5.7x28mm Pistols

The 5.7x28mm was developed in response to NATO requests for a long-range cartridge with armor piercing capabilities. This small-caliber, high-velocity cartridge is designed for pistols and personal defense. It is similar to the .22 WMA and .22 Hornet.

• Weight. A light cartridge weighing only 2/3s of an average 9mm.
• Velocity. Speeds approximately twice that of a 9mm cartridge.
• Capacity. A Glock 17 carries 17 rounds in a standard magazine. A Five-seveN, carries 20 rounds. Extra rounds can make a difference in a life-threatening situation. The P90/PS90 carries a whopping 50 rounds in a standard magazine.
• Negligible recoil. This lighter, flat shooting round is easily controlled, even in fully automatic setting.
• Ballistics - Terminal ballistics are similar to an intermediate rifle cartridge than a pistol round. How a bullet impacts a target is the definition of terminal ballistics.
• Cool factor. Hollywood and video games have developed a mystique about the PS90/P90 and 5.7x28mm.

There are three primary 5.7x28mm handguns on the market. The FN Five-seveN, Ruger 5.7 and Smith and Wesson M&P 5.7

FN Five-seveN

An efficient handgun for military, police and home defense, it is a popular competition pistol as well. This standard sized pistol offers a choice of magazines, an adjustable trigger and accuracy thanks to its longer length. Light recoil, an adjustable rear combat sight and single-action operation are key features.

• 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

The Ruger 5.7

Ruger’s classic lines are apparent in their 5-7. A heavier, larger standard pistol offering a large magazine, adjustable rear sights, a fiber optic front sight and a glass filled nylon grip. The Ruger 5-7 is popular with law enforcement and for home defense and shooting competition.

• 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

The Smith and Wesson M&P 5.7

It has a very light recoil thanks to its larger, heavier frame. This is a popular competition shooting pistol and used by law enforcement and government agencies. It offers the highest capacity magazine of the three. An internal hammer reduces the chance of hooking it on quick retrieval.

• Capacity: 22
• Weight: 26.7 ounces
• Overall length: 8.5 inches
• Barrel length: 5 inches
• Height: 5.25 inches
• Width: 1.1 inches