Bibliography - Cartridge Info

Irving, G. F. 1988. FN’s New 5,7x28 Gun and Ammunition. The European Cartridge Collector. 283-22 (Dec): 14.
Irving, G. F. 1989. FN Experimental 5,7x28mm P90. The European Cartridge Collector. 288-1 (May): 1-2.

Barnes, Frank C. Edited by Stan Skinner. Cartridges of the World 10th Edition, Revised and Expanded.
Published by Krause Publications (September 2003) ISBN 0873496051


Josef MOETZ
AUSTRIAN MILITARY CARTRIDGES - Volume 2
21x30 cm, 456 pages, hardbound, German / partly English, over 500 pictures, including ca. 130 colorphotos, ISBN 3-901208-27-5. Laxenburg 2001,

Josef MOETZ
Austrian Military Cartridges - Vol. 1 & 2 on CD-ROM

Wardrip, Jim 2004. Modern Small Arms Ammunition Intermediate Cartridges Version 1.0 (pg 3)

Abstract: Secure Weapon System (SWS) Smart Gun Technology, Phase I: Summary of Findings Report

http://www.ncjrs.org/rr/vol3_1/9.html

Abstract

NCJ Number: 189247
Title: Secure Weapon System (SWS) Smart Gun Technology, Phase I: Summary of Findings Report
Author: J. Rankin

Corporate Author: FN Manufacturing, Inc
797 Clemson Road
Columbia, SC 29229

Sponsor: National Institute of Justice US Dept of Justice
810 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20531

Sale: National Institute of Justice/NCJRS
Box 6000
Rockville, MD 20849

Paper Reproduction Sales National Institute of Justice/NCJRS
Box 6000 Department F
Rockville, MD 20849

Date Published: 05/2001
Page Count: 9
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English
Grant Number: 2000-MU-MU-K005

Annotation: This report summarizes the first phase of a project to continue research and development that began in 1995 and focuses on smart-gun technology to reduce the criminal use of firearms and unintended accidental shootings.

Abstract: The project began with a demonstration unit built to the FN Five-seveN pistol and used it as a starting point on which to base the project development. The project developed a functional requirement specification and used feasibility analysis and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis to develop the demonstration unit into an engineering model that more closely met the needs of the law enforcement community. Interviews with police personnel led to the conclusions that a Secure Weapon System must not be usable against a police officer, look like existing guns, be able to be fired if batteries are dead, and be able to fired amid an electrical malfunction. Other requirements included the ability to be operated by the officer’s partner but not by other people, reliability and durability similar to that of current guns, and usability if the officer wears heavy clothing or gloves. The development of the engineering model focused on reliability, durability, and resistance to environmental effects. This first phase of the project has been highly fruitful and has resulted in an engineering model that addresses police concerns while moving away from potential causes of system failure. The developers are eager to move to the second through fourth phases of the project. Photograph

Thesaurus Term: Police weapons ; Police safety ; Specifications ; Assaults on police ; Equipment evaluation ; Handguns ; Police weapons use

The NIJ Research Review

Five-seveN (Accessories - Lasers/Lights)

Insight Technology's M6 Tactical Laser Illuminator (TLI) works well on the IOM and USG models of the Five-seveN, in my experience. Presumably the M3, M3X, and M6X would be similarly compatible/useful.

Laser Devices, Inc. has also produced a Las/Tac with contours specific to the Five-seveN (Like so many things, this seems to be made of unobtanium, though.) Axel Raven claims to have a line on a source of these.

At least one model of LDI's BLAST 2 is also compatible with the FsN.

Axel Raven Company, Inc.
http://www.axelraven.com/
1034 West Indiana Avenue
Spokane, WA 99205
(509) 370-1553 Phone
(509) 324-6352 FAX
FFL/SOT Class III Firearms dealer. Axel Raven, President.

Five-seveN (and Exploding Targets, eg. Tannerite)

Tannerite (TM) exploding targets are cool stuff.

I asked:

I'm thinking that it's probably under-powered, but I'm curious as to your estimation of a Five-seveN with SS192 ammo (28gr JHP at 2034 fps http://www.fnhusa.com/contents/tw_57x28system.htm ) to detonate a Tannerite target. If not the factory ammo, how about an ultra-light hand-load in the 2500fps range?

Dan Tanner responded:

A lot depends on the weather, on the mix, on how well it's mixed, whether it's fuel-rich, or fuel-lean, etc. Normally, your safe with anything that shoots a pointed lead tipped bullet w/700 ft pounds of energy or more. Scientifically speaking, the targets are not suppose to work at all.... but they do.

Please keep me up on your expirements.

July, 2004

I've also picked up some Scarecrows and I plan to test them as well.

Deja Vu Again - SPEAKOUT - American Handgunner, March, 2000

Wow! I just read Charlie Petty's excellent article on the FN Five-seveN and the new 5.7mm cartridge it was designed around. Awesome, but...

Something struck me as familiar about the 5.7x28. What could it be? Then I remembered: the "Wildcat" chapter in Cartridges of the World. There it was on page 141 of my 5th edition--the MMJ 5.7mm. Back in 1963 Melvin Johnson, the rifle and machinegun designer, had necked down a .30 carbine case for a 40 gr. .224 bullet and rechambered an M1 carbine to shoot it.

He claimed 3,000 fps from the carbine barrel with a case 33mm long. Now FN shortens the case by 5mm, uses a lighter projectile and gets lower velocity from a shorter barrel. Deja vu all over again.

It seems there really is nothing new under the sun, just lots and lots of variations on a theme.

William Pollitt

Weare, N.H.

The Five-seveN® Tactical Pistol (Official FN Press Release)

02/11/2004 For Immediate Release - January 5, 2004
The Five-seveN® Tactical Pistol Delivers Total Package For Special Units And Tactical Teams
Designed to meet the needs of special units and tactical teams the FN Five-seveN® Tactical Pistol, the companion weapon to the FN P 90®, delivers unique, lightweight, ergonomic reliability to law enforcement agencies.
According to Rick DeMilt, Director of Sales and Marketing at FNH USA, Inc., "Tactical teams, special duty and patrol officers, now have a solution when confronted by dedicated, trained and motivated criminals armed with sophisticated military weapons and wearing body armor that stops conventional rounds."
"The criminal element today is highly determined, better armed and often well prepared for their encounter with the police. After studying these risks and liabilities that are associated with the rapidly changing law enforcement environment, FNH USA, Inc. has developed this handgun and cartridge system that provides officers with the required tactical advantage they need."
The Five-seveN Tactical, 5.7 x 28-mm caliber handgun, is a single-action trigger and features a delayed blowback operating principal. With an overall length of 8.2 inches, the barrel measures 4.82 inches, and weighs only 1.36 pounds with an empty magazine and 1.64 pounds with a loaded magazine. This tactical pistol also features an integrated accessory rail that allows for ease of mounting a light or laser for low light use.
The Five-seveN Tactical features a 20-round magazine with its short, crisp trigger pull, and allows for fast and accurate shooting by law enforcement. The low recoil of this tactical pistol allows for quick re-engagement of the weapon, when needed.
As an additional safety feature, the firing pin only fires when the trigger is intentionally pulled. The manual safety also can be used to block the trigger, if needed. The Polymer frame and slide cover of this pistol is ergonomic, incredibly light and easily maintained by officers. The shrouded hammer also will not catch on equipment and is protected from impacts.
About FNH USAFNH USA is the sales and marketing arm of FN Herstal, S.A., whose corporate mission is to become a global leader in the areas of defense, law enforcement and associated commercial markets, providing the highest quality products and the finest in training and logistical support. For more information on any of FNH USA's products, contact Marlene Smith at 703-288-1292, e-mail: mailto:info@fnhusa.com?subject=FN-SPS or visit http://www.policeone.com/ad/redirect.cfm?man=FNH&goto_url=www.fnhusa.com

FN P90® Triple Rail Delivers Tactical Innovation (Official FN Press Release)

02/10/2004For Immediate Release
FN P90® Triple Rail Delivers Tactical Innovation
MCLEAN, VA - FNH USA, Inc., a subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., Belgium, delivers for American law enforcement an ambidextrous weapon system for maximum versatility to meet the demands of any tactical situation. The FN P90TR is a revolutionary and quality weapon that features three Picatinny rails to aid officers in deploying a weapon built for convenience, reliability and extreme accuracy.
"Allowing the user to configure this weapon to mission requirements, the P90 TR gives maximum flexibility of weapon configuration and a wide choice of sights and accessories," according to Rick DeMilt, Director of Sales and Marketing.
The full-length top rail is equipped to take a wide variety of optical sights providing the most accurate shooting capabilities for officers. These sights can be positioned to give the correct eye relief while engaging the weapon and can be removed and reassembled without the loss of zero. This enables officers the convenience of multiple sights in both day- and low-light situations. By using a rail on the P90 TR to mount the sight, officers are able to rapidly add a night sight when required.
The two side rails allow for accessories such as tactical lights and external lasers. The use of these accessories will enhance the accuracy of shot for the officer. Accessories can be mounted on each side, or one accessory can be placed on the side that is most convenient to the user. The P90 TR is completely ambidextrous by allowing mounting of accessories to either side of the weapon.
Measuring 19.7-inches in overall length, 2.2-inches in width and 7.1-inches in height, the P90 TR has proven to be quit effective in various law enforcement situations. With an empty magazine, this weapon weighs only 5.7 pounds and is facilitated to hold a capacity of 50 rounds in the magazine. Officers are also able to choose between two firing modes: single shot and full automatic, allowing the P90 TR to be used in any number of police situations. It has a 900-rpm cyclic rate of fire and a maximum effective firing range of 200 meters.
About FNH USAFNH USA is the sales and marketing arm of FN Herstal, S.A., whose corporate mission is to become a global leader in the areas of defense, law enforcement and associated commercial markets, providing the highest quality products and the finest in training and logistical support. For more information on any of FNH USA's products, contact Marlene Smith at 703-288-1292, e-mail: mailto:info@fnhusa.com?subject=FN-SPS or visit http://www.policeone.com/ad/redirect.cfm?man=FNH&goto_url=www.fnhusa.com

Doing business: the 2004 buying season gets underway as manufacturers present a first look at this year's new products - NASGW 30th Anniversary - Shoo

FNH USA's FN Five Seven IOM (Individual Officers Model) is now available to sworn law enforcement officers for duty use only. The Five Seven 5.7X28 polymer pistol features a single-action/internal-hammer delayed blow back design.

The newest products continue to debut as manufacturers compete for market share - 2004 New Products - Shooting Industry, Jan, 2004 by Russ Thurman

FNH USA's FN Five Seven IOM (Individual Officers Model) is now available to sworn law enforcement officers for duty use only. The Five Seven 5.7X28 polymer pistol features a single-action/internal-hammer delayed blow back design with a hard-chromed, hammer-forged barrel. The Five Seven IOM comes complete with an integrated accessory rail for light/lasers and two 10-round magazines.

5.7 x 28 System Imprortant Info (Official FN - Outdated)

Important information about availability of ALL 5.7 x 28mm weapon systems and ammunition BATF regulations: All components of this system are tightly regulated by BATF. The P90 (NFA, Class III weapon) can only be sold and registered to a law enforcement agency. The Five-seveN pistol is slightly different. The first sale, which requires the pistol to be legally imported into the US, requires the same procedure as the P90. A BATF Form 6 is needed which the chief or the second in command must sign. The pistol can then be removed from the Custom Bonded Warehouse and shipped to the agency. The ammunition is controlled in much the same manner, an approved BATF Form 6 is required then the ammunition can be shipped direct to the agency. The 5.7x28mm weapon system is comprised of three components: the 5.7x28mm ammunition, the P90 Submachine gun, and the Five-seveN handguns. The 5.7x28mm SS190 ammunition has been designed to bridge the gap between the 9mm ammunition and the 5.56 x 45mm. The 9mm FMJ round will not penetrate modern body armor and the 5.56mm, being a front line type combat ammunition, is far too potent to address close combat situation or urban warfare. The SS190 due to its unique design with two inserts, the tip of the ogive has a steel penetrator followed by an aluminum core heavier than the forward tip, will cause the bullet to tumble in soft body tissue after 2 inches of penetration. The SS190 virtually eliminates the risk of over penetration This terminal ballistic behavior will cause large wound cavity and quick incapacitation. The SS190 will perforate 48 layers of Kevlar up to 200 meters when fired from the P90 and achieve the same result up to 50 meters with the FsN handgun. The 5.7 ammunition has only 60% of the recoil impulse of a 9mm. There are four types of ammunition: the duty SS190 (0.41c/round), the tracer L191 (0.69c), the subsonic Sb193 (0.44c) and the training round T194 (0.29c). The ammunition is available from a CBW stateside (Belgium production) or made by Winchester Olin and stored here at FN Manufacturing. The muzzle velocity of the SS190 is 2,346fps when fired from the P90 and 2,133fps with the FsN. The weapons system components are the P90 Submachine Gun, the Five-seveN Double Action and the FsN Tactical. P90: Light (6.6lbs w/ 50 rounds of ammunition), compact, easy to fire, both semi and full automatic, reliable and effective. Available in a standard model $1,250.00(suggested LE Price) or with integrated laser $1850.00(suggested LE Price). A complete line of accessories is available such as silencer, sling, rails etc. The weapon can be configured in many variations. Five-seveN Pistol: Light (1.64lbs w/ 20 rounds of ammunition), simple, reliable and highly effective. Available in a Double Action models (about 12.00lbs trigger pull) or Single Action Tactical (about 5.00lbs trigger pull). The FsN DAO sells for $585.00(suggested LE Price) while the Tactical sells for $650.00(suggested LE Price). Available with night sight and modular tactical light and laser, at additional cost. Various manufacturers offer holster such as DeSantis, Gould&Goodrich, London Bridge Trading Co., Blackhawk Eagle etc. this for both tactical and duty in leather or webbing. A list of the departments using the 5.7 WS is available upon request. Your department can request T&E weapon(s) with ammunition or ask us to provide an on site presentation and demonstration of our weapons.

Page Last Updated: 12/03/03

5.7 x 28mm System FAQ (Official FN)

	The following is a summary of the frequently asked questions from customers. Five-seveN Q: How much recoil does the pistol produces? A: 1.7 kgm/s or 55% of a 9mm. The recoil of the FsN is slightly less than the P90 Q: What is the trigger pull in lbs? A: The tactical is 4.85lbs - 5.5 lbs, the dao is 9 -12 Q: Are the sights adjustable? A: Yes, in windage by moving the rear sight Q: Can we get night sights? A: Yes, tritium rear sight are red, front sight is green to get a better contrast Q: Can a person with small hands easily handle and shoot the Five-seveN? A: Yes, the gun was designed with the human factor taken in consideration Q: What is the noise level? A: Less than 130dbA Q: What type of safeties are on the pistol and safety features? A: The dao has a firing pin safety with the heavier trigger pull, the tactical has a positive safety as it blocks the trigger Q: What type of accuracy can be expected? A: The guns are fired in the factory in Belgium and must meet a figure of merit, measurement of the vertical and horizontal spread, of a group of 6 rounds fired at a distance of 20 meters (21.84yd). The group can not exceed 200mm or (7.87in) Q: How durable is the gun? A: 20000 rounds life for the main components: barrel, frame and slide Q: What process is used to produce the rifling? A: Rotary forging also known as swaging or cold forming Q: Have any type of adverse condition testing been performed on the pistol? A: Drop tests have been performed according to NATO STANAG standards and much more Q: Is the pistol easy to strip down and clean? A: Yes, some little information and training are required due to its unique design Q: What is the muzzle jump like? A: This of course will vary according to the wrist strength of the shooter, again the recoil is only 55% of a 9mm. Q: Is there any jamming or feeding problem with the pistol? A: No, the cartridges are in line with the chamber, there is no feed ramp on the barrel only a main taper angle. The magazine has two rows of 10 ammunition like rifle magazine, this is more reliable than conventional 9mm pistol Q: If the pistol needs service, to whom do we send it? A: FN offers armorer training, weapons can always be send to us for repair. Q: Does the pistol has a non glare finish? A: Yes, it is matt black technical polymer Q: How is the muzzle flash? A: The muzzle flash is bigger than 9mm Q: How strong is the action? A: 49,000 psi is the maximum working pressure, the pistol is tested at proof pressure of 63,000psi P90 SMG Q: How durable is the gun? A: The gun is very durable we submitted it to the NATO type testing. Q: What type of accuracy can be expected from a P90? A: The accuracy requirement for the P90 is 9 out of 10 rounds with a figure of merit not exceeding 7.87in at 50 meters Q: How strong is the action? A: Very strong since it is a bull pup. Q: Is the P90 easy to strip down and clean? A: Yes, it only has 5 major components and can disassembled in 5 seconds. The design is fool proof. Q: How weather/ corrosion resistant is the gun? A: The frame is made of high impact polymer, the barrel support is quality aluminum with hard anodize, the barrel, breech block, flash hider are made of steel and are manganese phosphate, the barrel bore is hard chrome plated, the other components are polymer, stainless pins and springs Q: What type of safety's and safety features are on the gun? A: The gun fires only from a closed breech, there is a selector that prevents the trigger from being manipulated while on safety there is a drop safety feature that blocks the secondary sear from being disengaged when dropped on the muzzle and there is an automatic sear that will prevent the hammer from falling since it will reengage when the weapon is dropped on the butt. The gun fires from a closed breech Q: What is the survivability of the P90? A: It is very durable as we submitted it to the same tests required by NATO Q: Are there any jamming or feeding problems with the gun? A: No, again due to the design the feeding is extremely reliable Q: What type of accessories are available? A: The gun is ready for all accessories such as tactical light, case collector, suppressor, laser pointer, tactical sling, and many sights with the addition of a Picatinny rail for the standard model. Q: Can the weapon be supplied in a semi automatic version only? A: Yes Q: What type of sights are on the gun? A: The standard model has a solid glass of 14mm in diameter with aiming marks, circle and a cross hair that illuminates in low light condition with a tritium cell. There are also iron sight on both sides of the primary sight. The Triple Rail model has no sight so any day or night sights can be mounted, the interface is a Picatinny rail Q: What is the muzzle velocity? A: 2345 f/sec 5.78x28mm ammunition Q: Will the 5.7mm round penetrate the target? A: Yes, it will penetrate 48 layers of Kevlar at 200 meters with the P90 and at 50 meters with the handgun Q: What type of bullets are offered and how are they constructed? A: There are four types: the SS190 ball round or duty, the T194 hollow point, the tracer and the subsonic. We are developing a blank, a frangible, a monoblock and a sabot round. The construction of the SS190 is very unique as it has two cores, first a steel then an aluminum wrapped in a steel jacket. The hollow point round does not have the forward steel insert. The tracer has ignition material, tracer media and the steel penetrator. The Sb193 is a 55 grains FMJBT. Q: What is the effective range of the SS190 duty round? A: 200 meters Q: Who makes the ammunition? A: FN and Olin Winchester Q: What type of knock down power is the 5.7 round capable of? A: The SS190 transfers nearly all its energy to the target on impact, even at close range. The bullet will tumble after approximately 2 inches of travel in soft body tissues causing large wound cavity and quick incapacitation. Q: What is the stopping power of the 5.7x28mm? A: The SS190 has about the same muzzle energy as the 9mm Q: What are the energy/ number? A: 320flbs at muzzle, 297flbs/ 50meters, 227flbs/ 100m, 126flbs/ 200m, 74flbs/ 300m, 58flbs/ 400m Q: What department are using the 5.7 system? A: The list is available upon request.
	Disclaimer - This information is provided to answer common questions about some of our products and are for reference purposes only. This information offers no warranty of any kind and is subject to change without notice..

Page Last Updated: 12/03/03

Five seveN Tactical (Official FN)

Five-seveN Tactical Pistol

This version of the Five-seveN pistol has been designed to meet the needs of Law Enforcement special units.

For officers on tactical teams, close protection details, and other such duties, the Tactical has many advantages.

It holds 20 rounds of the highly effective 5.7 mm cartridge used in the P90 SMG. This round provides the accuracy, the penetration of soft body armor and incapacitation needed to stop determined and well equipped criminals.

• The short, light trigger pull allows fast and accurate shooting.

• The shrouded hammer will not catch on equipment and is protected from impacts.

• The firing pin safety avoids accidental firing, while the manual safety can be used to block the trigger.

The Five-seveN Tactical, in the hands of a skilled shooter, when only the best is good enough.

Benefits

• Polymer frame and slide cover: ergonomic, incredibly light and easily maintained

• 20-round magazine: large firing autonomy

• Fires 5.7 mm round: the FMJ SS190 penetrates Class IIIA body armor

• Firing pin safety: only fires when the trigger is intentionally pulled

• Low recoil: the weapon can be quickly realigned

• Integrated accessory rail: easy mount for light and laser

• Short, light trigger pull: for fast and accurate shooting

• Manual slide stop: for quicker reloading

Tecnical Data

Five-seveN Tactical Pistol
Caliber:	5.7 x 28 mm
Trigger mechanism:	single action
Operating principle:	delayed blowback
Magazine capacity:	20 rounds
Length of weapon:	208 mm (8.2 in)
Length of barrel:	122.5 mm (4.82 in)
Weight:
-with empty magazine:	630 g (1.36 lb)
-with loaded magazine:	756 g (1.64 lb)
SS190 ammunition
Type:	Ball
Ammunition length:	40.5 mm (1.6 in)
Ammunition weight:	6 g (93 grains)
Projectile weight:	2.02 g (31 grains)
Muzzle velocity:	650 m/s (2,133 ft/s)

Suggested Price

(Law Enforcement agencies only- 5.7 x 28 caliber weapons are not available to the general public)

Five-seveN Tactical:	$650 Available Mid 2001
Five-seveN Tactical N.S.:	$780 Available Mid 2001

Page Last Updated: 12/03/03

Five seveN (Official FN)

Five-seveN Pistol

Advantages

The Five seveN Pistol is the companion weapon to the P90 sub-machine gun. The Five seveN is an easily concealable double action pistol with a larger, 20-round magazine capacity. A maximum use has been made of composite materials in the frame and slide to result in an extremely light weight, 1.7 pound, design. The 5.7x28mm ammunition has the capability of penetrating body armor at extended ranges. This new ammunition features a lead-free projectile to eliminate environmental concerns. NATO STANAG classification for the ammunition is currently underway.

Technical Data

Length:	8.2 inches
Height:	5.4 inches
Weight
Empty:	1.4 pounds
Loaded:	1.7 pounds
Magazine Capacity:	20 rounds
Penetrate PASGT vest:	300 meters
Penetrate PASGT helmet:	240 meters
Penetrate CRISAT vest:	100 meters

Suggested Price
(Law Enforcement agencies only- 5.7 x 28 caliber weapons are not available to the general public)

Five-seveN D.A.:	$585 Available!
Five-seveN D.A.N.S:	$702 Available Mid 2001

Page Last Updated: 12/03/03

5.7 x28mm Ammunition (Official FN)

It is a sad commentary on the time we live but the criminal element, which police are facing today, is more and more determined and resourceful. They could be classified as professionals who carefully choose their targets, weapons, and protection, which as the Bank of America and other recent incidents prove often include personal body armor.

This is the reason why FN Herstal developed the 5.7 x 28 mm ammunition for the P90 submachine gun and the Five-seveN pistol.

The round will consistently penetrate 48 layers of Kevlar where all known 9 mm, .40 cal. and .45 cal. bullets will just bounce off. The light weight, high velocity bullet will tumble on impact, ensuring reliable incapacitation without over-penetration.

Low recoil impulses makes follow-up shots quick and accurate because we know that in spite of all the hype written about new wonder bullets in the industry bullet placement is the single most important factor in ending a lethal confrontation.

Technical Data

	SS190 (Ball)	L191 (Tracer)	Sb193(subsonic)	T194(training)
Cartridge length:	1.59 in. - 40.5 mm	1.59 in. - 40.5 mm	1.59 in. - 40.5 mm	1.59 in. - 40.5 mm
Cartridge weight:	93 grains - 6 grams	93 grains - 6 grams	118 grains - 7.6 grams	88 grains - 5.75 grams
Projectile weight:	31 grains - 2.02 grams	31 grains - 2.02 grams	55 grains - 3.6 grams	27 grains - 1.75 grams
Recoil impulse:	1.95 kgm/s	1.95 kgm/s	1.3 kgm/s
Chamber Pressure:	345 Mpa max piezo	345 Mpa max piezo	345 Mpa max piezo
Accuracy with P90 10-round group (H+L) at 50 meters:	5.9 in. - 15 cm	7.9 in. - 20 cm	7.9 in. - 20 cm
Muzzle velocity:
- with P90	2346 fps - 715 m/s	2346 fps - 715 m/s	984 fps - 300 m/s	705 m/s
-with Five seveN	2132 fps - 650 m/s	2132 fps - 650 m/s	-	640 m/s
Effective range with P90:	200 meters	200 meters	50 meters
Minimum penetration Class IIIA body armor:	200 meters	200 meters	50 meters

Suggested Price

(Law Enforcement agencies only- 5.7 x 28 caliber weapons are not available to the general public)

Price per unit in thousands
SS190:	$0.41
Sb193 Subsonic:	$0.45
L191 Tracer:	$0.71
T194 Training Round:	$0.29

Page Last Updated: 12/03/03

P90 (Official FN)

P90

5.7mm SUB-MACHINE GUN

Technical Data:

Operation: Overall Length: Width: Height with Optical Sight:	Blowback mechanism firing from closed breech 19.7 in. 2.2 in. 8.3 in.
Weight with Loaded Magazine:	6.6 lbs.
Magazine Capacity:	50 rds
Firing Modes:	Single shot, full automatic
Cyclic Rate of Fire:	900 rpm
Maximum Effective Range:	200m

SS190 Ammunition:

Caliber:	5.7mm
Weight:	93 grains
Projectile Weight:	31 grains
Recoil Impulse:	0.44 lb/s
Muzzle Velocity:	2,346 fps
Perforation at 200m: Body Armor Kevlar	>48 plies of Kevlar PASGT helmet
Accuracy with P90	(7.9 in.) (10 shots)

Suggested Price:
(Law Enforcement agencies only- 5.7 x 28 caliber weapons are not available to the general public)

P90STD:	$1,250
P90STD Auto:	$1,350

Page last updated on: 03-07-2001

Experiences with the FN P90 by Sandy Wall

	Experiences with the FN P90
By Sandy Wall The Houston, TX, Police Department was the first American law enforcement agency to deploy with the FN P90 submachine gun on its SWAT team. We received five P90s into our inventory in 1999 along with several thousand 5.7mm rounds of ammunition. After a short period of in-house testing and training, the P90s became operational within our entry team elements. The P90 has been utilized primarily at the point man positions where its CQB features are best utilized. The first time I saw a P90, I couldn’t help but notice how unique and interesting it looked. It was fun to shoot and no one could argue about the innovations the engineers at Fabrique National in Belgium had featured on this weapon. The fact remained, however, that the 5.7x28mm cartridge was unproven. We had all the energy data and gelatin shots, but had no documentation on what the round would do on a real human body. It may sound morbid, but in the tactical world the proof is in the real deal. That missing element was always in the back of our minds. Well, the jury is now in. Houston SWAT was involved with the first and only lethal engagement with the weapon to date. I first wrote an article on the P90 for the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) Command Magazine. Then, as well as now, I carried a P90 as my primary weapon. I have shot thousands of 5.7mm rounds in training and continue to deploy with the weapon on every SWAT situation and high-risk warrant I respond to. I concede that the P90 is not all things to all people. However, for what I do, as a SWAT officer in a major city, it’s a great weapon. Its CQB features are many, so I will just touch on the high points. The weapon system, including both the P90 submachine gun and the FiveseveN pistol, is built around the SS190 5.7x28mm cartridge. One of the unique features about this system is that the cartridge can be fired from an assault rifle or a handgun. The SS190 version of the 5.7mm cartridge uses a 31-grain, steel jacketed, steel tipped, aluminum core bullet. It is capable of 2350fps and it can defeat level IIIA body armor at 200 meters. The bullet contains no lead for environments that prohibit toxins. The round is not cheap but as the weapon becomes more popular here in the United States, the cost should come down. Winchester will soon assemble the 5.7mm round from imported FN components and also plans to make a hollowpoint round. The 5.7mm round has 379 ft-lbs of energy, compared to 1300 ft-lbs for the 5.56mm NATO. The recoil from the 5.7mm round is much less than even the 9mm. The SS190 ball is not only flat shooting, but also capable of penetrating car doors and auto-glass with minimum ricochet potential. In contrast, the bullet is designed to stay intact and start a controlled tumble once it penetrates a soft medium, thus reducing any over-penetration worries. The SS190 ball penetrates between 11 and 13.5 inches of gelatin, compared to between 17 and 22 inches of penetration for the M855 dual-core 5.56mm NATO round. Upon impact with soft targets, the 5.7mm ball tumbles one time, base over point. This transfers energy and limits over-penetration. The 5.7mm ball produces a wound cavity about the size and shape of the best 9mm 115 grain JHP +P+, except the peak occurs at a deeper penetration. In the one shooting we had with the P90, the bullet performed well. In fact, the bullet performed exactly as it was designed. The autopsy provided detailed information about the wound cavity and travel of the bullets. None of the 5.7mm rounds fragmented and as far as we can tell, none exited either. The shooting itself was a violent confrontation with many rounds exchanged between the suspect and the react team. The suspect was hit multiple times with both 5.56mm and 5.7mm rounds. The P90 works from a simple blow-back bolt in a bullpup design. It is as easy to break down and clean as any gun you will ever shoot. I have been amazed at how little residue I find even after hundreds of rounds. I find less residue than in most weapons fired only 50 rounds. The simplicity of the action provides almost no chance of malfunctions. We literally tried to make one of ours malfunction by refusing to clean it. After several thousand rounds we couldn’t stand it anymore, broke down and cleaned it anyway. To this day, after thousands of rounds down range, I have yet to experience a malfunction with my P90. The ergonomic design provides comfort and speed on target but does not compromise accuracy. It can hold a respectable group at 100 yards and the recoil is about one third of an M4, and even less than a 9mm MP5. Recoil management and time back on target is easy. It has a two-stage trigger in full-auto mode that allows the shooter to fire single or full-auto fire with just trigger manipulation— no more accidentally going full-auto because you did not realize where your selector was positioned. With the P90 the shooter has to commit a conscious effort to pull through the semi-auto stage to the full auto mode. Every feature of the weapon can be operated equally from the right or left hand position. Spent casings eject straight down, which makes my partners on the firing line happy. No more doing the hot-brass-down-my-shirt dance. FN even has a slick little pouch that neatly attaches to the eject port. It will catch about a hundred casings before you have to dump it. The 50 round magazine almost eliminates the need to carry extra ammo. The magazine is translucent, which allows the shooter to know how many rounds remain with just a glance, even while you operate the weapon because the magazine sits right on top of the weapon just below the shooter’s cheek well. The P90 comes with a two or three rail option for after market accessories and an optional built in laser. One of the drawbacks of the weapon is poor iron sights and I don’t really care for the optional factory optics. We popped them off and went with EOTech Holo sights. Normally, I’m not big on lasers, but in this case I use my built-in laser as a good back up to my holo sights should it malfunction. When I talk to operators from other agencies about weapons, I now seldom have to explain what weapon I’m talking about when I mention the P90 as my primary. Obviously the folks at FN are getting the message out and the weapon is now familiar. If you operate in an environment like the one I operate in, you can’t go wrong with a P90 slung at the low-ready. Sandy Wall is the past president of the TTPOA.

US Marine Corps P90 fact sheet

The purpose of the P90 Submachine Gun initiative
is to examine a possible replacement for the
current Marine Corps sidearm weapon.

Background: The P90 Submachine Gun is
being examined as a potential replacement for the
aging 9mm Beretta pistol. The Beretta’s lack of
range, penetration and ammunition capacity are
problems that have been identified by operating
forces. The P90 initiative seeks to remedy these
problems by providing the warfighter with a compact,
lightweight alternative that possesses the
firepower operational forces are seeking.
...

AFJI on GemTech's suppressors for the 5.7x28 WS

http://www.afji.com/AFJI/Mags/2002/August/shootout_5.html

Suppressors from Gemtech are found on a wide variety of military and law-enforcement pistols, rifles, and assault weapons in the US and abroad. The firm's SP-90, designed for FN Herstal's 5.7x28mm-firing P-90 assault weapon, is available directly from FN Manufacturing, Inc., the Belgian company's US subsidiary. An S-FN57, for the company's FiveseveN pistol, will be available soon.

LoadAmmo.Com Topic of the Month - Sabots

Topic of the Month

Topic of the Month: March 2002
Shooting Sabots

The sabot has been around a very long time. In fact, the word sabot, pronounced say-bo, was introduced into the English language around 1607 and literally means "wooden shoe." A sabot is a sleeve (shoe) that partially envelops a projectile or bullet and positions the bullet in the barrel to prevent the escape of gases, around the bullet, when the cartridge is fired. The bullet diameter is smaller than the barrel diameter to allow room for the sabot. When the sabot is fired from the gun, the high speed of the sabot creates a large air drag on the surface of the sabot, causing the fingers on the front of the sabot, to open outward, developing an even greater drag on the sabot. The high drag pulls the sabot quickly away from the bullet, allowing the bullet to continue downrange to the target. The lightweight sabot quickly loses velocity and falls to the ground somewhere downrange while the bullet continues on to the target.

...

fnp90

fnp90

FN Herstal USA, Inc.
There is one new player in the game and that is the firm of FN Herstal, doing business in the USA as FN Herstal USA, Inc. If this name sounds familiar, it’s because this company has been building the Browning designed High Power since its inception in 1935. FNH has spent the last three years surveying the U.S. law enforcement market and is now ready to deliver its new P90 Bullpup design submachine pistol, as well as a new handgun, the Five-Seven Pistol, with a capacity of 20 rounds. Both are chambered for a new cartridge as well – the 5.7 x 28mm round.
As to the efficacy of the new cartridge, FNH officials point out that, in the SMG, the bullet penetrates 48 layers (!!) of Kevlar® at 100 meters. (The ammunition is restricted to law enforcement sales only.) FN also has double-action-only, full-size and compact versions of the High Power, now only offered in 9mm. The FNH police shotgun is a pump action 12-gauge with a three inch chamber, blade front and open elevation adjustable rear sight, synthetic furniture and a parkerized type finish. FNH has also gone into the law enforcement training business, allying themselves with Crucible, a training corporation with an 88 acre facility in Northen Virginia.