The 5.7x28mm cartridge has garnered significant attention in the firearms community due to its unique characteristics and capabilities. Designed for use in the FN P90 personal defense weapon and the FN Five-seveN pistol, this ammunition offers a blend of high velocity, low recoil, and deep penetration, making it an attractive option for various applications. In this article, we will delve into the details of the 5.7x28mm cartridge, its history, and the guns that are designed to shoot this ammunition.
Introduction to the 5.7x28mm Cartridge
The 5.7x28mm cartridge was developed by the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale (FN) in the late 1980s. The primary goal behind its development was to create a cartridge that offered superior performance to the 9x19mm Parabellum, with particular emphasis on its ability to penetrate body armor. The cartridge’s design incorporates a bottlenecked case, a small-caliber projectile, and a high velocity, which combine to provide the desired performance characteristics.
Characteristics of the 5.7x28mm Cartridge
The 5.7x28mm cartridge is known for its high velocity, with muzzle velocities ranging from approximately 2,100 to 2,300 feet per second, depending on the specific load. This high velocity, combined with the cartridge’s flat trajectory, makes it suitable for applications where accuracy and long-range performance are critical. Additionally, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is designed to penetrate armor more effectively than traditional pistol cartridges, making it a viable option for military and law enforcement use.
Applications of the 5.7x28mm Cartridge
The 5.7x28mm cartridge is used in a variety of applications, including:
The primary use of the 5.7x28mm cartridge is in the military and law enforcement sectors, where its armor-piercing capabilities and high velocity make it an effective option for personal defense and tactical operations. Additionally, the cartridge has gained popularity among civilian shooters, who appreciate its unique characteristics and performance capabilities.
Guns That Shoot 5.7x28mm
Several firearms are designed to shoot the 5.7x28mm cartridge, each with its unique features and applications. The most notable guns include:
- FN P90: A selective-fire personal defense weapon designed for military and law enforcement use.
- FN Five-seveN: A semi-automatic pistol designed for civilian and law enforcement use.
- FN PS90: A semi-automatic carbine version of the FN P90, designed for civilian use.
Detailed Overview of the FN P90
The FN P90 is a selective-fire personal defense weapon that was designed to provide a high-volume of firepower in a compact and lightweight package. Chambered in 5.7x28mm, the P90 features a 50-round magazine and a cyclic rate of approximately 900 rounds per minute. Its unique design, which includes a top-mounted magazine and a thumb-hole stock, makes it an ideal choice for military and law enforcement personnel who require a high-degree of maneuverability and firepower.
Detailed Overview of the FN Five-seveN
The FN Five-seveN is a semi-automatic pistol that is designed to provide a high level of performance and reliability. Chambered in 5.7x28mm, the Five-seveN features a 20-round magazine and a hammer-fired operating system. Its unique design, which includes a polymer frame and a steel slide, makes it an ideal choice for civilian shooters and law enforcement personnel who require a high-degree of accuracy and reliability.
Accessorizing the FN Five-seveN
The FN Five-seveN can be accessorized with a variety of aftermarket components, including optical sights, laser sights, and sound suppressors. These accessories can enhance the pistol’s performance and make it more suitable for specific applications, such as tactical operations or competitive shooting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is a unique and versatile ammunition that offers a blend of high velocity, low recoil, and deep penetration. The guns that shoot this ammunition, including the FN P90 and the FN Five-seveN, are designed to provide a high level of performance and reliability, making them ideal choices for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters. Whether you’re looking for a personal defense weapon or a pistol for competitive shooting, the 5.7x28mm cartridge and the guns that shoot it are definitely worth considering. With its high velocity, flat trajectory, and armor-piercing capabilities, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is an attractive option for anyone looking for a reliable and effective ammunition.
What is the 5.7x28mm cartridge and its origins?
The 5.7x28mm cartridge is a small-caliber, high-velocity ammunition designed for use in semi-automatic pistols and rifles. It was developed in the late 1980s by the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale (FN) as a response to NATO’s requirement for a new pistol cartridge that could penetrate body armor. The 5.7x28mm cartridge was designed to provide a high level of penetration and accuracy, while also being lightweight and compact.
The 5.7x28mm cartridge has a unique design, with a bottlenecked case and a small-caliber bullet. It is typically loaded with a 28-grain bullet, which is smaller than most traditional pistol cartridges. Despite its small size, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is capable of achieving velocities of over 2,000 feet per second, making it highly effective for self-defense and tactical applications. The cartridge has gained popularity in recent years, with several manufacturers producing firearms chambered in 5.7x28mm, including the FN Five-seveN pistol and the FN P90 rifle.
What are the advantages of the 5.7x28mm cartridge over traditional pistol cartridges?
The 5.7x28mm cartridge has several advantages over traditional pistol cartridges, including its high velocity and flat trajectory. The cartridge is designed to penetrate body armor, making it an effective choice for law enforcement and military applications. Additionally, the 5.7x28mm cartridge has a relatively low recoil impulse, making it easier to control and shoot accurately. This makes it an excellent choice for shooters who are sensitive to recoil or who need to make quick follow-up shots.
The 5.7x28mm cartridge also has a number of other advantages, including its small size and lightweight. This makes it an excellent choice for concealed carry and self-defense applications, where size and weight are critical factors. The cartridge is also relatively inexpensive to produce, making it an attractive option for shooters who need to purchase large quantities of ammunition. Overall, the 5.7x28mm cartridge offers a unique combination of performance, accuracy, and convenience that makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of shooting applications.
What types of firearms are chambered in 5.7x28mm?
A variety of firearms are chambered in 5.7x28mm, including pistols, rifles, and carbines. The most well-known firearm chambered in 5.7x28mm is the FN Five-seveN pistol, which was designed specifically for the cartridge. The FN Five-seveN is a semi-automatic pistol that features a 10-round magazine and a unique delayed blowback operating system. The pistol is highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability, and is popular among law enforcement and civilian shooters.
In addition to the FN Five-seveN, several other manufacturers produce firearms chambered in 5.7x28mm, including the FN P90 rifle and the PS90 carbine. These firearms are designed for tactical and military applications, and feature a number of advanced features, including adjustable stocks and rail systems. The 5.7x28mm cartridge is also available in a number of aftermarket conversion kits, which allow shooters to convert existing firearms to fire the 5.7x28mm cartridge. This has helped to increase the popularity of the cartridge, and has made it more widely available to shooters.
How does the 5.7x28mm cartridge perform in terms of penetration and expansion?
The 5.7x28mm cartridge is designed to penetrate body armor, and it performs well in this regard. The cartridge features a small-caliber bullet with a hard, pointed tip, which helps it to penetrate armor and other obstacles. The bullet is also designed to expand upon impact, which helps to create a larger wound channel and increase the cartridge’s stopping power. In testing, the 5.7x28mm cartridge has consistently demonstrated the ability to penetrate Level II and Level IIIA body armor, making it an effective choice for law enforcement and military applications.
The 5.7x28mm cartridge also performs well in terms of expansion, with some loads expanding to over 1.5 times their original diameter. This helps to create a larger wound channel and increase the cartridge’s stopping power. However, it’s worth noting that the 5.7x28mm cartridge is not designed to expand as much as some other pistol cartridges, such as the 9x19mm Parabellum or the .40 S&W. Instead, it relies on its high velocity and penetration to create a large wound channel and neutralize targets. Overall, the 5.7x28mm cartridge offers a unique combination of penetration and expansion that makes it highly effective for a wide range of shooting applications.
Is the 5.7x28mm cartridge suitable for hunting and outdoor applications?
The 5.7x28mm cartridge is not typically considered suitable for hunting large game, due to its small caliber and limited kinetic energy. While the cartridge is capable of penetrating body armor and other obstacles, it may not have enough kinetic energy to reliably take down larger animals, such as deer or elk. However, the 5.7x28mm cartridge may be suitable for hunting smaller game, such as rabbits, squirrels, and other pests.
For outdoor applications, such as target shooting and plinking, the 5.7x28mm cartridge can be an excellent choice. The cartridge is relatively inexpensive and offers a high level of accuracy and reliability, making it an excellent choice for shooters who need to make precise shots at long range. Additionally, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is relatively quiet and has a low recoil impulse, making it an excellent choice for shooters who need to make quick follow-up shots or who are sensitive to noise and recoil. Overall, while the 5.7x28mm cartridge may not be suitable for hunting large game, it can be an excellent choice for a wide range of outdoor applications.
Can the 5.7x28mm cartridge be used for self-defense and concealed carry?
The 5.7x28mm cartridge can be an excellent choice for self-defense and concealed carry, due to its high velocity and penetration. The cartridge is capable of penetrating body armor and other obstacles, making it an effective choice for self-defense applications. Additionally, the 5.7x28mm cartridge has a relatively low recoil impulse, making it easier to control and shoot accurately, even in high-stress situations.
For concealed carry, the 5.7x28mm cartridge offers a number of advantages, including its small size and lightweight. The cartridge is relatively compact, making it easy to conceal and carry in a variety of different firearms. The 5.7x28mm cartridge is also relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive option for shooters who need to purchase large quantities of ammunition. Overall, the 5.7x28mm cartridge offers a unique combination of performance, accuracy, and convenience that makes it an excellent choice for self-defense and concealed carry applications.
What are the future prospects for the 5.7x28mm cartridge and firearms chambered in it?
The future prospects for the 5.7x28mm cartridge and firearms chambered in it are highly promising, with several manufacturers continuing to develop and produce new firearms and ammunition in this caliber. The 5.7x28mm cartridge has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among law enforcement and military shooters, and it is likely that this trend will continue in the future. Additionally, the development of new technologies, such as advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, is likely to further improve the performance and reliability of the 5.7x28mm cartridge.
As the 5.7x28mm cartridge continues to gain popularity, it is likely that we will see the development of new firearms and accessories designed specifically for this caliber. This could include new pistols, rifles, and carbines, as well as aftermarket accessories, such as scopes, silencers, and magazines. The 5.7x28mm cartridge is also likely to become more widely available, with several manufacturers producing ammunition in this caliber. Overall, the future prospects for the 5.7x28mm cartridge and firearms chambered in it are highly promising, and it is likely that this caliber will continue to play an important role in the world of firearms for many years to come.