OpinionCol Ben critiques the FN 5-Seven MRD Pistol with some shocking outcomes.
The cart got here earlier than the horse. The FN 5.7x28mm cartridge was developed earlier than the FN 5-Seven pistol.
The firearms firm Fabrique Nationale (FN in Herstal, Belgium) developed the 5.7x28mm (5.7) pistol cartridge within the Nineteen Eighties for first use with the P90 submachine gun.
In 1998, they developed and launched the 5-Seven MRD pistol for army and legislation enforcement use, adopted in 2004 by the 5.7 for the civilian market. The 5.7x28mm cartridge was the primary small caliber high-velocity pistol cartridge and is predicated on the 5.56x45mm SS109 NATO spherical, which was additionally developed by FN. Understanding the traits of the 5.7 cartridge is necessary to totally admire the 5.7 pistol.
In accordance with some, the 5.7x28mm cartridge case and bullet are gotten smaller, offering improved efficiency over the 9×19 mm spherical. The spherical has an extended and slim design with a bottlenecked case and pointed bullet and is sort of 4 instances longer than its diameter, in comparison with the usual 9mm spherical, which is about 1.5 instances so long as extensive.
The 5.7x28mm spherical has its heart of mass again in direction of the rear of the bullet. So when the 5.7 spherical hits the goal, the bullet tends to tumble and yaw, making for a a lot bigger wound cavity and helps the bullet’s power switch to the goal extra effectively, with much less likelihood of it over-penetrating out the goal to no matter is behind it. An enormous plus in minimizing danger of over-penetration to harmless bystanders.
A number of say the 5.7mm has solely a 3rd of the recoil of the 5.56mm NATO and two-thirds of the 9x19mm. The cartridge strain stage is low sufficient in order that the pistol is blowback operated and helps cut back felt recoil. These design benefits bought my consideration. I simply needed to shoot the 5.7 and see its accuracy, recoil, energy, options, and efficiency to resolve for myself.
FN 5-Seven MRD Pistol
This pistol has a historical past of controversy, particularly amongst gun management teams and its armor-piercing traits. Curiously, an investigation by the ATF discovered no commercially obtainable ammo for the civilian market fired out of the 5.7 pistol was able to defeating ballistic armor, as some claimed. There are a number of sorts of 5.7 ammo, some restricted to legislation enforcement use. The second technology 5.7 cartridge was developed for legislation enforcement and the civilian market. The “LF” (lead-free SS195LF) rounds could also be used for coaching and legislation enforcement, whereas the sporting rounds SS197SR are for civilian use since armor-piercing ammo is prohibited within the U.S.
Some say the price of 5.7x28mm ammo is a serious detriment. Take into consideration this. The price of the civilian-grade SS197SR rounds are about $20 per 50 rounds, whereas the SS195LF rounds are about $25 per 50 rounds. So the ammo appears intently comparable to plain grade .45 ACP and different caliber rounds. Your private desire.
The FN 5.7 Pistol is in service now with army and police forces in over 40 nations, together with Canada, France, Spain, Greece, India, Poland, and the U.S., together with the U.S. Secret Service, some Navy Seals items, and the Federal Protecting Service. The interior hammer of the SAO 5.7 is NOT a striker like some declare, however is all the time cocked when there’s a spherical within the chamber. There isn’t any decocker. So, I needed to strive the 5.7 for myself to see if this distinctive gun and caliber labored for me, despite the fact that I want the 9mm. You may evaluate this overview with my handgun analyses, comparisons, and rankings within the 2016 second printing of my guide “Hid Carry & Handgun Necessities.”
A number of readers and college students have requested what standards I exploit to investigate my really useful handguns, so I need to give my standards and vary check outcomes for the FN 5.7 that can assist you analyze your handguns and make the perfect choice for your self. You may add or subtract from my standards to fulfill your wants and preferences. I used to be very anxious to shoot the FN 5.7 and to check it issue by issue to my different high quality handguns to see the way it in contrast and ranked. FN was good sufficient to mortgage me one for testing and analysis functions.
Know that I’m not on the FN payroll, haven’t been paid by them for this text nor influenced to say sure issues concerning the gun. I need to be sincere and straight-forward with my opinions and concepts the way in which I see the pistol to sincerely assist people.
Particularly, I wished to know the way correct it’s out of the field, with out modifications? And what about accuracy at longer distances? Can you actually really feel a lot much less recoil than a 9mm when capturing the 5.7? And the massive query– what concerning the set off press? Is the set off clean and crisp? Is it an honest single-action gun? Is it too light-weight or too massive to hold? What concerning the reset distance for follow-up pictures? Is it dependable? Are there particular fascinating or distinctive options for this specific gun? Is it ambidextrous? Can I simply attain the controls, magazine launch, security, and many others.? What number of mags does it include? What are its execs and cons? Are there holsters, magazines, and equipment obtainable now for the FN 5-Seven MRD handgun? Do I like to recommend it, and if that’s the case, for what goal?
The 2 charts beneath listing the Specs and a few Options for the FN 5-Seven MRD pistol. Then I offer you my 10 standards that I exploit to judge all weapons. Lastly, I current my evaluation and the way I particularly evaluated the gun towards every of my standards to advocate or not advocate it. As all the time, set your individual standards and priorities, do your individual analysis, and examine my information, info, and many others., with yours to your very private choice course of.
FN 5-seveN MK II (5.7x28mm) Pistol Specs
Caliber – Examined – ModelFN 5-seveN MK2 Pistol; 5.7x28mm Caliber
Barrel Size / Finish4.75″; Chrome-lined, Hammer-forged Metal
Sight/ RadiusStandard 3-Dot Sights; Set on 7″ Radius; Rear absolutely adjustable for windage & elevation; Tritium Self-Luminous Optionally available
Weight21oz (empty magazine); Very Light-weight
Body / FinishLight Polymer/ Black
Slide MaterialStainless Metal; Black Polymer-Coated
Set off-ActionSingle-action, Delayed Blowback
Set off Press6.1 lb, Crisp
Set off TravelShort Reset; Brief 0.13″ Takeup; No Overtravel
Magazines / Capacity3 Mags Customary – 20 Rounds Every; 10 Rounds & 30-Rounds Prolonged Accessible
Height5.70″
Width1.34″
Total Length8.20″
SafetiesAmbidextrous Handbook Safeties; Magazine Security
GripsCheckered Polymer; Rounded
Different Restricted Lifetime Guarantee; Change or Restore if Faulty Supplies or Workmanship; Rail
MSRP$1,349
FN 5-seveN MKII Pistol Key Options
Very Low Recoil from Environment friendly Cartridge & Blowback Design; Muzzle Flip Not a Concern; Flat Trajectory for Enhanced Capturing to 50 yards
Pivoting Inner Hammer Completely Enclosed inside Body; Rounded Edges & No Snag
Enhanced & Tender Single-Motion Set off- Easy, Crisp, and Clear break; Brief Reset
Very Light-weight however Strong Polymer
Loaded Chamber Indicator on High Left of Slide; Tactical and Seen
Excessive Capability Mags – 20 and 30 Rounds
Snug & Checkered Grip Angle (like FN Browning Hello-Energy)
Don’t Have to Press Set off to Area Strip
Easy Working Controls – Straightforward to Rack Slide & Load Magazine into properly & Magazine Drops Free
Ambidextrous Handbook Security Situated Above Set off Guard – Straightforward Operation by Set off Finger
Standards and Concerns
Listed here are simply 10 of my Standards and elements I exploit for evaluating any handgun, so I’ll use them for the FN 5.7 full dimension. Along with my standards, there are different subjective options which may be interesting for some, like a sure model, magazine launch location, motion, caliber, look, variety of mags included, kind of sights/modifications, bore axis, rail, grip angle, non-porting or porting, included extras like a holster and pouch, customer support, and many others. So, I mixed these into my final Miscellaneous criterion. I need to admit that ALL gun-choice choices contain tradeoffs, however I actually need ALL of my standards to be met. I assigned a complete attainable level rating of 10 factors for every of my 10 standards for a complete attainable rating of 100 factors. You may actually add your individual extra standards and preferences or subtract any of mine. Listed here are mine:
Accuracy and Reliability– Performs properly with out reoccurring malfunctions and stoppages and leads to constant, correct goal hits with a 3″ inch hit group or so at 5-15 yards for hid carry;
Set off Press most of about 5.5-6.5 kilos – lessens drive utilized for much less motion & higher accuracy- and press that’s crisp and identifiable (TRAIN to be Set off Protected);
Set off with brief journey distance (a brief journey distance will increase the pace the set off could be fired) and simply identifiable and brief reset level; Set off with a clean constant press for each shot (much less must transition between presses & make changes);
Barrel size of three.0″-4.8″ (primarily for house protection [full size] and/or hid carry);
Sights which are primary & easy (straightforward to make use of & see–I like Fiber Optic fronts); quick goal acquisition; for my functions– adjustable for windage; Night time Sights for low-light conditions as acceptable;
Correct Gun Weight to reduce recoil (I want about 25 oz. or less- however there are tradeoffs;)
Caliber match to my wants, traits & talents (take into account medical & bodily limitations); 9mm is my desire for carry;
Capability -adequate to be used & characteristic tradeoffs- often want a minimum of 7-8 rounds and extra for different makes use of and calibers (however can carry a spare magazine or 2 typically);
Ergonomics – Hand Consolation and Grip Match, controls straightforward to work and simply accessible; rounded, low-profile;
Miscellaneous – Total End, match, & high quality look & workmanship; magazine launch location & perform to drop mags freely; ambidextrous controls; accent rail as required; grip angle; bore axis; aggressive market worth; glorious customer support with pleasant & useful representatives; ease of disassembly-assembly; Arduous Case; Extras (like a 3rd magazine, holster, pouch, prolonged & flush mags); guarantee size & extent; security elements, and many others.
Acknowledge that there are a number of options, traits, execs and cons, and private standards to incorporate and take into account, and you may make your individual tradeoffs based on your priorities, preferences, outlined wants, and use.
I puzzled if there was sufficient provide of this 5.7 ammo obtainable at cheap value and obtainable mags and equipment? To my shock, sure to all questions. I discovered this newly-designed leather-based and kydex hybrid holster for the FN 5.7 pistol. It match completely, seems good, and is manufactured by Clinger Holsters (contact info beneath.)
FN 5-Seven MRD Pistol 5.7x28mm RANGE TEST
I used to be anxious to shoot this pistol and acquired some American Eagle 5.7x28mm 40-grain ammo, AE5728A. The ammo was shortly and available, so I paid $25 for 50 rounds. OK, however not nice. I went by way of this provide in a short time and needed to shoot extra to adequately check and consider it. It was very enjoyable capturing this gun and I used to be amazed at its accuracy and really smooth recoil for such a light-weight gun. I wished to shoot a minimum of 150 rounds, but it surely was going to value me. Normally, I shoot 500 rounds over a few days to resolve if I need to use the gun and the right way to use it finest.
Under are my evaluations for every of my 10 standards for the FN 5-Seven MRD for my house protection and vary capturing functions. I additionally was contemplating if this might be a carry gun, however after holding it and capturing it some, I knew it was simply too massive for hid carry for me. I do know some do carry it, nonetheless. I wished to place the gun by way of its paces and examine it totally for malfunctions, stoppages, accuracy, and reliability.
Because of FNH V-Max and Federal Premium for offering some rounds and Speer 5.7 ammo for my testing and analysis of the pistol.
There have been no malfunctions nor stoppages of any sort and the FN 5.7 pistol carried out nice. I preferred the 20-round capability mags. It digested the several types of ammo with none issues. I used to be actually amazed on the very low recoil; a lot lower than even my 9mms and about like my .22 magazine rounds. It was straightforward and clean as silk after I racked the slide and it was really easy to insert and launch the magazine from the magazine properly. A few of my arthritic and low-hand power college students will actually wish to rack and shoot it.
Whereas its look just isn’t the best, its efficiency greater than made up for its lack of magnificence. Though polymer, it simply felt stable in my arms whereas being very light-weight. The FN 5.7’s ergonomics had been nice for me. Some complain concerning the placement of the Ambi handbook safeties above the set off guard, however I actually like that. It was very straightforward for me to make use of my set off finger (already listed straight on the body proper subsequent to the protection) to have interaction and disengage the handbook security shortly. It’s a coaching challenge, so observe this in case you get this gun.
The FN 5.7 Pistol was comfy in my hand, and the reasonably aggressive grip texture was good for me. The grip is skinny sufficient however longer and barely wider to accommodate the 20 rounds within the magazine, however for my medium-sized arms, there was no drawback. In actual fact, the grip felt good and cozy to me. There was no want for an prolonged magazine.
Once more, I need to emphasize the good smooth recoil and really low muzzle rise of this gun. An amazing characteristic and profit to boost accuracy.
Under I’ll get particular and current my concepts for every of my standards after my vary testing.
After my vary reside hearth, the FN 5.7x28mm single-action pistol impressed me as an correct, light-weight, soft-recoil, high-capacity, easy-to-rack gun with a terrific set off press and brief reset.
It was actually enjoyable to shoot the FN 5.7. Nevertheless, plainly folks keep away from this gun with out giving it an intensive overview and trial, in all probability due to the distinctive rounds it fires and their lack of awareness of its attributes.
Accuracy was very acceptable over totally different distances, particularly distances of 10 to 25 yards, however shoot it your self to make your individual choices based mostly in your talents, proficiency, and price range.
FN 5-Seven MRD Pistol Vary Take a look at Outcomes for every of my 10 Standards:
The Accuracy of the FN 5.7 was very acceptable for me at distances from 5 yards to 25 yards. I impressed myself as an growing old outdated codger, however the gun did the work. At first, I discovered I needed to alter the rear sights for under elevation, because it was capturing out of the field about 4 inches low. After fine-tuning it, it was proper on, and the hits had been superb. The 6.1# set off press of this single-action gun and its crisp, smooth set off with a brief reset helped my accuracy. Some have stated they observed a lot enchancment within the set off and accuracy of their gun after about 1,000 rounds fired, getting nearer to a 4.5-pound press. I fired 250 rounds on the vary to check and consider the FN 5.7. I used my Modified-Isosceles Stance, a two-handed grip, & shot SS197SR V-Max blue-tip 40-grain rounds and American Eagle AE5728A 40-grain TMJ… 10.
The Set off Press averaged about 6.1 kilos with ten readings from my Lyman Digital Set off Pull Gauge. This was proper on the higher limits for my press vary for my carry weapons, however acceptable for my different makes use of. It can enhance after the break-in and capturing it extra. I want that my carry weapons have a max. of 6.5 kilos press or much less, so that is very shut and no drawback. However, this gun will in all probability not be in my carry rotation. In fact, that is private desire and coaching associated, however I do know a few of my really useful and precise 9mm 1911-style single-action carry weapons have lighter presses. I analyze and evaluate 21 of my prime 21 weapons in my latest guide. I preferred that the set off press was crisp and simply identifiable… 9.
The Set off had a tactile and really identifiable click on and brief reset. I preferred the brief and constructive reset and really crisp set off. My pictures had been constant every time and I may simply acknowledge the reset level. I actually loved capturing it, however want the worth of ammo could be much less. A superb smooth and clean SAO set off… 10.
The 4.75-inch chrome-lined Barrel, mixed with its light-weight, delayed blowback operation and single-action, provides a surprisingly low muzzle flip and recoil. Very manageable for a big majority of parents. The hammer-forged metal barrel was of top quality and coated with polymer… 10.
The three dot sights had been small to medium-sized, distinguishable, and set on a 7″ radius. They’re additionally obtainable in tritium evening sights as an additional possibility. The rear sight is absolutely adjustable for windage and elevation. Out of the field, the sights had been off about 4″ low, however I adjusted it after which no issues for the brief time period. The sights had been actually acceptable, however with my impaired imaginative and prescient and colour blind eyes, I want the brilliant inexperienced fiber optic entrance sight for a greater lock on to the entrance sight and positively wished bigger sight dots, particularly for long-distance capturing… 8.
The general 21 ounces unloaded weight was very gentle and even the sunshine loaded weight shocked me with its minimal affect on accuracy and dealing with. Recoil was much less, no more, with the sunshine polymer gun. Largely as a result of light-weight caliber ammo and gun design. The load is actually very acceptable… 9.
It was straightforward and cozy to shoot the 5.7x28mm Caliber. The FN 5.7 Pistol has a delayed blowback design matched to the ammo. Felt recoil was a lot decrease than I anticipated and the recoil was very straightforward for me to regulate. It digested the 2 kinds of ammo simply with out a single malfunction or stoppage. The light-weight made it comfy to deal with, and the recoil was not an issue. Ammo specialists inform me (not my experience) that the tip of the 5.7x28mm rounds have a metal penetrator and aluminum core that’s heavier than the ahead tip, inflicting the bullets to tumble and yaw in smooth tissue after 2 inches of penetration, creating a big wound cavity and just about eliminating the chance of overpenetration and subsequent unintended accidents. This is a vital benefit… 10.
Excellent Capability. There have been 3 20-round magazines included and this was handy for vary observe and can also be useful for private safety. Light-weight polymer 10-round and 30-round mags are at the moment obtainable. SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS! … 10.
The Ergonomics of the FN 5.7 Pistol had been very good. Except for its detracting look, kind, perform, and match had been glorious. The modern grip texturing was good for me & straightforward to deal with with my sweaty palms. The grip’s physique was ample to permit me to amass a agency & comfy grip with my medium-sized arms. I used to be capable of simply attain all of the controls. I couldn’t get an improper grip. There are 2 small “wings” by the rear cocking serrations to assist with racking & chamber examine. Love the sleek traces and security above the set off guard. … 9.
Miscellaneous. As all the time, earlier than capturing any new gun, I disassembled, lubed and cleaned, and re-assembled the FN 5.7 earlier than I shot it. I did NOT should press the set off to disassemble it; it was very straightforward and fast. There was an inside firing pin security, magazine security, in addition to ambidextrous handbook safeties. I preferred the position of the handbook safeties above the set off guard. The gun could be purchased for close to $1,000, in case you store. There’s a Restricted Lifetime Guarantee…. 8.
Whole Factors = 93 out of 100 Doable. I actually advocate the FN 5.7 Pistol to your vary plinking enjoyable and for private safety within the house or a attainable carry various, relying in your wants, and many others.
Reside Stock Worth Checker
CONCLUSIONS
The FN 5-Seven MRD pistol is greater than a novel dialog gun with a “cool” enjoyable issue and its nice attributes can be utilized to assist your private safety in my view. When you perceive the historical past and technical specs of the assorted 5.7x28mm rounds, you’ll be able to higher admire the caliber, its effectivity and effectiveness, and the associated nice pistol that makes use of the ammo. The accuracy, low recoil, light-weight, excessive capability, and minimal 10.5-11.5″ penetration to keep away from collateral accidents advantages outweigh the gun’s buy worth and current moderately-priced ammo value, given the comparative choices. In my view, the advantages of potential life-or-death safety outweigh the prices. With a lot going for it and little draw back, I believe it deserves a extra thorough overview, testing, and analysis by most folk for not solely enjoyable plinking however for private safety. These are simply my opinions and concepts, so deal with and shoot it for your self. I hope this overview of the FN 5 seveN, single-action pistol has helped you acquire some info you didn’t beforehand have. Take into account that these are simply my opinions with restricted live-range hearth and capturing myself solely 250 rounds of ammo, some at my expense. You could decide for your self its reliability and accuracy by your individual capturing and dealing with of the gun. Like all the time, I like to recommend that you just shoot any handgun your self earlier than you buy it. Resolve in your standards, how you’ll primarily use the gun, and what options are necessary to you and you might be prepared to pay for forward of your vary time. Then critically consider the gun YOURSELF per your standards and goal, with customary drills (a number of talked about in my guide), with varied ammo sorts, over an prolonged break-in interval of about 500 rounds. Bear in mind, Security First At all times.
Continued success!
CONTACTS:
FN America at: www.FNAmerica.com; 1-855-536-4872; 703-288-3500; McLean, VA 22102.
Clinger Holsters at American Concealment Options, LLC: www.ClingerHolsters.com; 1-479-650-0379; Van Buren, AR 72956.
FNH & Federal Premium Ammo for FN 5.7 Pistol 5.7x28mm ammo: www.FederalPremium.com; 1-800-379-1732; Anoka, MN 55303.
Photographs by Writer.
* This private opinion article is supposed for normal info & academic functions solely and the writer strongly recommends that you just search counsel from an lawyer for authorized recommendation and your individual private licensed weapons coach for correct steering about capturing & utilizing YOUR firearms, self-defense and hid carry. It shouldn’t be relied upon as correct for all shooters & the writer assumes no duty for anybody’s use of the data and shall not be answerable for any improper or incorrect use of the data or any damages or accidents incurred in anyway.
© 2016 Col Benjamin Findley. All Rights Reserved. This text will not be reprinted or reproduced in entire or partly by mechanical means, photocopying, digital replica, scanning, or another means with out prior written permission. For copyright info, contact Col Ben Findley at [email protected].
About Col Ben Findley
“Col Ben” is retired with 30 years service within the U.S. Air Pressure, with joint companies Particular Ops responsibility and coaching, and is Air Pressure certified as “Professional” in small arms. He’s a Vietnam-era Veteran. Ben is an skilled NRA-Licensed Pistol Teacher, NRA Vary Security Officer, and FL Hid Carry License Teacher.
Ben not too long ago wrote the guide “Hid Carry and Handgun Necessities for Private Safety” (second printing 2016) with 57 complete Chapters about hid carry and handgun ideas, strategies, and suggestions for each skilled and new shooters. His reference guide is endorsed by a number of organizations and is on the market on his web site at www.FloridaHandgunsTraining.com. Contact him at [email protected].
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