Who Makes the 5.7 Pistol?
If you’re curious about who makes the 5.7 pistol, you’re in the right place. The 5.7 pistol is known for its unique caliber and performance, and several top manufacturers have stepped up to offer their versions.
Leading the pack is FN Herstal with their premium Five-seveN model, known for quality and innovation.
Then there’s Ruger, offering the Ruger 57, which is a budget-friendly option without compromising on features.
Smith & Wesson also enters the scene with their mid-range M&P 5.7, balancing price and performance nicely.
Don’t forget Kel-Tec’s PR57, which adds another interesting choice for fans of the 5.7 caliber.
Each of these pistols comes with unique features like different barrel lengths, magazine capacities, and finishes. Keep exploring to find out what makes each model stand out and which one fits your style and needs best.
Key Takeaways
- FN Herstal manufactures the FN Five-seveN, featuring a 4.8-inch barrel and 10- or 20-round magazine options. It’s the original and definitely a premium choice.
- Ruger produces the Ruger 57 with a 4.94-inch barrel, 20+1 capacity, and a black Nitride finish. This one is known for being budget-friendly without sacrificing quality.
- Smith & Wesson offers the M&P 5.7 with a 5-inch barrel, 22-round capacity, manual thumb safety, and Armornite finish. It’s a solid mid-range option for those who want reliability and features.
- Kel-Tec makes the PR57, notable for its 4.64-inch barrel and competitive pricing in the 5.7x28mm pistol market. An emerging contender that’s gaining attention.
- So, these manufacturers represent a nice range: premium with FN, mid-range with Smith & Wesson, budget-friendly from Ruger, and a fresh face in Kel-Tec. Plenty of options to choose from!
What Makes the 5.7x28mm Pistol Special
Although many pistols use standard cartridges, the FN Five-seveN® stands out by chambering the NATO-standard 5.7x28mm round. This round was specifically designed for long-range accuracy and armor-piercing capability.
When you handle this pistol, you’ll notice its minimal recoil. That’s thanks to the small, high-velocity cartridge that moves at roughly twice the speed of a typical 9mm.
The FN Five-seveN features a chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged 4.8-inch barrel. This ensures durability and consistent pinpoint accuracy.
Its smooth single-action system includes an internal hammer, giving you a consistent trigger break every time.
Law enforcement agencies really appreciate this combination of power, precision, and reliability. It makes the FN Five-seveN a unique option for tactical and defensive uses where performance truly matters.
Who Manufactures 5.7x28mm Pistols Today?
If you’re interested in owning a 5.7x28mm pistol, you’ll find several manufacturers offering models that capitalize on this unique cartridge’s capabilities. FN Herstal leads with its FN Five-seveN line, featuring 4.8-inch barrels and 10- or 20-round magazines. They have variants like the MRD and California-compliant versions, too.
Ruger offers the Ruger 57, sporting a 4.94-inch barrel and typically a 20+1 round capacity. It’s a solid choice if you want something reliable and well-made.
Ruger 57 features a 4.94-inch barrel and 20+1 round capacity, known for reliability and quality craftsmanship.
Smith & Wesson’s M&P 5.7 provides a 5-inch barrel with a 22-round magazine. This one’s great for folks looking for high capacity in a sleek package.
Kel-Tec’s PR57 rounds out the options, with a 4.64-inch barrel and notable magazine capacity. Each of these manufacturers brings distinct features, so you can find a 5.7x28mm pistol that really fits your needs and preferences.
Why FN’s Five-seveN Is a Top 5.7 Pistol
When you pick up FN’s Five-seveN, you immediately notice its balance of lightweight design and powerful performance. This pistol stands out with a blend of reliability, accuracy, and user-friendly features tailored for the 5.7x28mm cartridge.
You’ll appreciate how its design minimizes recoil while offering precise shot placement.
Key reasons why FN’s Five-seveN is a top 5.7 pistol include:
- Chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged 4.8-inch barrel ensures durability and consistent performance
- Smooth single-action trigger with a predictable break and moderate pull range
- Lightweight at 21 oz and compact 8.2-inch length for easy handling
- Options for 10- or 20-round magazines to suit your needs
- Variety of finishes and California-compliant models for broader accessibility
This combination makes the Five-seveN a reliable and versatile choice. It’s easy to see why it stands out among other pistols in its class.
What Ruger Offers With Its 5.7x28mm Models
Ruger offers the Ruger 57 as its standout 5.7x28mm pistol, designed to deliver high capacity and reliable performance. You’ll find it chambered in NATO-standard 5.7x28mm, featuring a 4.94-inch barrel and an overall length of 8.65 inches.
Its black Nitride finish gives it a sleek, durable look, while weighing about 24.5 ounces without a magazine, making it manageable for extended use. One of its key selling points is its impressive 20+1 round capacity, which means you can carry more ammo without frequent reloads.
Priced around $459.99, the Ruger 57 offers excellent value, especially when paired with available ammunition like the 201 rounds listed. If you want a high-capacity, lightweight 5.7 pistol, the Ruger 57 definitely stands out in its class.
Why Smith & Wesson’s M&P 5.7 Is Popular
Smith & Wesson’s M&P 5.7 stands out thanks to its 22-round capacity, surpassing many 10- or 20-round pistols in the 5.7x28mm category. You’ll appreciate its 5-inch barrel and 26.7-ounce weight, which balance handling and durability.
The Black Armornite finish combined with a manual thumb safety appeals to those who prefer external safety controls. The 5.7x28mm cartridge delivers high velocity and efficient performance, keeping the pistol relevant for shooters.
Here’s why it’s popular:
- 22-round magazine capacity
- 5-inch barrel length with pistol-style handling
- Heavier, durable 26.7 oz weight
- Manual thumb safety for added control
- High-velocity 5.7x28mm cartridge for performance
This combo makes the M&P 5.7 a favored choice among 5.7 pistol enthusiasts.
Comparing Features and Performance of 5.7 Pistols
How do the leading 5.7 pistols stack up in respect of features and performance? You’ll find differences in barrel length, weight, and capacity that affect handling and firepower.
The FN Five-seveN offers a 4.8″ barrel with a 10- or 20-round capacity and weighs 21 oz. Ruger’s 5-7 has a slightly longer 4.94″ barrel, a 20+1 round capacity, and weighs 24.5 oz.
Meanwhile, Smith & Wesson’s M&P 5.7 boasts a 5″ barrel, 22-round capacity, and weighs 26.7 oz. Price points reflect these specs: FN leads premium, Ruger is budget-friendly, and S&W fits in between.
| Model | Barrel Length | Capacity | Weight (oz) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FN Five-seveN | 4.8″ | 10 or 20 | 21 | $1,249.99 |
| Ruger 5-7 | 4.94″ | 20+1 | 24.5 | $459.99 |
| S&W M&P 5.7 | 5″ | 22 | 26.7 | $649.99 |
How to Choose the Best 5.7 Pistol for You
When choosing the best 5.7 pistol for you, consider frame and color options that suit your style and needs. It’s all about what feels right in your hand and looks good to you.
Look at magazine capacity options to balance firepower with legal requirements or carry preferences. You want something that fits your lifestyle without any hassle.
Finally, assess performance and accuracy features to ensure the pistol feels right and shoots precisely for your intended use. After all, reliability is key when it counts.
Frame And Color Options
Although the FN Five-seveN comes with consistent core dimensions and weight, choosing the right frame and color options lets you tailor your pistol’s look and compliance to your needs.
You’ll find primarily two finish choices: all-black or flat dark earth (FDE) frames. California-compliant models come in Blk/Blk or FDE/Blk, each with 10-round magazines and adjustable sights.
Here’s what to take into account:
- Choose Blk/Blk for a sleek, uniform black appearance
- Opt for FDE/Blk if you prefer a classic, two-tone look
- Review compliance requirements in your state before deciding
- Understand that frame color often ties to magazine capacity options
- Remember, dimensions and weight remain the same regardless of finish.
This approach helps make sure you pick a 5.7 pistol that fits both style and local regulations.
Magazine Capacity Choices
Picking the right magazine capacity for your 5.7 pistol depends largely on local laws and how you plan to use the firearm. The FN Five-seveN offers 10-round and 20-round magazines, with California-compliant models limited to 10 rounds.
You’ll want to decide between a compact 10-round magazine for easier carry and compliance or a 20-round magazine for longer sessions. Remember, the added rounds also mean added weight, which can affect handling.
Check what comes in your package, as FN includes either capacity depending on the model.
| Capacity | Common Use | Weight Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 10-round | Compliance, carry | Lighter, easier |
| 20-round | Extended shooting | Heavier, less compact |
| 22+1 | High capacity | Heaviest |
| CA 10-round | Legal in California | Light, compliant |
| Included Mag | Varies by model | Check package |
Performance And Accuracy
Since accuracy and performance are key for any firearm, you’ll want to look closely at factors like barrel length, trigger pull, and sight radius when choosing the best 5.7 pistol for you. The FN Five-seveN offers pinpoint accuracy with its 4.8-inch barrel and minimal felt recoil.
You should compare trigger pull—its smooth single-action break ranges from 4.4 to 7.87 lbs. Also, consider the sight radius; a longer 7.0-inch radius can improve precision.
The pistol’s weight, about 21 oz without a magazine, affects follow-up shots and controllability. Finally, pick a magazine capacity that suits your needs to help with faster reloads and fewer stoppages.
- 4.8-inch barrel for accuracy
- Smooth trigger pull (4.4–7.87 lbs)
- 7.0-inch sight radius for precision
- 21 oz weight for control
- 10- or 20-round magazine options
Other Manufacturers and New 5.7x28mm Pistols
You’ll find several brands besides FN now offering 5.7x28mm pistols, like Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Kel-Tec. Each brings unique features and capacities that shake up the market.
Let’s explore these newer models and what they offer for shooters. It’s pretty exciting to see how each company puts its own spin on this caliber.
Emerging 5.7x28mm Brands
Exploring the emerging 5.7x28mm pistol market reveals more than just FN Herstal’s iconic Five-seveN. You’ll find several manufacturers stepping into this niche, each offering unique takes on size, capacity, and design.
If you want variety beyond FN, consider these options:
- FN Five-seveN: 4.8″ barrel, 8.2″ overall, 10- or 20-round mags, available in black or FDE
- Ruger 57: 4.94″ barrel, 20+1 capacity, weighs about 24.5 oz
- Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7: 5″ barrel, 22-round capacity, around 26.7 oz
- Kel-Tec PR57: 4.64″ barrel, competitively priced
Each brand offers a slightly different balance of barrel length, capacity, and weight to fit your preferences. This growing lineup lets you pick a 5.7x28mm pistol that fits your specific needs perfectly.
Latest Model Innovations
Manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of 5.7x28mm pistols with fresh design updates and new models that cater to various shooter preferences. FN’s latest Five-seveN versions offer all-flat dark earth and all-black frames paired with their signature chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged 4.8″ barrel.
You can choose between 10- or 20-round magazines, including California-compliant 10-round options. Alongside FN, you’ll find the Ruger 57 with its 4.94″ black Nitride barrel and the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 featuring a 5″ Armornite barrel and manual thumb safety.
Specialty models like the Kel-Tec PR57 prove the cartridge’s versatility beyond the classic design. These innovations emphasize barrel length, magazine capacity, and weight, giving you a variety of modern 5.7x28mm pistols to weigh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes the Best 5.7 Handgun?
You’ll find the best 5.7 handgun largely depends on your needs, but many trust FN Five-seveN® for its lightweight, accuracy, and recoil control.
Ruger and Smith & Wesson offer solid alternatives with different features. It really comes down to what feels right for you.
Is a 5.7 More Powerful Than a 9mm?
A 5.7 isn’t necessarily more powerful than a 9mm; it shoots faster and lighter, offering better range and accuracy.
You’ll notice velocity and precision over raw stopping power when choosing between them.
Does the Military Use 5.7 x28mm?
Yes, the military uses 5.7x28mm rounds because they’re high-velocity and armor-piercing. You’ll find them in specialized pistols designed for long-range effectiveness.
They meet NATO’s standards for modern combat and law enforcement needs. So, they’re pretty popular in certain circles where performance really counts.
What Is the Current Price of an FN 5.7 Pistol?
Back when knights wielded swords, you’d pay around $1,000 to $1,250 for an FN 5.7 pistol today.
Depending on the model and finish, you’ll find prices within that range, ready for your modern battles.
Conclusion
When you’re hunting for a 5.7 pistol, you’re stepping into a world where innovation meets precision. FN, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson each bring their own flavor to the table, making your choice a tasty menu of options.
Think of it like picking the perfect key to access your shooting potential—whether it’s reliability, performance, or style you want, there’s a 5.7 pistol ready to fit your hand and your needs. Each brand offers something unique, so finding the right 5.7 pistol is all about what suits you best.
In the end, knowing who makes the 5.7 pistol helps you narrow down your options. Whether it’s FN’s original design, Ruger’s rugged take, or Smith & Wesson’s trusted craftsmanship, your ideal 5.7 pistol is out there. It’s all about matching your shooting goals with the right manufacturer’s innovation and quality.
