FNH 5.7 x 28mm

[das]

I am giving serious consideration toward investing in the combination of automatic and carbine from FNH. Specifically the 5.7mm x 28mm automatic Five-seveN USG



and the PS90 Triple Rail carbine.

Now let me first say the price on these things are crazy expensive so it will not be any time soon that my pittance savings will afford them. Further, I don't have any intention of collecting/trading so the excellent arguments to move up in guns via ownership do not attract me as they should.

What I am looking for is a lightweight system of personal defense weaponry for an average AT BEST, self trained, person. The interchangeability of the round is attractive as is the light weight. I have not priced accessories, ammunition costs or ease of operation/maintenance or repair. Nor have I had the opportunity to hold/operate/shoot these weapons.

Does anyone have experience with this cartridge or had an opportunity to evaluate these systems?

[Zombie Axe]

I like the round in the pistol platform as it is a neat flat shooting round. The 5.7x28mm was designed to penetrate body armor at quit long ranges. This was also meant to be a PDW (personal defense weapon) for rear echelon troops (supply, mechanics, etc.). With out the use of the armor piercing round the effectiveness and advantages (penetrating body armor) of the 5.7x28mm are not as great. I wouldn't want to be shot with any of those rounds! IMHO the .223 or 5.56 is a better option if not only for ONE reason... There are a few companies making the new round here in the US, but the bulk of the 5.7x28mm is IMPORTED from FN in to the US. A simple executive order (EO) could stop the import of that ammo easily. I know things could go badly and all sales of ammunition could be limited, but the anti-gunners have hated this little 5.7 round since it came on the market... Some for the worry of the non existent availibilty of armor piercing ammo to civilians or the 20 round capacity of the pistol magazines... It you want a pistol/carbine combo that uses the same ammo and even the same mags look into a Glock pistol and Kel-Tec carbine combo. Unfortunately they (Kel-TEC)doesn't have a .45 acp offering in their carbines, but do for the 9mm and .40 s&w... The 5.7 platforms by FN are very nice, but I think for the money there are better options... My experience is with the FN pistol and it is a nice flat shooting weapon. The rifle is nice as well egronomically but I have never fired one, so can not comment on it...

[kenno]

Can't help with the FN. Does anyone make a pistol in 17 cal RF, or a carbine in 30 Tokarev, 357 SIG?

[Ronald_THM]

I dont really have alot of input on the FN carbine/pistol. However, if you are looking for a carbine and pistol chambered in the same cartridge what about a lever-action and revolver in .357 or .44? Both rounds are alot more abundant than the 5.7 round and not to mention alot easier to operate(im not really sure how to hold that FN carbine lol!) just my 2 cents, have a great day.

[Rustyshakelford]

Being shy, I usually do not comment......

I have fired both the pistol and the carbine. I have a strong opinion on this round. It is crap. II suggest, in my humble opinion, you look at a .22 if you want a pea shooter. The designs are neat, but unless you are firing less then 20 yards, the calibre is worthless. I even tried loading these a bit hot, and they are still puny. At least you get the privelege of shooting a .22 equivelent at 50 cents a round as opposed to 4 cents a round.

[das]

Being shy, I usually do not comment......

I have fired both the pistol and the carbine. I have a strong opinion on this round. It is crap. II suggest, in my humble opinion, you look at a .22 if you want a pea shooter. The designs are neat, but unless you are firing less then 20 yards, the calibre is worthless. I even tried loading these a bit hot, and they are still puny. At least you get the privelege of shooting a .22 equivelent at 50 cents a round as opposed to 4 cents a round.

Ah' Rusty you are irrepressible as always, I love the honesty and Texas directness. Real world experience is more important than all the commentary in the world.

I think I will keep looking.

[CPF1570-316]

This is probably a less attractive choice then many already mentioned but Hi-Point makes a decent carbine in common pistol calibers (9mm and .40S&W) with a great price tag. While the arguments against Hi Point are many and some with merit, the carbines seem to be the exception to the rule. They are great shooting, cheap and easy to maintain, mine has well over 2k rounds through it and shoots like a champ even with being left dirty all the time (it's my 'car gun').

The 995 (9mm) shoots well and is slightly cheaper but, personally, I went with the 4095 (.40) for the interchangeability with most of my pistols (.40 is the perfect caliber for my purposes) and extra stopping power. While it certainly is ugly as hell and the stock is cheaply made, clay pigeons hanging from a 100 yard marker are absolutely no challenge with a cheap Harris red dot on top and it maintains very consistent groups but I've never measured them, not one of those kinds of shooters. I've owned 2 and shot several (>5) and my experience is typical.

One further thing to mention about the carbines is Hi Point has an unconditional warranty for the lifetime of the gun, I've seen videos of people smashing them on the ground until the break/running over them with cars and getting replacements no-questions-asked from the company, now THAT'S customer service.

I'd advise against a Hi Point pistol but don't judge the carbines until you've got some hands-on time, it wouldn't be my go-to-gun (I have many I'd prefer over it, AR/AK depending on situation) but I would honestly trust my life to my $150 rifle if the time came and I could only choose one caliber of ammo to carry on me, for some reason.