FN Five-seven

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search
Five-seven
Five-seveN USG.jpg
FN Five-seven USG with a tactical light and 5.7x28mm cartridges.
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin  Belgium
Service history
In service 2000-present[1][2]
Used by See Users
Production history
Manufacturer FN Herstal
Produced 1998–present[3]
Variants See Variants
Specifications
Weight 1.36 pounds (617 g) empty[4][5][6]
1.64 pounds (744 g) loaded[5][6]
Length 8.2 inches (208 mm)[4][5][6]
Barrel length 4.8 inches (122 mm)[4]
Width 1.4 inches (36 mm)[7]
Height 5.7 inches (145 mm)[5]
Cartridge 5.7x28mm[3][4][5]
Barrels twist-RH, 9.1 inches (231 mm)[7]
Action Delayed blowback[3][4][5]
Rate of fire Semi-automatic[3][6]
Muzzle velocity 2,133 ft/s (650 m/s) (SS190)[4]
2,040 ft/s (622 m/s) (SS195)[8]
1,749 ft/s (533 m/s) (SS197)[8]
Effective range 55 yards (50 m)[9]
Feed system 10, 20, or 30-round detachable box magazine[3][4][5][10]
Sights Fixed and adjustable; square rear notch, vertical front post, 7 inches (177.80 mm)

The FN Five-seven — marketed as the "Five-seveN"[7] — is a semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by FN Herstal[11] in Belgium.[12] The weapon's name refers to its 5.7 mm bullet diameter.

The pistol's 5.7x28mm cartridge type was originally created by FN in the early 1990s for use in the FN P90 personal defense weapon.[3][4][5] The Five-seven pistol was created by FN in the late 1990s as a side arm using the same cartridge.[3][4] Since its introduction it has also been offered commercially in various models, most recently as the Five-seven USG.[11]

By 2009, the Five-seven was in use with over 300 law enforcement agencies in the United States.[11] The weapon's characteristics have made it increasingly popular for use in SWAT and similar roles,[13] where criminals wearing body armor may be encountered.

Contents

[edit] Development

The Five-seven pistol's 5.7x28mm cartridge was originally designed alongside the pistol and the FN P90 personal defense weapon in the 1990s.[4][5][6] The first 5.7x28mm cartridge, called the SS90, was introduced in the late 1980s.[5] This cartridge was further refined, and introduced in 1994 as the 5.7x28mm SS190. The SS190 used a heavier and 2.7mm shorter 31 grain projectile.[6] The shorter length of the SS190 projectile allowed it to be more conveniently used in the FN Five-seven being developed at that time.

Following the introduction of the SS190 cartridge, a double action only variant of the Five-seven pistol was displayed publicly in 1995.[14] With some improvements, it went into production in 1998.[3][14] A single action variant called the Five-seven Tactical was introduced shortly afterward.[6][15]

In 2004, the Five-seven IOM variant was introduced commercially, incorporating several modifications to the weapon's design. These changes included the addition of a M1913 accessory rail, magazine safety mechanism, and fully adjustable sights.[9]

Further developments led to the introduction of the Five-seven USG variant, which incorporates a conventionally-shaped (square) trigger guard and reversible magazine release, among other changes. This is the current model of the Five-seven offered by FN Herstal[11] and previous variants have been discontinued. In recent developments, the USG model has also been made available in FDE (Flat Dark Earth) and ODG (Olive Drab Green) frame furnitures[11] and starting in 2009, the Five-seven USG is also offered with fixed sights.[16][17]

[edit] Design details

The Five-seven is a full-size semi-automatic delayed blowback pistol.[3][4][5] Polymers are extensively used in its construction and even the steel slide is encased in a polymer shell.[18][19][20][21] The 4.8 inch barrel[4] is hammer-forged and chrome-lined.[11] The pistol is noted for being very lightweight, weighing only 1.3 lbs empty[4][5][6][19] or 1.6 lbs loaded.[5][6][19][22]

The current USG variant[11] is single action with a trigger pull of 4.4 to 6.6 lbs.[7] It has an M1913 accessory rail and a magazine safety mechanism that prevents the weapon from firing without a magazine inserted.[7][21] The grip is extensively stippled[11][21] and the trigger guard is elongated to facilitate firing while wearing gloves.[9][19] The pistol is currently offered with fully adjustable sights[7][21] or fixed sights,[7][16][17] and it is offered in FDE (Flat Dark Earth) and ODG (Olive Drab Green) frame finishes in addition to the standard black.[11]

[edit] Ammunition

Particularly significant to the design of the Five-seven is the 5.7x28mm cartridge created by FN for use in it. This cartridge weighs roughly half as much as a typical 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge,[14][22][23][24] allowing extra ammunition to be carried more easily. It also exhibits a flatter trajectory[23][25] and produces roughly 30% less recoil,[19][23][24] improving controllability.

One of the design intents of the SS190 variant of this cartridge (not sporting variants) was that it have the ability to penetrate Kevlar protective vests such as the NATO CRISAT vest.[19] In testing conducted by Passaic County, New Jersey Sheriff's Department, the SS190 penetrated 11 inches in bare ballistic gelatin, and penetrated 9 inches in gelatin protected with a Kevlar vest.[18] The SS190 and similar 5.7x28mm projectiles have been shown to yaw ("tumble") in testing in ballistic gelatin and other mediums,[18][19][22][23][25][26] using the .850 inch projectile length[9] to create a larger wound cavity. However, some are skeptical of the bullet's performance, questioning whether this behavior is sufficient to overcome the bullet's small diameter.[19]

Since the SS190 projectile does not rely on fragmentation or the expansion of a hollow point, the cartridge and gun are considered suitable for military use under the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907, which prohibit use of expanding or fragmenting bullets in warfare.[26]

[edit] Controls

The current USG variant[11] has an ambidextrous manual safety device, located above the trigger on each side of the frame.[7][21] A red mark is visible here when the safety is deactivated.[7] The magazine release is square-shaped and reversible for left-handed shooters.[7][11][21] A chamber indicator in the form of a pin in a tiny hole is located on the left side of the slide, protruding when a round has been chambered.[7][21] A takedown lever is located at the front on the left side of the frame, and a slide release is located at the rear on the left side of the frame.[7]

[edit] Magazine

The Five-seven is supplied with 20 round magazines, or 10 round magazines where mandated by law.[7] An aftermarket 30 round magazine (or 10 round magazine extension) is also available,[10][22] protruding an additional 1.5 inches from the base of the pistol. Five-seven magazines are constructed of polymer and unlike conventional pistol magazines, they feed from dual feed lips. This makes it very easy to load individual cartridges into the magazine.[13][15] Four holes in the left side of the magazine give an estimate of the remaining amount of ammunition.[7]

[edit] Controversy

  • The Five-seven and 5.7x28mm ammunition were the target of brief controversy in the United States in 2004[19] when it was claimed by the Brady Campaign that commercially available SS192 penetrated a Level IIA vest in testing.[27] However, armor piercing variants of the 5.7x28mm are only offered to law enforcement and military customers.[28] Commercially available variants of the 5.7x28mm cartridge are classified by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as being not armor piercing[29] and it was claimed that the SS192 and SS196 cartridge variants did not penetrate Kevlar vests in tests conducted by FNH USA.[29]
  • The Five-seven pistol and 5.7x28mm cartridge were specifically targeted for a U.S. federal ban in 2005, which failed.[30]

[edit] Variants

[edit] Five-seven

The original Five-seven model is now discontinued. It had a double action only trigger and no manual safety device.[3][5] It featured a pebbled grip pattern, fixed sights and a circular-shaped trigger guard designed to improve gloved use.[5]

[edit] Five-seven Tactical

The Five-seven Tactical is identical to the original version, with the addition of a single action trigger and an ambidextrous manual safety device.[6][15] This variant is discontinued.

[edit] Five-seven IOM

The Five-seven IOM (Individual Officer Model) was the first commercially available variant of the Five-seven pistol, debuting in 2004.[9] It is now discontinued in favor of the USG variant. The IOM is similar in its basic design to the original versions, but differs in that it has a M1913 accessory rail, lined trigger guard outside edge, and fully adjustable sights. It also incorporates a magazine safety mechanism that prevents the weapon from being fired without a magazine inserted.[9] Early models of the IOM have the smooth rail found on the Tactical variant, but with low profile adjustable sights and a magazine safety, and the serial number is on the rail. This could be called an IOM prototype.

[edit] Five-seven USG

The Five-seven USG (United States Government) is the current version of the pistol.[11] This variant debuted in 2005 and replaced the IOM. The USG retains the changes incorporated in the IOM, but has further modifications. These include a conventionally-shaped (square) trigger guard, tightly checkered grip pattern, and a larger, reversible magazine release.[7] In addition to the standard black finish, the USG is available in FDE (Flat Dark Earth) and ODG (Olive Drab Green).[11] Starting in 2009, the Five-seven USG is also offered with fixed sights.[16][17]

[edit] Users

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Gourley, S.; Kemp, I (November 26, 2003). "The Duellists". Jane's Defence Weekly (ISSN: 02653818), Volume 40 Issue 21, pp 26-28.
  2. ^ a b c Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0710628695.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Hogg, Ian (2002). Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-00-712760-X.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Miller, David (2001). The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns. Salamander Books Ltd. ISBN 1-84065-245-4.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Diez, Octavio (2000). Armament and Technology. Lema Publications, S.L. ISBN 84-8463-013-7.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Marchington, James (2004). The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons. Lewis International, Inc. ISBN 1-930983-14-X.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "FNH USA Five-seveN Autoloading Pistol Owner's Manual". http://fnhusa.com - Official Website of FNH USA. 2009. http://www.fnhusa1.com/manuals/0902_57_USG_OWN_EN.pdf. Retrieved 2009-10-18. 
  8. ^ a b Quinn, Jeff (August 15, 2009). "FN Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm Semi-Auto Pistol". Gun Blast Reviews. http://www.gunblast.com/FN-FiveseveN.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-13. 
  9. ^ a b c d e f Sterett, Larry S. (2005). "FN 5.7mm Five-seveN Pistol Makes Civilian Model Debut". Gun Week. http://www.gunweek.com/2005/feature0110.html. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  10. ^ a b Detty, Mike (January 2008). "FNH USA PS90 Carbine". http://policemag.com - Police Magazine. http://www.policemag.com/Channel/Weapons/Articles/Print/Story/2008/01/FNH-USA-PS90-CARBINE.aspx. Retrieved 2009-10-18. 
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "FN Five-seveN Series". http://fnhusa.com - FNH USA Offical Website. 2009. http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/family.asp?fid=FNF003&gid=FNG001. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  12. ^ Wayland, Larry. (2009). FN Five-seveN Series Product Video. http://fnhusa.com - Official Website of FNH USA. 
  13. ^ a b c Wood, J.B.. "FNH USA Five-seveN Pistol 5.7×28mm". http://tactical-life.com - Gun Reviews. http://www.tactical-life.com/online/exclusives/fnh-usa-five-seven-pistol-57x28mm. Retrieved 2009-10-18. 
  14. ^ a b c Paulson, Al (November 1998). "On The Edge With The New FN P90 5.7x28mm". Guns and Weapons for Law Enforcement. Harris Publications, Inc. ISSN 1058-0980.
  15. ^ a b c Mullin, T.J. (June 05, 2001). "FN Five-SeveN Pistol: Future of Things to Come?". http://defensereview.com - Defense Review. http://www.defensereview.com/fn-five-seven-is-this-the-handgun-of-the-future. Retrieved 2009-10-18. 
  16. ^ a b c "What’s New in 2009 from FNH USA?". http://fnhusa.com - FNH USA Offical Website. October 31, 2008. http://www.fnhusa.com/le/press/detail.asp?id=43. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  17. ^ a b c "FNH USA Introduces FN Five-SeveN Standard with Fixed Three Dot Combat Sights". http://fnhusa.com - FNH USA Offical Website. July 07, 2009. http://www.fnhusa.com/le/press/detail.asp?id=68. Retrieved 2009-10-18. 
  18. ^ a b c Humphries, Michael O. (May 2008). "Radical Tactical Firepower". http://tactical-life.com - Tactical Weapons. http://www.tactical-life.com/online/tactical-weapons/radical-tactical-firepower. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h i Fortier, David. "What’s All The Fuss About FN’s Five-seveN USG?". http://shootingtimes.com - Shooting Times Handgun Reviews. http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/fnusg_021207. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  20. ^ Boyd, Chris (September 01, 2007). "The FNH Five-seveN Pistol". http://lawofficer.com - Law Officer Magazine. http://www.lawofficer.com/news-and-articles/articles/lom/0309/the_fnh_five-seven_pistol.html. Retrieved 2009-10-21. 
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i Grevillius, Nils (September 11, 2006). "One Hot Number". http://gunsandammomag.com - Guns & Ammo Magazine. http://www.gunsandammomag.com/cs/Satellite/IMO_GA/Story_C/One+Hot+Number. Retrieved 2009-10-22. 
  22. ^ a b c d Detty, Mike (October 2008). "FNH 5.7x28mm Dynamic Duo". http://tactical-life.com - Special Weapons Magazine (Online). http://www.tactical-life.com/online/special-weapons/fnh-57x28mm-dynamic-duo. Retrieved 2009-11-21. 
  23. ^ a b c d "Big Scale Progress for Small Arms". http://global-defence.com - GDR Publications. http://www.global-defence.com/2002/weap-herstal.html. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  24. ^ a b Fortier, David. "Military Ammo Today". http://handgunsmag.com - Handguns Magazine. http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/hg_militarytoday_200811. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  25. ^ a b Wall, Sandy (2002). "Spring 2003 Experiences with the FN P90 (Houston Police Department)". Hendon Publishing Co.. Archived from the original on 2005-03-10. http://web.archive.org/web/20050310072413/http://www.trmagonline.com/Spring2003TR/spring2003experienceswiththefnp90.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  26. ^ a b Bahde, Dave (November 2009). "FNH Five-seveN ODG 5.7×28mm". http://tactical-life.com - Combat Handguns. http://www.tactical-life.com/online/combat-handguns/fnh-five-seven-odg-57x28mm. Retrieved 2009-11-28. 
  27. ^ "Police Officers at Risk from Cop-Killer Gun". http://Bradycampaign.org - Brady Campaign Official Website. February 17, 2005. http://www.bradycampaign.org/media/release.php?release=626. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  28. ^ "FNH USA Products — Ammunition". http://fnhusa.com — Official Website of FNH USA. 2009. http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/ammo.asp. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  29. ^ a b "FN 5.7 (Fabrique Nationale) Pistol is a Semiautomatic Pistol in 5.7 X 28 mm Caliber". http://atf.gov - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. January 20, 2005. http://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearmstech/fabriquen.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-03. 
  30. ^ "U.S. Congressional Record - Senate S9191". http://www.gpo.gov - U.S. Government Printing Office (Online). July 27, 2005. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?position=all&page=S9191&dbname=2005_record. 
  31. ^ "Hash Browns, Then 4 Minutes of Chaos". Wall Street Journal. November 9, 2009. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125750297355533413.html. 
  32. ^ "Fort Hood Killer Reportedly Chose "Cop Killer" Handgun". http://Bradycampaign.org - Brady Campaign Official Website. November 6, 2009. http://www.bradycampaign.org/media/press/view/1194. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  33. ^ "'Cop Killer' Gun Used In Ft. Hood Shooting, Officials Said". http://abcnews.go.com - ABC News. November 6, 2009. http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/cop-killer-gun-thought-ft-hood-shooting/story?id=9019521. Retrieved 2009-11-21. 
  34. ^ "Gun Violence Prevention Organizations Call on President Obama to Use Executive Authority to Ban Import of Armor-Piercing Pistol Used in Fort Hood Attack". http://vpc.org - Violence Policy Center. November 19, 2009. http://www.vpc.org/press/0911obama.htm. Retrieved 2009-11-28. 
  35. ^ "Five-seveN Facts". http://fnhusa.com - Official Website of FNH USA. November 09, 2009. http://www.fnhusa1.com/PDF/5.7_Brochure.pdf. Retrieved 2009-11-27. 
  36. ^ "Cartucho Calibre 5,7x28 mm SS190 - Para uso en Pistolas Ametralladoras P90 y Pistola Five-seveN" (in Spanish). Ministerio de Justicia, Seguridad y Derechos Humanos - República Argentina. August 26, 2009. http://www2.jus.gov.ar/compras/pl_download.asp?ID=25263. Retrieved 2009-10-13. 
  37. ^ a b "Belgisch 'Copkiller' Maakt Kogelvrije Vest Zinloos" (in Dutch). Het Nieuwsblad Online. January 29, 2005. http://www.nieuwsblad.be/Article/Detail.aspx?ArticleID=GELC2OTB. Retrieved 2009-10-17. 
  38. ^ "Belgische Senaat: Gebruik van het Pistool Five-SeveN - Gebruik door de Federale Politie" (in Dutch). http://senate.be - Official Website of the Belgian Senate. February 9, 2005. http://www.senate.be/www/?MIval=/publications/viewSTBlok&COLL=B&DATUM=03/15/2005&DOSID=50340354&MINID=250&LEG=3&NR=36&VTYPE=svid&LANG=nl. Retrieved 2009-10-01. 
  39. ^ Selves, Bertrand. "La Police Quebecoise D’Investigation" (in French). http://ofqj.org - OFQJ: Office Franco-Québécois pour la Jeunesse. http://www.ofqj.org/docs-PDF/laureats-france/BertrandSelves.pdf. Retrieved 2009-09-16. 
  40. ^ "Briefs - FN Small Arms, International Defence Digest". Jane's International Defence Review. August 17, 2000. http://www.janes.com/articles/International-Defence-Review-2000/Briefs--and-FN-small-arms.html. Retrieved 2009-10-26. 
  41. ^ "Nouvelles Tenues et Nouveaux Moyens pour le GIGN" (in French). Les Forces Speciales en Action.... http://le.cos.free.fr/new-GIGN.htm. Retrieved 2008-10-27. 
  42. ^ Kemp, Ian (December 2008). "Individual Weapons - Combat Pistols: Poised for a Shift". Asian Military Review. http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/CurrentIssue/dl.php?filename=200901021211061.pdf. Retrieved 2009-10-01. 
  43. ^ "Mas Capacidad para el GIGN Frances" (in Spanish). http://aresworldefense.com - Ares Worldefense Magazine Online. March 2008. http://www.aresworldefense.com/ares/pdf/8pdf.html. Retrieved 2009-10-13. 
  44. ^ Milosevic, Milan (2005). "Trojanski Konj za Teroriste" (in Serbian). Kalibar. http://www.kalibar.rs/code/navigate.php?Id=74. Retrieved 2009-04-04. 
  45. ^ "Greece Ministry of Public Order Press Office: Special Anti-Terrorist Unit". http://astynomia.gr - Official Website of the Hellenic Police. July 2004. http://www.astynomia.gr/images/stories/DOCS/Attachment11480_ENHMEROTIKO_EKAM_ENGL.pdf. Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
  46. ^ Meyr, Eitan (December, 2005). "The Elite EKAM: Counter-Terrorism Greek Style". Aviation Security International (ISSN 1352-0149), Volume 11 Issue 6.
  47. ^ Unnithan, Sandeep (August 22, 2008). "If Looks Could Kill". India Today (Online). http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&&issueid=68&id=13607&sectionid=3&Itemid=1&page=in&latn=2. Retrieved 2009-04-04. 
  48. ^ "New Wing of SPG Unveiled (Page 3)". India Today (Online). 2008. http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Photo/173/1/News/New+wing+of+SPG+unveiled.html. Retrieved 2009-11-21. 
  49. ^ Unnithan, Sandeep (September 01, 2008). "SPG Gets More Teeth". India Today (ISSN 0254-8399).
  50. ^ "Kopassus & Kopaska - Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije" (in Croatian). Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine. http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp. Retrieved 2009-09-24. 
  51. ^ "Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus)". ShadowSpear Special Operations News. January 28, 2009. http://www.shadowspear.com/indonesia-special-operations/kopassus.html. Retrieved 2009-10-06. 
  52. ^ "Scramble to Increase Libya’s Fire Power". Maghreb Confidential. May 21, 2009. http://www.africaintelligence.com/C/modules/login/DetailArt/LoginDetailArt.asp?rub=login&lang=ANG&service=EVE&context=HIS&doc_i_id=62683406&NoAboPme=1. Retrieved 2009-09-16. 
  53. ^ "Mexican Army Military Equipment and Vehicles". Army Recognition Magazine Online. http://www.armyrecognition.com/mexico_army_military_equipment/mexico_mexican_army_land_ground_forces_military_equipment_armoured_vehicle_pictures_information_desc.html. Retrieved 2009-10-07. 
  54. ^ "SITDEF 2009 Defence Exhibition in Lima Peru". Army Recognition Magazine Online. 2009. http://www.armyrecognition.com/?Itemid=109&option=com_ebygallery&limitstart=20&pic=p90_herstal_belgium_belgian_assault_rifle_sitdef_2009_defense_exhibition_001.jpg&path=SITDEF_2009_Defence_Exhibition_Lima_Peru&task=show&sw=undefined. Retrieved 2009-10-07. 
  55. ^ Meter, Sebastian. "GROM Utility and Equipment" (in Polish). Gdansk House Publishing. http://grom.mil.pl/uzbrojenie_pliki/UZBROJENIE.HTM. Retrieved 2009-08-02. 
  56. ^ "Singapurske Specijalne Postrojbe" (in Croatian). Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine. http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/2122008/singapur.asp. Retrieved 2009-10-25. 
  57. ^ "Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation (CDO FN)". ShadowSpear Special Operations News. January 29, 2009. http://www.shadowspear.com/singapore-special-operations/singapore-commando-formation.html. Retrieved 2009-10-06. 
  58. ^ Humphries, Michael O. (May 2008). "Radical Tactical Firepower". Tactical Weapons. http://www.tactical-life.com/online/tactical-weapons/radical-tactical-firepower. Retrieved 2009-08-29. 
  59. ^ Warren, Beth (August 28, 2002). "Two Bullets Struck Duluth Police Officer, At Least One Was 'Friendly Fire'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. http://web.archive.org/web/20020903014243/http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/epaper/editions/wednesday/gwinnett_d3c6768a824c529800ad.html. Retrieved 2009-09-19. 
  60. ^ Whooley, Bryan (April 2008). "Command Magazine: Online Archive". Command Magazine. http://www.ttpoa.org/myttpoa/frmcommand.cfm. Retrieved 2009-09-24. 

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_Five-seven"