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Is the 5.7x28mm the Ultimate Self-Defense Caliber or Just Overhyped?

04/2025
Apr 01, 2025
🕒 3 mins

The 5.7x28mm cartridge has been the center of heated debates among firearm enthusiasts, military experts, and self-defense advocates. Some hail it as a game-changing high-velocity round with armor-penetrating capabilities, while others argue it’s just an expensive alternative to 9mm. So, is the 5.7x28mm truly the future of self-defense, or is it just another niche round destined for obscurity? Let’s break it down.

The History of 5.7x28mm: Built for War

Originally developed by FN Herstal in the late 1980s, the 5.7x28mm was designed as a replacement for the 9mm Parabellum in personal defense weapons (PDWs). NATO wanted a round that could outperform 9mm in penetration, accuracy, and range—especially against body armor. This led to the creation of the FN P90 PDW and later, the Five-seveN pistol.

  • 1998: FN released the Five-seveN, making 5.7x28mm a viable option for pistols.
  • 2021: NATO standardized the 5.7x28mm, ensuring its longevity in the firearms market.

The main selling points of 5.7x28mm were its flat trajectory, high velocity (~2,350 fps), and armor-piercing capability (in military loads). However, it took decades before civilian shooters embraced it due to limited firearm options and high ammunition costs.

Ballistics Breakdown: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

The 5.7x28mm is often compared to 9mm, .22 Magnum, and 5.56 NATO. Let’s look at how it stacks up:

LoadBullet WeightVelocity (fps)Energy (ft-lbs)Use Case
FN SS190 (AP)31 gr2,350340Law enforcement/military (armor-piercing)
FN SS195LF27 gr2,345285Civilian training
FN SS197SR (JHP)40 gr1,750243Self-defense
Federal AE 5.7x28mm40 gr1,655222Target practice

Key Advantages:

✔ High Velocity: Outperforms 9mm in speed, leading to better accuracy at distance. ✔ Low Recoil: Easier to shoot accurately and manage rapid fire. ✔ Flat Trajectory: Minimal bullet drop out to 200 yards. ✔ High Capacity: Most 5.7 firearms hold 20-50 rounds per magazine.

Biggest Drawbacks:

❌ Expensive Ammo: 5.7 rounds cost 2-3x more than 9mm. ❌ Limited Stopping Power: Lighter bullets don’t create the same wound channel as 9mm. ❌ Few Firearm Options: While growing, there are still fewer pistols and rifles chambered in 5.7 compared to mainstream calibers.

The Best 5.7x28mm Firearms in 2025

With 5.7x28mm gaining popularity, more manufacturers have entered the market. Here are the top firearms chambered in 5.7, available now at Chesapeake Gunslingers:

Handguns:

  1. FN Five-seveN MRD – The original 5.7 pistol, now optics-ready.
  2. Ruger-57 – More affordable alternative with fiber-optic sights.
  3. Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 – Features a unique Tempo Barrel System for accuracy.

PDWs & Rifles:

  1. FN PS90 – Bullpup design, top-mounted 50-round mag.
  2. CMMG Banshee Mk57 – Uses Five-seveN mags, great for suppression.
  3. Kel-Tec P50 – Weird but awesome, using P90 mags.

Ammo Availability: Is It Worth Buying a 5.7 Firearm?

A major concern for shooters is ammo cost and availability. Luckily, as more companies adopt 5.7x28mm, prices are dropping, and availability is improving.

Here’s a look at some of the best 5.7x28mm ammo available now at Chesapeake Gunslingers:

Final Verdict: Should You Buy a 5.7 Firearm?

If you’re looking for high capacity, low recoil, and armor penetration, the 5.7x28mm is an excellent choice. It excels in PDWs, home defense, and tactical applications, but the high ammo cost and limited stopping power compared to 9mm may not make it the best option for everyone.

Who Should Buy a 5.7 Firearm?

✅ Collectors & Enthusiasts: Unique, fun, and growing in popularity. ✅ Home Defense Users: Low recoil and high capacity make follow-up shots easier. ✅ Competitive Shooters: High-speed performance with minimal recoil. ✅ Suppressed Shooting Fans: Works well in SBRs and PCCs.

Who Should Stick with 9mm?

❌ Budget Shooters: 9mm is far cheaper and more widely available. ❌ Concealed Carriers: 5.7 pistols are larger and harder to carry than compact 9mm options.

So, is 5.7x28mm the future of self-defense or just overhyped? That depends on your needs and budget. Either way, its growing popularity suggests it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

🔥 Check out all 5.7x28mm firearms and ammo at Chesapeake Gunslingers.

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Johnnie Loveday

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