page2i

page2i: "And now for something a whole lot different...


FN FiveSeven


The next pistol to be tested around here is the new FN FiveSeven 'USG' model. This pistol holds 20 rounds of 5.7 x 28 mm. It has a light rail and adjustable sights. The safety is in an unusual spot, above the trigger as shown in the picture above, and the magzine release can be moved to the other side of the gun. Since slides should be released by grasping the slide with the support side hand, pulling back and releasing, it doesn't much matter which side the built-in slide release is on.

Although ammunition is hard to find, and expensive, the 5.7 offers some unique attributes: high magazine capacity, low recoil, good sights, good ergonomics, and ease of operation (different from ergonomics...). The 5.7 has a reputation among those politicians with low IQs and reading skills as being a dangerous, because it will fire a round that can go through body armor. It is a military pistol that was designed to have this capability. Those of us who shoot as a hobby have no interest in this capability, but rather are intrigued by the flat shooting characteristics of the round. A pistol that can hit at 100 or even 200 meters is interesting, because most pistols don't do well at longer ranges. For personal defense, the 5.7 caliber may or may not be a good idea. We know that all pistol rounds are weak when compared with shotguns and rifles, and the 5.7 will not be an exception to that general rule. On the other hand, bullet placement is a key to an effective defensive shooting capability. The 5.7 should be very good in that respect, and a 20 round magazine and low recoil offers the chance to place several bullets in the same time another heavier caliber pistol's front sight would be coming back on target.

There is a discussion forum about the FiveSeven. Ha"