The continuous purchase of firearms seems to show no signs of slowing down. Though some may find it settling to use standard capacity magazines and ammo for their usual rounds, others are switching to less typical rounds to try new things.
Agitated by safety and political concerns, gun users and owners alike can’t help but expand their inventories with whatever they can get their hands on. However, the landscape has settled slightly since 2022.
Nevertheless, it’s the firearms you rarely see that keep showing up in the inventory and get owned longer, like the Ruger 57 and FN PS90. Both of these are chambered by the rather unique 5.7x28m caliber.
Understanding The 5.7x28mm Caliber
Although you may hear about the 5.7x28mm cartridge for the first time, it has been used for many years. In comparison, it is much older than the 300 AAC Blackout, 6.5mm Grendel, and 6.5mm Creedmoor, all of which are current favorites. FNH first filed for a patent on the design in 1989. It was first made as part of a Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) project for the military that FNH did for NATO. Supposedly, the 5.7x28mm was intended to substitute the 9mm cartridge in NATO service. That didn’t materialize, and the product eventually hit the shelves in the United States.
This blog post will look at five of the most notable qualities that make the 5.7×28 ammo stand out.
1. Lightweight and Compact
One of the most notable qualities of the 5.7x28mm caliber is that it is lightweight and compact. The cartridge is relatively small and light, making it easy to carry and handle. Additionally, firearms chambered for the 5.7x28mm caliber are often lightweight and compact, making them ideal for concealed carry and other applications where size and weight are a concern.
2. High Velocity and Low Recoil
Another quality that makes the 5.7x28mm caliber stand out is its high velocity and low recoil. The 5.7x28mm bullet is designed to travel at high speed, which can increase the effective range of the cartridge. Additionally, the low recoil of the 5.7x28mm caliber makes it easy to shoot accurately, even when firing rapidly. This is beneficial for situations where the shooter needs to make rapid follow-up shots, like in Close Quarters Combat (CQC)
3. Penetration and Fragmentation
This cartridge has gracefully excelled in NATO tests, readily piercing through Level IIIA body armor. Sure, several other rifle cartridges are capable of piercing IIIA. However, 5.7x28mm is the first to achieve this in its size category.
Also, the way the bullet fragments upon impact can increase the chances of hitting a target, even if the shot does not hit the target directly.
4. High Capacity Magazines
Many firearms chambered for the 5.7x28mm caliber have high-capacity magazines, which can hold up to 50 rounds. This is beneficial for situations where the shooter must fire multiple rounds quickly, such as CQC. High-capacity magazines also can be helpful in cases where the shooter is likely to face numerous targets or in scenarios where the magazine needs to be changed frequently.
5. Affordable Cost
The cost of ammo is another valid point to consider when considering buying the 5.7x28mm. If ammo is pricey, the quantity of shooting you can do will be limited. If, on the other hand, the cost of ammunition is reasonably inexpensive, you can devote much more time loving your handgun at the range because you will be able to do so for a longer period.
According to the inflated ammunition market, the price per round for the 5.7 ranges from $0.84 to $1.30. If this cartridge continues to gain popularity, more ammunition will be manufactured, lowering the price even further.
These characteristics make the 5.7x28mm caliber suitable for various applications.
Some Applications of The 5.7x28mm caliber
Personal Protection
One of the most divisive personal protection cartridges available today is the 5.7x28mm. Although some gun owners have raised concerns about its lethality, the anti-gun movement has tried unsuccessfully to prohibit it in the United States. At first, the FN Five-seveN was exclusively available for purchase by government agencies and armed forces. The company’s decision to sell it to civilians in 2004 sparked a backlash from gun-control advocates.
Today, possession is entirely legal. However, FN has decided to keep its armor-piercing ammunition off the shelves for the general public. There is no middle ground regarding opinions on gun ownership. Thus, some have compared it to a 22-magnum rimfire, despite FN’s claims that it can be used for personal defense and home protection
Law Enforcement
Some 5.7x28mm firearms are meant solely for use by law enforcement agencies. A good example is the FN PS90. Due to its full-auto fun switch, the genuine P90 is regrettably only sold to the military and police enforcement. A 16-inch barreled carbine version of the P90 is available for purchase and transfer from FN, otherwise identical to the P90.
The Bottom Line
The 5.7x28mm caliber is a versatile, lightweight, and compact cartridge designed to travel at high velocity and with low recoil. It can defeat soft body armor, fragment upon impact and has high-capacity magazines. Not all guns can fire this caliber, so before purchasing a firearm, ensure it is compatible with the 5.7x28mm caliber.
