What Are the Top Models of 5.7x28 Pistol Available Today?

What is a 5.7 Pistol?

At its core, a 5.7 pistol is a semi-automatic handgun chambered in the 5.7x28mm cartridge, designed for rapid fire and flat trajectories. Unlike your standard 9mm or.45 ACP sidearms, these pistols emphasize lightweight construction and high magazine capacities, often holding 20 rounds or more. They trace their roots to the FN Herstal's P90 personal defense weapon, where the round was engineered for NATO's search for a replacement to the 9mm.

Today, 5.7 pistols blend tactical prowess with everyday carry potential. They're popular among law enforcement for their armor-piercing capabilities and among shooters who crave low recoil for faster follow-ups. But don't mistake them for gimmicks—these aren't just high-tech toys; they're reliable tools for those who demand precision in high-stakes scenarios.

What sets them apart? Their slim profiles and polymer frames make them feel almost futuristic in hand. Yet, they're grounded in real-world utility, from range days to concealed carry. If you're new to the caliber, think of it as the gateway to a world where speed and penetration redefine "compact power."

Why 5.7x28mm?

The 5.7x28mm round isn't just ammo—it's a revolution in a bottleneck case. Developed in the late 1980s by FN Herstal, this high-velocity cartridge zips out of the barrel at over 2,000 feet per second, dwarfing the speeds of conventional pistol rounds. That blistering pace translates to laser-like accuracy at 100 yards and the ability to defeat soft body armor, making it a favorite for tactical applications.

But here's the kicker: despite its rifle-like ballistics, the 5.7 pistol round tips the scales at a featherweight 28 grains for the projectile, keeping overall recoil negligible. This means you can stay on target through extended strings of fire, ideal for competitions or defensive drills. For those pondering 5.7 for self defense, its tumbling effect upon impact creates devastating wound channels without overpenetration risks in urban settings.

Beyond performance, availability has improved dramatically. Once a specialty item, SS197SR and Elite Ammunition loads are now stocked widely, with costs dropping to around 50 cents per round. Environmentally, it's lead-free in some variants, appealing to indoor range regulars. In short, the 5.7x28mm bridges the gap between handgun convenience and submachine gun lethality, all while keeping your shoulder happy.

Top 5.7x28mm Pistols

Let's zero in on the heavy hitters. These aren't ranked strictly but curated for variety— from premium performers to accessible options. Each brings unique flair to the 5.7x28mm party, ensuring there's a match for every shooter's style and budget.

FN Five-seveN

The granddaddy of them all, the FN Five-seveN set the standard when it launched in 2004. Chambered for the round it helped popularize, this full-sized striker-fired pistol boasts a 20+1 capacity in its standard mags, with optics-ready slides on newer models. Weighing just 24 ounces unloaded, it's a breeze to handle, even for smaller frames.

Ergonomics shine here: the adjustable sights and ambidextrous controls make it a trainer's dream. Pros include legendary reliability—it's eaten thousands of rounds without hiccups—and that iconic flat-shooting profile. On the flip side, the five seven pistol price hovers around $1,400, which might sting for casual buyers. Still, for those who want the original blueprint of 5.7 excellence, this is your benchmark.

Ruger-57

Ruger crashed the 5.7 party in 2019 with the Ruger-57, blending affordability and innovation into a full-sized contender. At about 18 ounces empty, it's lighter than the FN, with a 20-round flush-fit magazine that extends to 10 for holster compatibility. The Secure Action fire control delivers crisp pulls, and the fiber optic front sight aids quick acquisition.

What steals the show? Its price tag under $700, democratizing high-capacity fun. It's suppressor-ready out of the box, too, with threaded barrels available. Drawbacks? The grip can feel blocky for petite hands, and aftermarket support lags behind FN. Yet, for value-driven shooters chasing the best 5.7 pistol on a budget, Ruger's entry is a bullseye.

PSA 5.7 Rock

Palmetto State Armory's 5.7 Rock burst onto the scene as the everyman's gateway to the caliber, retailing for a shockingly low $500. This full-sized, polymer-framed beast mirrors the FN's layout but swaps premium touches for cost savings, like a fixed rear sight and 17+1 capacity. At 25 ounces, it's hefty enough for control but light on the wallet.

Standouts include aggressive texturing for slick conditions and compatibility with P90 mags for endless plinking. It's surprisingly accurate, grouping under 2 inches at 25 yards with practice ammo. Cons? Finish quality feels budget, and some report finicky ejectors early on. If you're dipping toes into 5.7 waters without diving deep, the Rock delivers splashy results.

Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7

Smith & Wesson's M&P 5.7, released in 2022, refines the platform with micro-compact DNA in a full-size frame. Capping at 22+1 rounds, it tips 18.9 ounces unloaded, making it a concealed carry whisperer. The Performance Center tuning ensures buttery-smooth slides, while the Armornite finish resists wear.

Key wins: interchangeable backstraps for custom fits and a crisp 6-pound trigger. It's optics-plated for red dots, boosting speed. Minor gripes involve the mag release's position and a street price near $800. For defenders blending M&P familiarity with 5.7 punch, this model's your tactical upgrade.

Kel-Tec PR57

Kel-Tec's PR57, the wildcard of 2024, shrinks the conversation with its subcompact design—enter the smallest 5.7 pistol crown. At a mere 14 ounces and 5.1 inches long, it packs 13+1 capacity, defying physics for deep concealment. The hybrid blowback system keeps it simple and reliable, with a manual thumb safety for added peace.

Bright spots: Picatinny rails for lights and a heel mag release echoing classics. It's priced around $600, undercutting competitors for pocket-sized power. Challenges? The short sight radius demands practice, and recoil feels snappier in such a tiny frame. Perfect for the compact 5.7 pistol seeker who prioritizes portability over capacity.

Comparison & Specs

Diving deeper, these pistols share the 5.7x28mm backbone but diverge in key areas. The FN Five-seveN leads in capacity and legacy, with 20+1 rounds and a 4.8-inch barrel for 2,300 fps velocities. Ruger-57 edges it on weight (17.3 ounces) and cost, maintaining similar ballistics but with a 4.9-inch tube.

PSA 5.7 Rock matches FN's size (7.6 inches overall) at half the price, though its 17-round mags and 4.7-inch barrel yield slightly milder 2,100 fps. Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 shines in ergonomics, boasting the lightest heft (18.9 ounces) and longest 5-inch sight radius for precision. Kel-Tec PR57 flips the script: its 3.2-inch barrel caps speeds at 1,800 fps, but the 6.6-inch OAL makes it the stealthiest.

Reliability-wise, all cycle SS197SR flawlessly, but FN and S&W top torture tests. For recoil, Kel-Tec's snappiness contrasts Ruger's plush ride. Budgets range from PSA's $500 entry to FN's premium $1,400, with most clustering $600–$800. Ultimately, choose by carry needs: full-size for duty, compact for everyday.

• Capacity Kings: FN and Ruger at 20+1 for sustained fire.
• Lightweight Champs: Kel-Tec and S&W under 19 ounces for all-day comfort.
• Value Picks: PSA and Ruger for bang-per-buck without skimping on features.

Final Thoughts

The 5.7x28 pistol landscape buzzes with options that cater to every shooter, from tactical pros to urban carriers. Whether it's the battle-tested FN Five-seveN's pedigree, the Ruger-57's accessible edge, or the Kel-Tec PR57's pocketable punch, these models prove the caliber's staying power. As ammo prices stabilize and designs evolve, expect even more innovation—like integrated suppressors or smart optics.

Ready to join the 5.7 revolution? Head to your local range or dealer to feel the velocity firsthand. Just remember: with great speed comes great responsibility—train hard, stay safe, and let these pistols propel your shooting game forward. What's your pick? The debate rages on, but one thing's clear: in a world of ordinary sidearms, 5.7 stands out as extraordinary.

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