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Once a relatively niche caliber, the 5.7x28mm round is becoming increasingly popular for civilian concealed carry and personal protection. Several manufacturers offer lightweight, affordable options for discerning shooters who prefer this potent yet incredibly shootable pistol cartridge.
The 5.7x28mm round was first developed as a proprietary cartridge for use in FN's Five-seveN pistol and P90 personal defense weapon (PDW). Subsequently, this highly effective pairing was adopted by military and law enforcement personnel around the world due to its increased range, velocity, and terminal ballistics compared to 9x19 Parabellum.
Outside of duty applications, 5.7x28mm has also seen limited use as a precise and soft-recoiling pistol cartridge favored for its ease of use and short, slim casing - which allows more rounds to be loaded in a magazine at once. The enhanced accuracy and expanded capacity offered by 5.7x28mm make it an excellent choice for practical shooting and everyday carry.
The market is beginning to catch up to consumer demand in 2024, with prominent firearms manufacturers releasing accessibly priced semi-auto EDC handguns chambered in 5.7x28mm. Best of all, ammunition is not nearly as scarce as it once was in years past. It is more readily available and less cost prohibitive, making it a viable option for self defense.
Moreover, the enhanced ballistic capabilities of the 5.7x28mm round offer a distinct advantage over smaller handgun calibers in terms of muzzle velocity and penetration. This translates to better combat efficacy, particularly against armored opponents or attackers wearing multiple thick layers of clothing which would otherwise adversely affect the terminal ballistics of 115 or 124gr 9mm ammo.
Is 5.7x28mm worth it? Yes. Greater selection and accessible pricing virtually eliminate barriers to entry for shooters transitioning to 5.7x28mm in 2024. The outstanding performance and increased firepower notwithstanding, shootability is perhaps the most compelling factor contributing to the increased popularity of the cartridge. Firearms chambered in 5.7x28mm are known to be incredibly flat shooting with very controllable recoil, allowing for rapid and precise follow-up shots.
This is essential for defensive shooting scenarios that may require you to put multiple rounds on target until the threat has stopped. Additionally, choosing 5.7x28mm allows shooters to utilize the same ammo pool for their sidearm and truck / backpack gun - useful for defending against multiple armed attackers, even those who may be wearing body armor.
So, what's the tradeoff? Most current production 5.7x28mm handguns are built with full-size frames and slides, thus making them marginally more difficult to conceal than some smaller 9mm micro compacts with comparable capacities. Depending on your personal preferences, this may or may not be a negative. It is worth noting that some 5.7x28mm platforms may not be for everyone, though.
For most, however, the pros will outweigh the cons and we expect to see more manufacturers cranking out 5.7x28mm models in the coming years. This round has the potential to be one of the most popular defensive calibers in 2024, with applications for civilians as well as law enforcement and military.
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There are several popular options in today's market for those looking to carry a 5.7x28mm pistol - but which one is right for you? Watch our video below for an in-depth comparison of the FN Five-seveN, Ruger 5.7, and Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7.
Shop all 5.7x28mm pistols!
