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

Published on July 22, 2025
Duration: 1:31

The FN Five-seveN was developed by FN Herstal in response to NATO's requirements for a new round that offered flat trajectory, low recoil, high capacity, and body armor penetration, unlike the 9mm. Introduced in the late 90s, this polymer-framed pistol fires the 5.7x28mm cartridge, initially designed for the P90 PDW, and was perceived as a futuristic firearm.

Quick Summary

The FN Five-seveN pistol, chambered in 5.7x28mm, was developed by FN Herstal to meet NATO's demand for a round with a flat trajectory, low recoil, high capacity, and body armor penetration capabilities, surpassing the 9mm.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: 9mm Limitations & NATO Needs
  2. 00:23Birth of the 5.7x28mm Cartridge
  3. 00:37Ballistic Comparison: 5.7x28mm vs 9mm
  4. 00:47P90 and Five-seveN Development
  5. 01:11FN Five-seveN Launch & Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What were NATO's requirements for a new firearm round?

NATO sought a round with a flat trajectory, low recoil, high ammunition capacity, effective at longer ranges, and capable of penetrating soft body armor, aiming to surpass the capabilities of the then-standard 9mm.

How does the 5.7x28mm round compare ballistically to 9mm?

The 5.7x28mm cartridge offers a significantly flatter trajectory than 9mm, especially at longer distances like 200 yards, where 9mm experiences much more drop. It was designed for higher velocity and penetration.

What is the FN Five-seveN pistol?

The FN Five-seveN is a semi-automatic pistol developed by FN Herstal, chambered in 5.7x28mm. It was designed to complement the FN P90 PDW and features a polymer frame, known for its high capacity and unique cartridge.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Colion Noir

View all →