History of the FN Five seveN: The Gun NATO Wanted, Politicians Hated, and Gamers Worshipped

Published on July 12, 2025
Duration: 9:48

The FN Five-seveN, developed for NATO's need for a body armor-defeating round, fires the unique 5.7x28mm cartridge. Despite political controversy and being labeled a 'cop-killer' gun, it gained cult status through gaming and media. The modern Five-seveN MRD updates the design with optics-ready capabilities and improved ergonomics.

Quick Summary

The FN Five-seveN, developed for NATO, fires the 5.7x28mm round designed to defeat soft body armor. Despite controversy, it gained popularity through gaming. The modern MRD version includes optics-ready capability and ergonomic improvements.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the FN Five-seveN
  2. 01:13Origins of the 5.7x28mm Round
  3. 02:43Model Evolution and Adoption
  4. 04:18Ammunition Variants Explained
  5. 05:01Political Controversy & Cultural Impact
  6. 06:15The Modern Five-seveN MRD

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the original purpose behind the FN Five-seveN's development?

The FN Five-seveN was developed in response to a NATO request in 1989 for a new round to replace 9mm. The goal was a cartridge effective against soft body armor at longer ranges, with high capacity and low recoil, leading to the 5.7x28mm round.

What are the different types of 5.7x28mm ammunition?

Key variants include SS190 (armor-piercing, MIL/LEO), SS195LF and SS200 (hollow points), SS197SR and SS201 (V-Max plinking rounds), and SS198LF (lead-free, high velocity, restricted).

Why did the FN Five-seveN face political controversy?

It was labeled a 'cop-killer' gun by groups like the Brady Campaign due to its armor-piercing round capability. However, ATF testing confirmed that civilian-market rounds do not penetrate body armor.

What updates does the modern FN Five-seveN MRD offer?

The Five-seveN MRD, released in 2023, features a factory-milled slide for red dot optics, improved grip texture, better slide serrations, and an enhanced trigger, modernizing the original design.

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