC9mm rifle, the gunsite scout rifle, SFAR and the biggest challenge “the precision rifle”! Who knew gun owner would want or need a precision rifle , a perfect example of Ruger making a market that was military fringe , into the fastest growing gun sport. Most people don’t think about shooting a ten inch at 725 yards out until Ruger made a custom long range rifle at a reasonable price and made the rifle in all sniper rounds. The sport that only for the extremes marksmen with money to burn in a 6-10 thousand dollars on a custom built range toy. Now everybody has a precision rifle or want one and now every gun manufacturer offers a precision rifle. It was like Ruger was playing out the game it started out to be.” Ruger’s field of dream” build it and they will come” I picked up my Ruger 57 pistol in March, bought 1000 rounds of ammo. I bought my LC 5.7 in April and 2nd LC 5.7 carbine last week. Cost of ammo is a cop out. If you own another platform like 45 colt and you buy good ammo , I like Hornady so I’m spending 1.25-1.75 a round. So it’s really kind of relative. If you like it, buy it now or wait and buy one later. Like the precision rifle ,eventually all collectors will want one for his/ her collection. I am very happy with my 5.7s, I find the 5.7 is a platform that is fun to shoot and that is perfect for self defense. Ruger is leading us into it’s agenda one new offering to at a time. change and pragmatism, build it and they will come.
You should probably look back at how Bill Ruger was a proponent of gun control via ammunition controls.
You’re right! He felt civilians should only need 5rd magazines. It’s just ironic that after he passed, Ruger pulled out all the stops and started building high-capacity firearms. I never thought they would get into the AR market, but they did. I personally think if they would have stayed with his vision, they would have went bankrupt.
I own a DIAMOND BACK DBX 5.7 which so far no issues there are other manufacturers that also make 5.7 PDW'S firearms and pistol's Rock Island,Masterpiece Arms
I put all my 5.7x28 guns back in the safe. As of this post in October 2022, 5.7x28 is nearly a dollar a round. Nope, I switched back to 9mm until prices come back down, like they did for a lot of pistol calibers. There are several companies producing the round now, retailers are being ridiculous. Our local shops have shelfs full at $49.00 a box, and no one is buying it
It's highly likely that it's not the retailer's fault. They can't afford to sell at a loss, so if they are paying a particular price for the ammo, they've got to make at least some profit on it. As of today, I'm seeing it as low as 60.4¢/rd online, and $0.80/rd at Academy Sports (50/rd boxes). Unfortunately, shipping can bite you online, but purchase several boxes and for most sites, it's still a lot cheaper than walk-in stores.
You are correct, it’s not the local stores fault, my local shop barely makes any profit off 5.7x28. If I knew enough people around me that shot 5.7, we could all go in on an order. I’ll just have to monitor online prices, until I get my time machine repaired
Palmetto State Armory has been running sales on 5.7 the last few months. Right now you can get it for .47 cent a round. ($70 for 150 rounds Fiocchi) Keep an eye on it, on rare occasion they offer free shipping
Check out Rogers sporting goods. They are selling 5.7X28mm 40 Grain American Eagle Full Metal Jacket Handgun Ammunition - Box of 50 for $28.99.
I will, thanks for the info!
The weight of the FN Five-seven is also astonishingly low. Great for hiking, recon, bug-home.
You didn't mention weight and size of the ammo. Ideal "bug home" or recon weapon. Can carry many more rounds than 9mm.
And now PSA releases their version: the Rock 57
A full-sized polymer-framed pistol, the PSA 5.7 Rock introduces game-changing ergonomics and controllability. Made from high-quality 416 stainless steel and advanced polymers, this pistol lives up to today's highest expectations while maintaining the unmatched Palmetto State Armory value. Chambered in 5.7x28mm, the PSA 5.7 Rock is fed from a supplied 23 round magazine and operated by a smooth single-action striker-fired trigger mechanism. The carbon steel fluted barrel and 416 stainless steel slide have a QPQ finish for a smooth finish that also offers maximum corrosion protection to ensure longevity in the life of your pistol. This pistol is designed to work with Glock compatible sights.
Just bought one. Was going to wait for the new Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 but they are hard to find and cost more than the PSA.
I bought the PSA Rock on sale for $299. The trigger is so god awful that I put it away in the safe and bought the Smith and Wesson. I found it new at the local gun store for $575. It's like the difference in night and day. The S&W has a trigger pull that is about 1/3 the weight of the Rock. (S&W is 3.2 pounds, my rock after much trial and effort to improve is about 9 pounds) They are also far easier to find now, 8 months later.
The PSA Rock should be renamed: the PSA 5.7 Paperweight, or, PSA 5.7 Doorstop.
I have a Rock. It has the worst trigger of any handgun I have ever owned. Out of the box the trigger pull was over 10 pounds. After following the advice of other Rock owners, as well as reps from pSA, which was to dry fire it several hundred times and then put a couple hundred rounds through it. The change was insignificant at best, with the trigger now pulling at 8.5 pounds. After trying to make it better for weeks, I tossed it in the safe and bought the Smith and Wesson 5.7 and it is like night and day. The S&W pulls at 3.2 pounds. Smith took the time to get it right, and PSA didn't. Don't get me wrong, I love PSA. Have several AR's built with their products. I even visit the store in Columbia SC from time to time. But 50% of buyers complain about the trigger on the Rock and you just can't ignore that.
Having owned a FiveSeven for around 15 years, the lack of / and expense factory ammo is aggravating. Reloading, is not for the weak of heart but can be way more economical and boost performance. I carry mine, holstered safety OFF, as the repetitions required to get to a natural action "muscle memory" is just too much.
I've never carried anything on safe. I carried a 1911 for a few years, ran it cocked and locked 100% of the time. I carry glocks all the time, the no safety gun. A safety is something someone who isn't good with firearms needs, or a newbie or someone who just isn't confident. I've carried for nearly 30 years this way and never once had a negligent discharge. It's a lifestyle and after a while, becomes just like breathing, automatic.
The FN 5.7 IOM’s safety is the single reason why I won’t carry the pistol as a sidearm, having spent countless hours trying to master the safety in the draw. It.’s almost as if FN was trying to tell military and police units to buy it, but don’t use it. I’ve yet to solve the issue: even with large hands, it’s difficult — and clumsy — to operate. Haven’t seen a single video on how to disengage the safety without costly delays in pointing in the firearm on target.
It’s definitely one of my favorite firearms to shoot, but I won’t carry it.
Love the fact that FNH makes an armor-piercing round. In this day and age of illegals wearing body armor in home-invasion robberies, it’s something to consider.
Loved your thoughts on the safety, mine comment is the from the 5.7 Owner above in the comments from May 2022. If your a reloader there are some potent loads out there. With my 5.7 I drive a 40 Gr FMJ at 2000FPS and a 27 gr Lead Free at 2400FPS in factory primed brass/ pulled reloaded bullet. Both blast through IIIA and mess up water jugs.
I purchased a Ruger 57 18 months ago and absolutely love the design and engineering of the pistol. It is extremely accurate and has a very manageable recoil. Ammunition is pretty sketchy to find and yes, it is expensive. Hopefully with the development of more firearms being developed in the caliber, more manufacturers will begin to produce.
Ruger 57 is next on my wishlist.
Get the Smith and Wesson model. The trigger system they developed is smooth as glass. That and I refuse to support Ruger knowing that Bill Ruger was a proponent of gun control via ammunition controls.
Looks like fun but I cannot stomach another high capacity high dollar round. Blackout subsonics in a 30 round mag are just so expensive that it nearly takes the joy out of shooting it. I could rip through 200 dollars with these little 5.7's in a matter of minutes. No way would I resist mag dumping these little things. A hail of bee stings so they say.
On November 5, 2009, a devastating mass shooting at Fort Hood, TX was perpetrated by Major Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, killing 13 people and injuring 32 others. Oddly enough, most of the 13 killed were hit by a single round; of the 32 wounded, most were hit in their extremities with multiple rounds; one of the injured wasn’t shot but was wounded by shrapnel.
Hardly bee stings.
I normally wouldn’t have bought the FN5.7 pistol,. But the guy was selling his whole collection and offered the FN 5.7 pistol, 15 magazines and 1500 rounds for $700. I couldn’t pass that up. It’s got a decent trigger and is headshot crazy accurate to 50 yards.
Wow now that's a hell of a deal, I would have been allover that. I just ordered the M&P 57 with manual safety because it was finally back in stock can't wait for it to get here I will comment on it after I get to shoot it.
The FN 5.7 IOM is very accurate out to 200 yards, the farthest that I’ve routinely tried — and the 5.7x28 round outperforms +P 9mm ammunition such as SimX. I would machine that even better performance could be obtained using that round in a AR platform, but I’ve not found a rifle chambered in 5.7 to be that reliable or dependable: perhaps the round is too light for an AR platform.
Got the rugar 57. Now we need maybe a m77 in 5.7. Or maybe a rugar American in 5.7.
A Ruger American Ranch rifle in 5.7 would be great, and other pistol calibers. Also a Charger version on the American Ranch Rifle similar to Pork Sword.
Ruger now has The LC Carbine in 5.7, a charger version with a 7 inch barrel would be cool
Thanks for the write up! I love my Ruger 57 with a Vortex Venom red dot it is very accurate. Even out to 50 yards! I have had one loading issue with the light weight 27 grain American Eagle. The 40 grain American Eagle works fine but I seem to have better grouping with the FN 40 grain and even better with the FN 27 gain. Just can't find enough ammo. Sounding like a broken record. Also looking at the Keltec P50... using the same mag as the FN P90... thoughts?
Excellent article! I’ve been intrigued by the Five-seveN since it’s introduction. Thank you for your analysis!
I was looking for a hand gun - carbine combo and was interested in finding a carbine gun that uses the Ruger 57 magazine.
I was thinking of trading my Rock River AR and Glock 30s for a Ruger 57 and some cash/ammo for a good balance between the two. I have a pocket gun, just thought the 57 would be a good accurate/power balance between AR and Glock 30s 45 cal. Any thoughts?
You know, your article can be just as good, serve more people, including children, and do so in a way where you come across as more respectful if you leave the foul language out of it.
What foul language?
Recently traded for a Ruger 5.7, but haven’t had time to try it out at the range yet. I’m hoping Ruger comes out with a carbine(s). I want a pistol and a long-gun that fire the same caliber and utilize the same mags. Every Ruger I’ve owned so far has been well made and reasonably priced, although older (earlier) models were somewhat “ugly” in my opinion - something about the 90 degree grip/frame angle.
What about the FN ammo.. 27 grain vs 40 grain? I read the entire article hoping it was addressed.
I want Ammo that is legal and will hit over 2400fps. Preferably, 2600fps. Any ideas? Who loads hot Ammo? Thanks!
Good article. Oh, the 5.7x28 version is the Mk57 (not the MK47). Wish the ammo was cheaper.
Best round Speer Gold Dot? You clearly do not own or fire the 5.7x28.... everything Elite Ammunition has to offer and Vanguard Outfitters Black Dragon Fang greatly outperform the Speer Gold Dot version. Maybe try it out sometime?
Won't touch ammo from Elite with a 10 foot pole. Amateur reloader working out of his basement. Have been over pressure issues reported with his stuff
Best round Speer Gold Dot? Yeah no....Vanguard Outfitters Black Dragon Fang and everything from Elite Ammunition.
I have both PS90 and 2 x 5.7 pistols. I have a suppressed (Silencerco Sparrow) FDE that is just fun to shoot. I have not had any luck with the extended 5.7 pistol mags of 30 rds, 3 out of 3 jam at about 23 rds. The P90 has standard reflex and the adjustable sights on the pistols are great. I only use FN ammo, so not familiar with the Speer rd. I can dot a target at 150 yds with the standard reflex, easy, on the PS90 and little harder with pistol. I have actually got wanded with the pistol as a cc, and it was not picked up, fyi. I really enjoy the guns and feel they are very well made and easy to maintain.
Speer GD will be nice, but its vaporware right now, and there are infinitely better options than American Eagle.
Elite Ammunition has some terrific loads as well as factory FN SS192/195/198
I would tread carefully about using Elite Ammunition. They state they do not test their extremely hot loadings using industry standardized pressure testing protocols. SS198 is the way to go.....
What are your thoughts of the new Fiocchi ammo?
35, 40 and 62 grains.