High Velocity Meets Low Recoil: The Story of the 5.7x28mm

By Jacki Billings

The 5.7x28mm pairs with FN’s Five-Seven pistol. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)
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Developed nearly 30 years ago, the 5.7x28mm round is synonymous with its creator and parent company FN. Though not the most popular kid on the block, the 5.7x28mm holds some charm for gun owners looking for a unique round to pair with their favorite Five-Seven; but why exactly was this chambering created and why is it worth the often hefty price tag? Let’s take a dive into the history of FN’s 5.7 load and see why some law enforcement and civilians can’t get enough of this round.
Once Upon A Time
The development of the 5.7x28mm is a tale of the cart coming before the horse. In the early 1980s, NATO put out a call to its ammo friends. Disturbed by images coming from Afghanistan of Soviet military forces wearing body armor and advanced helmets, the military alliance wanted a cartridge that offered a little more oomph than the standard 9×19 Parabellum, then common in Western European sub guns such as the HK MP5, Beretta M12, and British Sterling. The new cartridge would be used in a new class of what was termed Personal Defense Weapons. FN heeded the call

Source: Guns.com