Since its introduction in 1990, the 5.7x28mm (“5.7mm” or “5.7”) cartridge has sparked debate, with supporters praising its high velocity, low recoil and potential armor penetrating capabilities, while critics question it’s stopping power and high ammunition costs. Despite this, its popularity is growing as more manufacturers are producing 5.7 chambered firearms.

Selecting a defensive firearm goes beyond ballistics and recoil, it also requires planning for the legal consequences of a self-defense incident. A Second Call Defense Membership ensures you have immediate legal support if you ever need to use your firearm.

Now, let’s take a deeper dive and find out… is 5.7 good for self-defense and does it deserves a place in your self-defense arsenal?

Origins and Design of the 5.7×28 Cartridge

In the late 1980s, NATO sought a replacement for the 9×19mm Parabellum (9mm) aiming for a more effective personal defense round with greater range, accuracy and armor-piercing capability. As military body armor became increasingly common, it was found the 9mm lacked effectiveness. In response to this call to action, FN Herstal developed the 5.7mm cartridge and introduced it in 1990 along with the FN P90, a compact, select-fire, personal defense weapon (PDW) designed for military and law enforcement. FN introduced the semiauto-only PS90 in 2005 available to the civilian market.

The FN Five-SeveN pistol followed in 1998. The Five-SeveN is purpose built as a lightweight, polymer-framed handgun specifically to complement the new 5.7mm cartridge. Originally intended for military and law enforcement use but by 2004 FN started selling the Five-SeveN to the civilian market.

The 5.7mm is designed for speed and penetration versus absolute kinetic energy. The round has a bottlenecked case and fires small-caliber projectiles between 27 and 40 grains at velocities ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 feet per second (fps), depending on barrel length and load. Most off-the-shelf 115 or 124 grain 9mm pistol ammunition, for example, typically travels at 1,000 to 1,200 fps – slower but significantly more mass (and energy).

The 5.7mm’ high-speed, flat-shooting design allows it to pierce certain types of body armor which traditional handgun calibers like 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP can’t normally accomplish. Unlike those larger calibers, which rely on mass and expansion for stopping power, the 5.7 prioritizes penetration and low recoil, making it an intriguing hybrid between handgun and rifle cartridges.

The small size of the 5.7mm round enables firearms with magazine capacities of up to 50 rounds. Its low recoil, high velocity, and large capacity have fueled its growing popularity, leading to more manufacturers introducing and producing 5.7mm rifles and pistols. However, despite its increasing adoption, debates persist over its real-world stopping power

 

 

Ballistics and Performance of the 5.7×28

From a ballistics standpoint, the 5.7mm cartridge has some key advantages:

1. Velocity and Penetration. The 5.7mm is defined by its high velocity, which varies by bullet weight and manufacturer. AAC’s 40-grain FMJ hits 1,850 fps, while Federal’s 40-grain FMJ runs at 1,655 fps. Fiocchi’s 35-grain Hyperformance JF reaches 2,000 fps, and its 62-grain FMJ hits 1,400 fps. Speer’s 40-grain Gold Dot JHP achieves 1,900 fps, while FN’s SS198LF 27-grain JHP leads at 2,350 fps. These variations suit different uses, from training to defense. For comparison, the 5.56x45mm M193 (55-grain FMJ) round, popular for use in AR-15 pattern firearms, reaches about 3,250 fps from a rifle-length barrel.Lucky Gunner’s ballistic gel tests evaluated 5.7mm penetration and expansion. FN’s SS198LF 27-grain JHP, fired from a 16-inch PS90, created a cavity similar to that of 9mm HST, a potent self-defense round, but had limited penetration. Speer’s 40-grain 5.7mm Gold Dot JHP performed well from a Five SeveN pistol, reaching 15 inches with good expansion, though higher velocities caused over-expansion and shallow penetration. Vanguard’s 36-grain 5.7mm GPM fragmented, with its core reaching 14 inches and secondary fragments spreading. The Black Fang Obsidian Dragon, a solid copper bullet, penetrated deeply but lacked expansion, limiting its wounding potential.
2. Low Recoil.  A notable advantage of the 5.7 is low felt recoil even compared to common self-defensive handguns in common pistol calibers such as 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Low felt recoil enhances controllability and allows for faster follow up shots and improves accuracy under stress – factors critical in self-defense.

3. Terminal Ballistics: Stopping Power Debate. Terminal ballistics of the 5.7 round remain a subject of debate. Opponents argue that the round lacks stopping power because of the small bullet diameter and light weight. Proponents, however, emphasize the 5.7mm’s velocity and small diameter allow it to defeat intermediate body armor and coupled with magazine capacity and low recoil, it is optimal for rapid, accurate follow up shots, mitigating the value of sheer stopping power.

4. Accuracy and Performance in Rifles and Pistols. Firearms chambered in 5.7mm, whether pistols or rifles, have demonstrated exceptional accuracy at self-defense distances up to 25 yards. The round’s flat trajectory and low recoil enhance shot placement, with rifles benefiting even more from longer barrels. This extends their effective self-defense range beyond 100 yards.

 

Popular Firearms Chambered in 5.7x28mm

The availability of firearms chambered in 5.7 has expanded significantly in recent years, along with more ammunition offerings, providing consumers with more options. These are some of the most popular firearms chambered in 5.7mm.

Pistols

• FN Five-seveN: The original pistol designed for the cartridge, the Five-seveN is lightweight, accurate, and reliable. However, it’s not cheap with a retail price ranging between $1,000 and $1,200.
• Ruger-57: A more affordable alternative, the Ruger-57 offers similar performance to the FN Five-seveN but at a lower price point, around $700 to $800 retail.
• PSA Rock 5.7: Introduced in spring of 2022, the Palmetto State Armory’s PSA Rock is possibly the most affordable 5.7 pistol, typically priced under $600.

Rifles and Carbines

• FN PS90: The civilian version of the original full auto P90, the semiautomatic PS90 offers a compact design and 50-round magazine capacity. However, its cost, around $1,700 to $2,000, can be prohibitive. Although used versions are often cheaper.
• Ruger-57 Carbine: Ruger’s carbine variant provides a versatile, accurate platform at a more affordable price, typically under $1,000.

You can learn about some more options here.

 

Cost Considerations

As noted above, 5.7mm firearms are generally more expensive than those in traditional calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP. However, as the cartridge becomes more popular and seen with the PSA Rock, some manufacturers are making budget friendly 5.7mm firearms. Ammunition prices further add to the expense. Sitting here in early 2025, 5.7x28mm rounds range from $0.45 to $1.00 each, compared to 9mm’s more affordable $0.25 to $0.50 per round. This price difference makes regular training with 5.7x28mm significantly more costly. However, the round’s performance advantages, including its flat trajectory and low recoil, appeal to those willing to pay the premium. Growing popularity of the round, however, increased supply and competition should likely drive prices down over time.

 

Is the 5.7×28 Good for Self-Defense?

The suitability of 5.7×28 for self-defense depends on individual priorities and circumstances. Below are the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Ammo Capacity: Firearms like the FN Five-seveN and Ruger-57 offer magazine capacities of 20 or more rounds, providing ample ammunition for self-defense scenarios.
2. Low Recoil: The low recoil of the 5.7 enables quick, accurate follow-up shots, which can be critical in high-stress situations. The 5.7 is well-suited to those with limited grip strength, including the elderly or disabled.
3. Accuracy: Most guns tested demonstrated exceptional accuracy at self-defense ranges.
4. Penetration: Many loads perform well against soft tissue analogs, with some penetrating deeply while others expand or fragment, depending on the bullet design.

Cons

1. Cost: The high cost of firearms, ammunition, and accessories may deter budget-conscious shooters.
2. Terminal Ballistics: Critics argue that the 5.7 lacks the stopping power of larger calibers, which could require more shots to neutralize a threat.
3. Over-Penetration Risk: In a self-defense scenario, the high velocity of the 5.7 could pose a risk of over-penetration, potentially endangering bystanders and people living in adjacent rooms or apartments.
4. Limited Availability: Compared to 9mm, firearms, holsters, and ammunition for 5.7 are less widely available.

 

Final Thoughts

The 5.7mm cartridge was designed specifically as a 9mm replacement for NATO. Despite the controversy, it no doubt plays a role in the broader spectrum of self-defense cartridge options. It offers high velocity, low recoil, excellent accuracy and ammo capacity. However, it comes with trade-offs, including high costs and questions about terminal ballistics. For those willing to invest in the platform and practice extensively, the 5.7 can be an effective choice. However, for most shooters, more affordable and widely available options like 9mm may be more practical.

 

The Importance of Self Defense Legal Protection

What you don’t know can land you in serious legal trouble. Not every District Attorney or law enforcement officer will recognize your right to self-defense, and an ideologically driven prosecutor might still file charges against you. Even if you’re acquitted in criminal court, you could face a civil lawsuit from your attacker’s family. These situations aren’t hypothetical, they’ve happened to people just like you.

Just as a quality firearm chambered in 5.7 can save your life, self-defense legal protection can safeguard your future after a defensive shooting. Ask yourself these questions, and if you answer “no” to any, it’s time to seriously consider legal protection:

• Do you have a skilled attorney on retainer for criminal defense?
• Can you pay legal bills out-of-pocket without an unlimited budget?
• Do you have $100,000 in cash for bail that you can afford to lose?
• Can you access professional counseling for post-incident trauma?
• Are you protected against civil damages that could force you to sell assets like your home or car to pay a judgment?

Join Second Call Defense Today

Second Call Defense has a 100% success rate defending our Members. We ensure that you’re never alone in the aftermath of a self-defense incident and we will never ask you to pay us back for your legal defense.

 

Conclusion

The 5.7 cartridge is a unique option for self-defense, offering advantages like low recoil, high velocity, superior capacity and impressive accuracy. However, its higher cost, concerns over stopping power, and potential legal scrutiny make it a choice that requires careful consideration. If you choose to carry a firearm chambered in 5.7mm, or any caliber, you must also prepare for the legal and financial consequences of a self-defense shooting. Prosecutors and civil lawsuits can turn a justified act of self-defense into a nightmare, regardless of the ammunition or firearm used. That’s why having self-defense legal protection is just as crucial as choosing the right firearm. With a Second Call Defense Membership, you ensure that if the worst happens, you’re protected from both criminal and civil liability. Don’t leave your future to chance, get the right coverage today.