For some gun gurus, the Five-SeveN is the handgun equivalent of the world’s most fire-proof paper hat. It’s a brilliant technical achievement but who cares? For one thing, you’re more likely to find Keira Knightley at Country Buffet than a box of 5.7×28mm ammo at K-Mart. For another, firing-off a hundred rounds of Five-SeveN ammo costs more than draining a particularly good bottle of Scotch. As for the weapon itself, you can buy two Springfield XD’s for the price of one of FN’s strangely-chambered pistols. Did I mention that the Five-SeveN’s safety sits on the side of the gun’s barrel? Or that the grip is longer (end-to-end) than War and Peace? All of which makes the Five-SeveN a novelty gun for impressing range rovers who Glock around the clock. Right?
Good points...an exotic weapon that is expensive to run.
I own one and it is one of my favorite guns, but they are not for everyone. They cost over $1000 and are expensive to shoot. However, back when I bought mine a 50 round box was only $16. One of the reasons 5.7 ammo was so pricey recently is because during the shortage ammo manufacturers went full bore production on the standard calibers to maximize profit. The prices have come down in the past couple of months and I have not had too much trouble finding it.
The functionality of the gun is flawless. It shoots very flat and is extremely accurate. I have never had a jam. Recoil is like a .22 pistol.
It is the size of a Beretta 92, but weighs only 19 ounces and is easy to carry concealed. Standard magazine capacity is 20 rounds. Everyone that shoots it loves it. My oldest daughter has demanded that I leave it to her in my will.
I don't know about the knock down from such a high speed small caliber on an assailant hopped up on drugs and adrenaline, but the noise and the muzzle blast are similar to an AR and would be very intimidating up close. Unless you are a total zombie you will crap your pants and run for cover.
Several of us at work each have one. Sort of a Five Seven club. As one of my co-workers said. If the shit gets deep and you find yourself in the middle of a crowed intending to do you lethal bodily harm then its party favors for everyone.
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