5.7 Guns: A Complete Guide to 5.7 Pistols, Ammo, and Firearms
As of late, more people are purchasing or requesting firearms that chamber the 5.7 caliber cartridge at an alarming rate. These cartridges were initially designed with a military/law enforcement application in mind but have gained significant popularity among civilian shooters who desire the following: Very high velocity, extremely low recoil, and exceptionally high magazine capacity.
Gun manufacturers have created an array of products, including 5.7-caliber handguns and new rifle designs based on this cartridge, giving consumers even greater choices than before.
When considering different uses like personal protection, target shooting, competition shooting, and collecting firearms, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the 5.7 platform will aid in deciding if you want to purchase one for yourself.
What is the 5.7×28 mm cartridge?
In the late ’80s, the 5.7×28 cartridge was developed as a lightweight, high-velocity alternative to presently available handgun cartridges.
Unlike most handgun rounds, the 5.7×28 round fires at a larger diameter with much greater velocity than most common pistol cartridges. The 5.7 gives shooters an extremely accurate, relatively mild-recoiling, and flat-shooting cartridge.
Characteristics of typical handgunning devices that have a 5.7mm caliber include:
- Bullet weight between 27 and 40 grains.
- High muzzle velocity.
- Reduced felt recoil.
- High magazine capacity.
- Excellent control of the firearm.
The unique aspect of the 5.7 bullet is its difference in performance when compared with 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP.
Why Are 5.7 Guns So Popular?
There are many factors that have contributed to the increased interest in 5.7x28mm ammunition.
Low Recoil
One of the best things about the round is that it has a very low amount of recoil. To many shooters, the 5.7 caliber pistol is much easier to control when shooting rapidly than the larger caliber handguns.
High Magazine Capacity
Most 5.7×28 handguns come with a 20+ round magazine without a large increase in grip size.
Excellent Accuracy
The cartridge’s body speed and precision mean it can be used effectively, even when fired at longer-than-usual distances with standard-duty ammunition.
Lightweight Ammunition
Due to their reduced weight compared to other types of ammunition, you can have a higher carrying capacity with your 5.7×28 mm cartridges than you would with the standard-duty pistol cartridges used for other handguns.
Best 5.7 Pistols Available Today
Many manufacturers have introduced excellent alternatives for handgun shooters using the 5.7×28 mm cartridge.
Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
Within the category of handguns, one of the hottest topics so far this year is the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7. Features that make this firearm stand out include:
- A Lightweight design
- Optics-ready configuration
- Low recoil operation
- High-capacity magazine
- Modern ergonomics
The weapon has gained a reputation with shooters for being reliable and easy to manage.
FN Five-seveN
The FN Five-seveN remains an iconic handgun, as it is the first commercial handgun made to accommodate 5.7×28 mm cartridges. Benefits of this handgun include:
- A proven track record
- Exceptional reliability
- Lightweight
- Large magazine capacity
Military heritage continues to draw worldwide support for this handgun.
Ruger-57
A Ruger 57 is a low-cost way to get into the 5.7 mm gun system, offering these benefits:
- Affordable Price
- Superb Trigger
- User-Friendly Controls
- Trustworthy Performance
Most shooters will combine the Ruger 57 and types of Ruger 5.7 mm ammunition for both recreational and defensive uses.
The Smallest 5.7 Pistol Options
Compact design has grown in popularity as companies continue to fine-tune their platforms. The quest to produce the smallest 5.7 pistol has resulted in many options that offer convenient carry.
Each option has the following:
- Decreased overall size
- Lower weight (Made of polymer)
- More concealability
- Ability to maintain magazine capacity
All of these pistols provide full-size pistol performance while offering easy-to-carry practicality.
Compact 5.7 Pistols for Everyday Carry
In the recent couple of years, there has been a high spike in demand for modern compact-type firearms that utilize the 5.7 cal. cartridge. These firearms, also known as the 5.7 caliber “compact” pistols/carry weapons, have several advantages over traditional handguns.
Some of these advantages include
- More concealed, less than 1 inch thick
- A much lighter overall weight than many other small/compact/traditional firearms.
- They have lower recoil than other compact firearms that are 9mm in size.
- A greater ability (more capacity) to carry ammo.
For anyone who would like to have an ultra-lightweight, little-recoil type of weapon, consider a compact 5.7 handgun.
Beyond Handguns: 5.7 Rifles and Carbines
While the majority of handguns currently hold market share, cartridges designed for these pistols are also producing outstanding results from longer-barreled guns.
5.7×28 Bolt-Action Rifle Options
The bolt-action rifle market segment for the 5.7×28 is still fairly niche, but it is gaining traction. This segment offers several advantages, including:
- Great accuracy
- Low recoil
- Quiet
- Cost-effective ammunition
These rifles can be utilized for recreational shooting, small varmint hunting, and precision training.
Carbines and PDW-Style Firearms
Several companies make carbines in 5.7 x 28mm caliber. Some of the benefits are:
- Higher velocity
- Greater accuracy
- Superior terminal performance
- Ease of use
When used in a longer barrel, the cartridge works best.
Choosing the Right 5.7×28 Ammo
Choosing the right ammo will depend on how you plan to use it.
Target Shooting
When it comes to range shooting, most shooters select inexpensive FMJ loads that provide reliable performance at a reasonable price point.
Competition
When competing, many shooters prefer ammunition with the following characteristics:
- Consistent velocity
- Reliable cycling through the firearm
- Low felt recoil
- High degree of accuracy
Defensive Use
Defensive ammunition is designed with the intention of producing an optimum terminal performance while still providing a reliable functioning cartridge. You should always verify that the 5.7 caliber ammunition is compatible with both your firearm and usage requirements for any evaluation of 5.7×28 mm ammo.
Is the 5.7 Cartridge Good for Self-Defense?
The most controversial point among all shooters today is the effectiveness of the 5.7 caliber ammunition (5.7×28mm) for personal defense. Proponents of the 5.7 caliber include:
- Great magazine capacity
- Fast Follow-up Shots
- Very Easy to Control
- Good Penetration Reliability
On the other hand, some sources will tell you to compare the 5.7 caliber to handgun cartridges that are larger, thus causing many people to debate whether or not they are effective for personal defense purposes.
In the end, what is critical for defense is not the size or weight of the cartridge but the type of modern defensive ammunition and shot placement.
Who Should Consider a 5.7 Pistol?
Five prime reasons that could make a potential 5.7 caliber handgun an excellent choice are as follows:
- Beginner shooters looking for low recoil
- Competitive shooters
- Home defense shooters
- Firearm enthusiasts and collectors
- A shooter who wants a change from the traditional handgun cartridges
In addition to having a unique cartridge design, the 5.7 caliber continues to have a large number of users with various interests.
The Future of 5.7 Guns
The 5.7 cartridge has developed from a niche military round to a common commercial option. More companies are getting involved in the marketplace; availability of ammunition is getting better; and there are now more firearm manufacturers than at any time in history, providing alternatives for consumers.
The ongoing development of new innovative handguns will result in the creation of even more compact pistols and carbines with suppressor-compatible configurations, as well as specialized ammunition created specifically for civilians. Are you interested in a 5.7 firearm?
Look through the available options for up-to-date pistols and rifles in addition to researching various types of ammunition for each.
Spend some time at your local shooting range trying out each of these different platforms to determine which is best suited for you! With both outstanding performance and versatility, there will be plenty of unique shooting experiences waiting for you when you choose a 5.7 firearm!
Final Thoughts
With the emergence of the new 5.7 guns, shooters are now exposed to the capabilities of a new cartridge that produces low recoil, offers a high-capacity magazine, and achieves exceptional accuracy.
As you evaluate your options for an upcoming purchase of either a 5.7 pistol or a 5.7 rifle and are also looking into 5.7x28mm ammo, the 5.7 platform has developed more options than ever before.
Though there are no perfect calibers for all the different types of shooters, the 5.7x28mm has become an incredibly versatile and competent option among today’s firearms retailers.
FAQs
What is the best 5.7 ammo for self-defense?
Many shooters prefer modern defensive loads designed specifically for personal protection. The best choice depends on the reliability of your firearm, penetration performance, and expansion characteristics. Always test defensive ammunition thoroughly before relying on it.
What is the best 5.7 pistol?
The best 5.7 pistol depends on individual preferences. Popular choices include the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7, FN Five-seveN, and Ruger 57 due to their reliability, ergonomics, and magazine capacity.
Is 5.7×28 good for self-defense?
Yes, many shooters consider 5.7×28 effective for self-defense due to its low recoil, high capacity, and controllability. Effectiveness ultimately depends on ammunition selection, firearm reliability, and shot placement.
What guns are chambered in 5.7×28?
Popular firearms chambered in 5.7×28 include the FN Five-seveN, Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7, Ruger-57, PSA Rock 5.7, and several carbines and rifles designed around the cartridge.
