Anyone have a FN Five-seven?

[jaymark6655]

With recent events I am thinking my .40 and .45 might not have enough firepower.  Anyone carry one of these?  Do you conceal and is it your daily carry weapon?  What are your thoughts about size, weight, comfort?  What holster?  Figured I would get some input, later I can rent one at a local range and shoot it, but I can't draw and shoot so it won't let  me test out everything.

[Button Nubbs]

someone on here has one. cant remember who. they are cool, just way expensive.

[JimmyHoffa]

I've played around with a friend's FiveSeven a lot.  He didn't carry it as a primary concealed.  For concealed purposes, I'd look at the ammo to see if you can get what you'd like.  I seem to remember the selection being very limited.  He could only get 2 of the 3 bullets produced for it.  I remember the cheapest which is what we shot a lot of had blue tips and were really accurate, even out to extended handgun ranges.

[JohnVH]

my wife wants one pretty bad. But for the cost I cant justify it

[PlateauNDN]

dang, you hunting gangbangers in your neck of the woods or what?  I love my .45 and I think that's plenty of gun to carry but, then again that's just my opinion and if you like and want it then I say go for, get it.

[PlateauNDN]

my wife wants one pretty bad. But for the cost I cant justify it

    Your wife wants one and you're not getting one?!?!??!  If my wife wanted something like that I'd die of shock and then after I came back as a zombie I'd order one for her.   I'm having a tough sell with my wife on getting me some new gear and your wife wants one of these...   Some guys are just luckier than other.

[Huntbear]

I believe huntphool was talking about one awhile ago.. not sure if it was his or not..  you might check with him or he will obviously check the thread as well.

[JohnVH]

my wife wants one pretty bad. But for the cost I cant justify it

    Your wife wants one and you're not getting one?!?!??!  If my wife wanted something like that I'd die of shock and then after I came back as a zombie I'd order one for her.   I'm having a tough sell with my wife on getting me some new gear and your wife wants one of these...   Some guys are just luckier than other.

haha yeah, she's been begging me for some time now. Need to get her her own 7mm mag for deer/bear this year first!

[whacker1]

I have commented on previous threads on this gun.  I have been eyeballing them for the better part of 2 years.  I am still on hold, but it will be my next purchase.

What sort of questions do you have?  I may know a few of the answers, but also curious to see if you are asking questions I haven't thought of yet.

[jaymark6655]

Yeah, I knew at least one person had one.  Couldn't remember who and figured they would see this thread.

Hopefully I can convince my wife that we need one or maybe two if see wants it, John your lucky.

Price: Yeah they cost a lot at $1000 to $1200, but some people spend that much on their 1911.

Ammo:  Selection is limited, but I like the 20 round mags and the ability to penetrate some body armor, but it doesnt over penetrate.

LOL, not hunting gang bangers.  Love my .40 and my .45 and I always felt like they were plenty of gun, but with the North Bend robbery and the CO shooting, I am starting to question my selection.

Other than the question I posted in the first post, I don't have any others yet.

Would love to pick a Savage LR Hunter instead with that money, but I feel like I don't need it.  I have three rifles, yet hunt with a bow.

[whacker1]

As far as carry, they are light, but kind of on the large size.

Length 208 mm (8.2 in)[9]
Barrel length 122 mm (4.8 in)[9]
Width 36 mm (1.4 in)[9]
Height 137 mm (5.4 in)[

Similar length to a standard 1911.
Similar in heighth to a standard 1911

For comparison my other three choices
The Kimber Custom Carry II
Length 8.7 in
Height 5.3 inches
width 1.28 inches

The Kimber Pro Carry II
Length 7.7 inc
Height 5.25 inches
Width 1.28 inches

The Kimber Ultra Carry
Length 6.8 in
Height 4.75 in
width 1.28 in

So, it is a little wider, and definitely not small.  I like the idea of it being light, fast round, low recoil, and I plan on hand loading so the options are fairly open once I have brass.  I am still over a year out before i actually make the purchase.  But I wanted something a little different. 

[jaymark6655]

Yeah love the weight.  Already carry a full size 1911 sometimes, so not too worried about the size.

Only thing I have found that worries me, it will not fire if the magazine is ejected.  On a defensive handgun where there is the possibility of a struggle and losing the mag either while reloading or the BG somehow ejects it, this could cause some problems.  Also, different safety postion, means one more thing to relearn.

Love the fact that it doesn't over penetrate.

[firefighter4607]

Just wondering who told you that they don't over penetrate?
They are fired at 1700-2050 feet per second, with only about 255 foot pounds of engery. They are fun guns to shoot, but the only reason why I would want one is because of its size and weight. It is easier to conseal than my S&W 9mm.
The five seven was the choice of the cartels for a while since they could hold 20 rounds. But they found out that the bullets weren't stopping once they hit flesh. The five seven was going thru people like a hot knife thru butter.

IMO they are great guns I would pack one around town but once in the woods I would pack the 9 or 45. I am saving up myself for one.

[jaymark6655]

Just wondering who told you that they don't over penetrate?
They are fired at 1700-2050 feet per second, with only about 255 foot pounds of engery. They are fun guns to shoot, but the only reason why I would want one is because of its size and weight. It is easier to conseal than my S&W 9mm.
The five seven was the choice of the cartels for a while since they could hold 20 rounds. But they found out that the bullets weren't stopping once they hit flesh. The five seven was going thru people like a hot knife thru butter.

IMO they are great guns I would pack one around town but once in the woods I would pack the 9 or 45. I am saving up myself for one.

Shooting Elite Ammunition 5.7x28 (and .45acp) Into Clay
Also, read or saw on Discovery Channel somewhere (I forget where) that the secret service is starting to use this round because it tumbles when it enters a body and there is less chance of it hit the guy behind whoever they shoot.

[NW-GSP]

specs on a 22 mag
2000 feet per second with a 30gr bullet

5.7x28
2133 feet per second with a 30gr bullet

[jaymark6655]

specs on a 22 mag
2000 feet per second with a 30gr bullet

5.7x28
2133 feet per second with a 30gr bullet

Are those 22 mag number from a rifle or can a pistol push that fast?  Also, would like to point out that velocity has a huge affect on energy since that term is squared.  Very interesting thought though, might be a cheaper option.

[cwuwildcat]

someone on here has one. cant remember who. they are cool, just way expensive.

My guess is Biggerhammer, with all the stuff he's been buying lately.  He seems to have a couple of everything!

[jrebel]

I get that overpenatration is a concern...however in the case of the movie theater shooting, penetration is exactly what would have been needed.  The shooter was wearing a bullet proof vest so a round that penetrates is the round that seems to be the best option.  Or a .45 that carries enough ke to knock him on his butt.  I have heard that the 5.7 will penetrate a tactical vest as long as there is no ballistic plate???  I have not confirmed this, but if it true the 5.7 would be a great round for active shooter situations.   

[jaymark6655]

I get that overpenatration is a concern...however in the case of the movie theater shooting, penetration is exactly what would have been needed.  The shooter was wearing a bullet proof vest so a round that penetrates is the round that seems to be the best option.  Or a .45 that carries enough ke to knock him on his butt.  I have heard that the 5.7 will penetrate a tactical vest as long as there is no ballistic plate???  I have not confirmed this, but if it true the 5.7 would be a great round for active shooter situations.   

Yeah that is kind of my thinking here and yeah I am second guessing my carry gun.   Other option is just keep shooting the guy until you get lucky or his armor breaks down.  If nothing else, the hits he takes would hurt like hell or break bones.

[firefighter4607]

I have heard that the sceret service is using them also but I don't think a block of clay is comparable to a human chest cavity or stomach area. I am just telling you what I have heard. As I said I would pack one, but not in the woods. 20 rounds would put a hurt on anyone.

[NW-GSP]

The rounds that the secret service uses are steel core for going through body armor. As you have probably guessed they are not available to the public

[actionshooter]

I have one and they are a blast  to shoot. Blow squirrels up pretty good, but I wouldn't use mine for carry purposes. There are way better guns for that. 

[jaymark6655]

I have one and they are a blast  to shoot. Blow squirrels up pretty good, but I wouldn't use mine for carry purposes. There are way better guns for that. 

Why wouldn't you carry it?

[actionshooter]

I have one and they are a blast  to shoot. Blow squirrels up pretty good, but I wouldn't use mine for carry purposes. There are way better guns for that. 

Why wouldn't you carry it?

I'm in the big bullet=energy, stopping power camp. The 5.7 will work, but is it the best carry gun/round?
 I also believe if you are going to carry there is some personal responsibility. You have to think about legal the ramifications of actually using 5.7 for self defense.
 The prosecutor is going to hang you buy your sack for using a 5.7 as a personal defense gun. The pistol "looks" like "assault" pistol and was designed for military use.
The other thing is, if you do use it and even if its a justified shooting. Your not going to get it back.

[jrebel]

I have one and they are a blast  to shoot. Blow squirrels up pretty good, but I wouldn't use mine for carry purposes. There are way better guns for that. 

Why wouldn't you carry it?

I'm in the big bullet=energy, stopping power camp. The 5.7 will work, but is it the best carry gun/round?
 I also believe if you are going to carry there is some personal responsibility. You have to think about legal the ramifications of actually using 5.7 for self defense.
 The prosecutor is going to hang you buy your sack for using a 5.7 as a personal defense gun. The pistol "looks" like "assault" pistol and was designed for military use.
The other thing is, if you do use it and even if its a justified shooting. Your not going to get it back.

Not sure I agree with you on this one action shooter.  1911 .45 acp is a combat tested and used pistol that was made with the military in mind as well.  If you shoot someone you will be scrutinized regardless of the bullet size and make / model of your firearm.  Justified or not you will probably not get your firearm back.  With that being said I carry a Kimber that cost way more than the 5.7.  It is worth losing if it saves my life.  I want something reliable so when the time comes (if ever it comes) I and the gun can perform.  The 5.7 is an expensive gun and round, but it does have pros....it carries 21 rounds and it has low recoil.  If you like the firepower this thing can deliver and it is a reliable piece, I say go for it.

I personally like my .45.   

[hillbilli]

I have shot the FN, and the p91 carbine version.. I pass on it as a defensive  weapon because its only redeeming feature is the armor penetrating ability (but wait, you cant get that ammo) an dcapacity, at least with a 9 or .40 or .45, I know what it will do in flesh, and it wont get smaller when it hits.. So hit them with a .22magnum rifle ballistics, or .40?
My .40 holds 14, my 9 holds 17, and 13rd .45 's are not rare.. hell i've even seen some of the european 9mm AP rounds.. probably be easier to get ahold of those than the 5.7 AP if a fellow was serious..

[wraithen]

Someone who pours their own ammo can probably make AP ammo pretty easily. I dissected one once. It was 7.62 NATO and it's just a tiny steel spike inside the lead. FMJ is pretty slick at getting through this but I've worn the type of gear the theater guy was wearing. It's got tags all OVER it that say it will NOT stop rifle ammunition, and most won't stop the faster handgun rounds. The soft vest he was wearing was most likely also not rated for rifle ammunition, that generally requires some bulky plates. So there are plenty of ammo choices around if that's your cup of tea. You won't find much ammo that will penetrate the ceramic plates. The ones I wore were good for several .50 cal hits and supposedly the system would stop at least one AP spike.

Back to the topic, I say if you want to carry a FiveSeven then go for it. I'd let them keep a 5k gun if the thing saved my butt just once. Consider that a sound investment. I wouldn't mind carrying that pistol except for the over penetration concern, but I'm sure there will be some creative ammo coming soon that will address that concern as well. Maybe something with a "liquid lead" core concept?

[elkaholic123]

PM huntnphool,he has one.

[firefighter4607]

Elite Ammunition S4M Ballistic Test w/Level IIIa Body Armor, Five-Seven & PS90

5.7x28mm Performance Against Soft Body Armor

[wraithen]

That is some outstanding information! Especially the one without sound (second one.) I admit I figured better ballistics with the non AP ammo with the vest. It also looked like the AP round didn't even lose it's jacket. I am curious as to the construction of that round or if it was simply a coated FMJ/TMJ bullet. The rifle AP the military uses relies on the jacket coming apart on impact. At least the 7.62 we've been using. IDK where you got those videos but thanks for posting them!

[whacker1]

I love watching the bullet go slow motion through the ballistic gel in that second video.

[PlateauNDN]

I believe my .45 is good enough and if you want the 5.7 then by all means get it.  One thing I learned in L.E. is to shoot to stop, so if I have to empty an entire clip into a suspect to stop him then so be it as long as I'm shooting to stop, not kill.

[JimmyHoffa]

The FiveSeven has managed to get enough noteriety to get its very own bill in the house.  For it and its ammo.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr538

[huntnphool]

I believe my .45 is good enough and if you want the 5.7 then by all means get it.  One thing I learned in L.E. is to shoot to stop, so if I have to empty an entire clip into a suspect to stop him then so be it as long as I'm shooting to stop, not kill.

One of the big hand gun debates has always been .45, 40 or 9mm. There are a lot of people, law enforcement in particular that are going back to the 9mm simply because it has less recoil and officers can keep the muzzle on target better, resulting in more hits, which they say is vitally important, I agree.

I have a FiveSeven that I carry every day. Its light weight, high capacity, low recoil and can be armor piercing with one of the factory loads. Its one of the reasons Nadal Hassan was able to kill so many people in the Fort Hood shooting, he was using a FiveSeven.

I can hit the target at 100 yards regularly and with little effort or recoil, try that with a .45.

[sirmissalot]

I can't decide if that thing is ugly or cool. I'm kinda leaning towards cool.

[huntnphool]

Ugly?

[mountainman]

Ammo is as hard to get as the gun. A law inforcement firearms instructor friend carries one for bear protection while hunting. I have used and seen used many different types of ammo and EliteAmmo had a 3 segmented round that was just devastating! Could penetrate a windshield with zero deflection and still break apart into three tumbling sections once it hits the target!
 

[huntnphool]

Ammo is as hard to get as the gun. A law inforcement firearms instructor friend carries one for bear protection while hunting. I have used and seen used many different types of ammo and EliteAmmo had a 3 segmented round that was just devastating! Could penetrate a windshield with zero deflection and still break apart into three tumbling sections once it hits the target!
 

Ammo is hard to get for any gun at the moment.

[firefighter4607]

The FiveSeven has managed to get enough noteriety to get its very own bill in the house.  For it and its ammo.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr538

Also the price for a new one has jumped! I wish I bought one a couple years ago.

[huntnphool]

The FiveSeven has managed to get enough noteriety to get its very own bill in the house.  For it and its ammo.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr538

Also the price for a new one has jumped! I wish I bought one a couple years ago.

I know one member on here just picked up a couple of them in the last week. They are going for around $2k on gunbroker right now.

[BigD]

I like that round, a friend has a PS-90 chambered in it, fun gun.

[actionshooter]

The FiveSeven has managed to get enough noteriety to get its very own bill in the house.  For it and its ammo.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr538

 They are going for around $2k on gunbroker right now.

 I can verify that, I just sold one....   

[BIGINNER]

so why not just go with a .22 mag?

[MtnMuley]

I have one and they are a blast  to shoot. Blow squirrels up pretty good, but I wouldn't use mine for carry purposes. There are way better guns for that. 

Why wouldn't you carry it?

I'm in the big bullet=energy, stopping power camp. The 5.7 will work, but is it the best carry gun/round?
 I also believe if you are going to carry there is some personal responsibility. You have to think about legal the ramifications of actually using 5.7 for self defense.
 The prosecutor is going to hang you buy your sack for using a 5.7 as a personal defense gun. The pistol "looks" like "assault" pistol and was designed for military use.
The other thing is, if you do use it and even if its a justified shooting. Your not going to get it back.

I know we are entitled to our own opinion, and I respect that, but strongly disagree with your last statement. 

[huntnphool]

so why not just go with a .22 mag?

.22 WMR round will reach a velocity of 1230 fps from a 4.3″ barrel. This works out to 134.40 ft/lbs of energy.

This is a significantly less than the FN Five-Seven USG (4.75″ barrel), which can push a 40 grain bullet at 2009 fps. This works out to 358.57 ft/lbs! Nearly three times as powerful as the .22 WMR!

This does not mean that the .22 WMR is not a good cartridge. It simply means that the 5.7mm is optimized to be fired from a pistol, rather than the slower burning .22 WMR loads which are designed to be fired from a rifle.

[BIGINNER]

so why not just go with a .22 mag?

.22 WMR round will reach a velocity of 1230 fps from a 4.3″ barrel. This works out to 134.40 ft/lbs of energy.

This is a significantly less than the FN Five-Seven USG (4.75″ barrel), which can push a 40 grain bullet at 2009 fps. This works out to 358.57 ft/lbs! Nearly three times as powerful as the .22 WMR!

This does not mean that the .22 WMR is not a good cartridge. It simply means that the 5.7mm is optimized to be fired from a pistol, rather than the slower burning .22 WMR loads which are designed to be fired from a rifle.

 

[actionshooter]

I have one and they are a blast  to shoot. Blow squirrels up pretty good, but I wouldn't use mine for carry purposes. There are way better guns for that. 

Why wouldn't you carry it?

I'm in the big bullet=energy, stopping power camp. The 5.7 will work, but is it the best carry gun/round?
 I also believe if you are going to carry there is some personal responsibility. You have to think about legal the ramifications of actually using 5.7 for self defense.
 The prosecutor is going to hang you buy your sack for using a 5.7 as a personal defense gun. The pistol "looks" like "assault" pistol and was designed for military use.
The other thing is, if you do use it and even if its a justified shooting. Your not going to get it back.

I know we are entitled to our own opinion, and I respect that, but strongly disagree with your last statement. 

  Thats what makes this country great, you get an opinion.